Rogers Planning Commission approves downtown rezoning

ROGERS -- The Planning Commission approved rezoning a property downtown from residential duplex to commercial mixed use in a first of its kind decision Tuesday.

Commissioners raised questions and pondered other solutions to the rezone request following a public hearing where two residents expressed concern.

The zoning will reduce set-backs on the 618 W. Popular Street property to zero in the rear and side, if also approved by the City Council later.

Hannah Cicioni said she plans to build two 1,500-square-foot residences on the lot. She said the residences will share a garage wall. A zero set-back is needed to connect the residences, she said. It also will allow the residences and lots to be sold separately.

Cicioni said she will maintain at least a 20-foot setback at the front and rear of the property.

Randall Ironside said his property connects to the rear of Cicioni's property. He spoke against the zoning during the meeting.

"I totally respect what she is wanting to do," Ironside said. "My biggest issues is the zero lot line. Her plan may be 20 feet but all of a sudden after zoning it could be 10 feet. A zero lot-line on my property looks right in my back bedroom. I am not comfortable with that."

Jim Swearingen also spoke against the zoning change. He said his property doesn't border Cicioni's but it's close.

"I applaud Cicioni's plans for downtown but I do not see how zero set-backs is a good plan," Swearingen said. "I have suggested a variance of the existing zoning."

Mark Myers, planning commissioner, also questioned if a variance could be a better option.

Cicioni said she felt the commission was better prepared to handle the issue.

"I am trying to figure out a way for you to do what you want to do," Myers said.

Commissioner Don Spann asked why condominiums couldn't be built instead.

Cicioni said this type of property is for young professional families who want to own their land and house. She said condominium owners only own the building on the land.

The commission approved the zoning change with an 8-0 vote. Jim White was absent.

Myers said it was a tough decision because it was one the council had never faced. He said it's likely this is the way development is moving in this area of downtown for the future.

The City Council approved a new zoning map for downtown last year. The changes condense zoning downtown from eight to four types. City officials have said the changes bring conformity to a scattered and confusing process.

The four zones include: core mixed use, commercial mixed use, industrial arts and neighborhood transition.

NW News on 01/20/2016

Upcoming Events