SPRINGDALE -- The city is getting closer to gaining a Whataburger near Interstate 49.
Planning commissioners approved a development plan for a Whataburger and tabled a rezoning a couple residents were opposed to.
Springdale Planning Commission Action
Commissioners approved and forwarded the following items to the Springdale City Council:
• Removing an extension of Electric Avenue from Butterfield Coach Road to Habberton Road from the street plan.
• Rezoning 787 N. 40th St. from low/medium density single family residential district to general commercial district.
Source: Staff Report
The development plan for Whataburger shows the property on the north side of Elm Springs Road. It sits west of North 40th Street and east of I-49.
The property is 1.12 acres with a proposed 2,983-square-foot building. The plan also mentions 34 parking spaces and shows entrances to the property from Elm Springs Road and a private drive to the west.
Patsy Christie, city director of planning and community development, said the location would generate sales tax. It would also provide another food choice at the Elm Springs Road interchange with I-49.
Susan Meyer, property manager for A.J. Discount Storage at 4206 Elm Springs Road, said the private drive also provides access to A.J. Discount Storage. She said there are more than 700 tenants there, and she's concerned about traffic and the drive getting blocked.
Daniel Ellis, vice president of civil engineering for Crafton Tull, said he doesn't know when construction will start, but he said it will be soon. They are now acquiring building and site permits. Whataburger locations are usually built in 70 days.
Commissioners also tabled rezoning 3572 Parsons Road from agricultural district to general commercial district and large retail sales district. The property is 18.04 acres, according to meeting documents.
Frederick Dunn said he's looking to buy the property. He said he intends to use it to repair semitrailers. He said he doesn't plan for any manufacturing to happen on the property.
"We're just repairing vehicles," he said.
Annie Been lives across the street from the property. She said there are a lot of children in the area. She also said she's worried about pollution and increased traffic.
Vivi Haney, commission secretary, said the property is large. She also mentioned it's a residential area.
Commissioner Gary Compton said he's been to the area many times and said the area feels "very residential."
Dunn said he doesn't plan to develop all of the property. He said the property is for sale at that size.
Christie suggested just a portion of the property be rezoned. Kevin Parsley said there are similar businesses in other cities. He suggested they look at the sizes of those businesses.
Dunn said he'll use the feedback and take another look at the item. Christie said the item, with any changes, will be on the agenda for the next Planning Commission meeting unless it's withdrawn. The next meeting will be Aug. 4.
NW News on 07/08/2015