NLR approves zoning rules for 2 areas

Ordinances create overlay districts to revitalize Park Hill, Levy neighborhoods

With broad support from within both neighborhoods, the North Little Rock City Council approved future zoning regulations for the city's Levy and Park Hill neighborhoods Tuesday that are aimed at revitalizing the two areas.

Aldermen voted 8-0 in approving separate ordinances that amend the city's zoning ordinance by creating overlay districts for each of the two areas.

The recommendations for creating more of a commercial-residential mix with a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere came out of numerous public meetings over the past 18 months concerning federal Jump Start grants that were awarded the Levy and Park Hill areas in late 2013. The grants provide each area with up to $200,000 in federal planning assistance funds, coordinated by Metroplan, which is central Arkansas' long-range planning agency.

City Community Planning Director Robert Voyles said the plan allows for more "intensive use" of properties to provide a better mix of business and residential uses. The new rules kick in only when new development or major renovations occur, he added.

"Nothing changes if you want to go about business the way you are," Voyles said.

Alderman Beth White, co-sponsor of both ordinances with Alderman Debi Ross, said the overlay districts will "provide predictability" to help guide what the areas hope to look like in the future.

Several residents and business owners from each neighborhood spoke in favor of the proposals in the nearly full City Council chambers.

The Levy area that's within the project zone is around the Camp Robinson Road and Pike Avenue intersection. The overlay district for Park Hill is along John F. Kennedy Boulevard between Skyline Drive and H Street.

Robert Waters, a Park Hill resident, told aldermen that all who live in his neighborhood support the plan.

"I'm sure some are not," he added, "but they don't live near me."

Steve Winchester, president of the Park Hill Merchants and Business Association, said Park Hill's growth has been stagnant for years and needs something to move it forward.

"This plan for an overlay district is our chance to bring Park Hill back to being a place of prominence in North Little Rock," he said. "If we don't do something now, Park Hill is sliding into oblivion."

Bryant Ashley echoed that sentiment for the Levy neighborhood, saying those in that area are "very committed to Levy's revitalization" and supportive of the recommendations to move the area forward.

"Levy needs some help to get restarted," Ashley said.

Mayor Joe Smith told the audience that their neighborhoods' work needs to continue for their areas to thrive.

"This is Step One, and it's a baby step," Smith said of the plans. "Carry home to your neighborhood groups that you have to support the businesses in your community. They depend on you to make a living."

Metro on 05/27/2015

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