Hillcrest residents oppose Holy Souls church parking plan citing neighborhood concerns

Residents of Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood voiced strong opposition during the recent Planning Commission meeting regarding a proposed parking lot at Holy Souls Church. The plan, which includes demolishing two homes to create additional parking spaces, has sparked significant concern among local residents who fear it will disrupt the character of their community.

Community members expressed their worries about the impact of a parking lot in a residential area. One resident articulated that such a development would fundamentally change the neighborhood's feel, making it "very challenging" and "unfair" to those living nearby. Many neighbors echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their desire to preserve the area's residential nature.

Concerns were raised about the church's existing parking capacity, with some residents noting that during school events, nearby streets often fill with cars while the church's parking lot remains underutilized. They argued that the church should better manage its current parking resources before expanding into residential spaces.

Clay Mercer, a long-time resident, shared a personal history with the church and highlighted past commitments made by the church regarding neighborhood preservation. He expressed frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal, stating that residents only learned about the parking lot plans through community advocacy efforts.

Keith Lynch, another resident, proposed a compromise, suggesting that the church should only proceed with the first phase of the parking plan. He urged the commission to maintain the residential zoning of the area to prevent further encroachment of commercial development into the neighborhood.

In response, representatives from Holy Souls Church acknowledged the community's concerns but defended the need for additional parking due to the church's growth and increased attendance. They argued that the proposed parking lot is necessary to accommodate the needs of parishioners and staff, especially during events like funerals and school masses.

The Planning Commission has yet to make a decision on the proposal, but the meeting underscored the ongoing tension between community development and residential preservation in Little Rock. As discussions continue, residents remain hopeful for a solution that respects the character of their neighborhood while addressing the church's parking needs.