In a recent government meeting, the North Little Rock City Council addressed a proposal to waive certain landscaping and detention requirements for a new business development located at 89100 Highway 165. The council discussed an ordinance that would allow the developer to bypass the standard requirement of planting street trees, which typically includes 18 to 20 trees along the property’s frontage.

Council member Miss Ross raised concerns regarding the necessity of waiving the tree requirement, emphasizing that visibility of the business should not be compromised by landscaping. She pointed out that similar businesses in the area, such as a nearby Circle K, have successfully integrated street trees without obstructing visibility.

The developer, represented by Mike Miller, explained that the landscaping plan would primarily consist of grass and concrete, arguing that trees would obstruct the view of the business as they mature. Miller mentioned that the option to pay a fee in lieu of planting trees—set at $400 per tree—was available, but they preferred to avoid planting altogether to maintain visibility.

The council ultimately moved to suspend readings of the ordinance and proceeded with a motion for adoption, which received unanimous support from the members present. The discussion highlighted the ongoing balancing act between urban development and maintaining community standards for landscaping, as well as the importance of visibility for businesses in the area.