Planning Commission Approves Controversial Rezoning for Housing Development

In a recent government meeting, the Hot Springs Planning Commission discussed two significant zoning requests aimed at addressing local land use needs and enhancing community development.

The first request involved a property currently zoned for low-density residential use, which has been utilized as overflow parking for the Union Missionary Baptist Church. The church, located directly across from the property, has expressed a need for expanded parking facilities. The Planning Commission recommended rezoning the property to Commercial Transitional (CTR) to accommodate this need, citing compatibility with surrounding land uses and the public necessity for additional parking. The proposal also includes a change in the future land use designation to a commercial enclave, aligning it with adjacent commercially zoned properties. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for further consideration at their upcoming meeting on September 3.

The second zoning request, presented by property owner Byrd House, LLC, seeks to change the designation of a 1.92-acre parcel on 7th Street from low-density residential to medium-high density residential (R-4). This change aims to align the property with adjacent R-4 zones and support the city’s goal of increasing housing density. The applicant clarified that while there are concerns from local residents about potential future developments, the current request is solely for the zoning change, with plans for three duplexes being considered but not yet finalized. The Planning Commission found that the proposed change meets the criteria for compatibility with surrounding developments and aligns with the city’s future land use plan.

Both proposals reflect ongoing efforts to adapt land use regulations to meet community needs while balancing residential and commercial interests in Hot Springs. The outcomes of these recommendations will be pivotal in shaping the future development landscape of the area.