The Little Rock Planning Commission on Thursday put off a vote on a subdivision opposed by neighboring residents. Commissioners said they need more information from the developer, Wayne "Oz" Richie, before considering the preliminary plat and a conditional-use permit for The Trails, planned for 154 acres south of Kanis Road between the Chenal Downs subdivision and Walnut Grove Road.
The conditional-use permit is needed for a wastewater treatment system to serve the 266-lot subdivision, which is in Pulaski County and out of reach of city services. State law allows cities to plan outside their city limits by using what is called "extraterritorial planning jurisdiction."
The project is opposed by a group of neighbors calling themselves Concerned Citizens of West Pulaski County. More than a 100 people packed the meeting room Thursday, and more spilled out into the hallway. Many intended to speak against the project and had filled out cards requesting time to voice their objections.
It was Richie who requested the deferral. The commission is set to take up the matter at a Jan. 7 meeting.
The city staff had recommended approving the subdivision but was against the conditional-use permit for the sewer system. At the meeting, the staff recommended that the commission vote against Richie's request for a deferral and proceed with a vote. Planning Commissioner Craig Berry noted the complexity of the matter when he made a motion to put it off.
"It's like a portfolio of Shakespearean plays," Berry said. "It's going to take some time to digest."
A mass exodus occurred after the commission's vote.
The treatment system, which would ultimately discharge treated water into nearby Fletcher Creek, was just one issue for the band of neighbors. They've also expressed displeasure with the small size of the lots -- which start at 7,000 square feet -- as well as clear-cutting of the property and increased traffic and damage to Kanis Road and the Fletcher Hollow area during and after construction. Neighborhodds in the area have larger lots with more room between houses.
Richie said the city staff members told him late Tuesday that they would need additional documentation, including an environmental study, seismic study and financial reports.
"That requires a lot of time," said Richie, who is also a real estate broker. Civil engineer Phillip Lewis and builder Harlen Ellis are partners with Richie in the development.
Each passing day without a start on construction costs money, Richie said, but he's willing to put in the time to get the city its answers.
"We'll do what we have to do," the developer said. "Whether it's 60 days, six months or six years, we're in for the long haul."
Alan New, a member of the steering committee for Concerned Citizens of West Pulaski County, said his group was disappointed that there was no vote, but that he understood the staff needing more time to review.
"There's so much good opposition, so many good points that have been raised, that they didn't have any other choice than to put it off," New said.
Business on 10/09/2015