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Council approves rezoning at 708 South Bridal Street after public discussion on parking and use
Summary
The Conway City Council unanimously rezoned 708 South Bridal Street from R-2 to O-3 after public testimony about proposed daytime counseling offices and parking.
The Conway City Council voted 7-0 to rezone the property at 708 South Bridal Street from R-2 to O-3, a change applicants said would allow quiet daytime office and counseling uses on a lot that fronts Dave Ward Drive.
The zoning change was presented by Planning staff member Miss Tucker and supported by Councilmember Hawkins, who noted the parcel’s frontage on Dave Ward Drive and neighboring O-3 zoning. The council heard public testimony from a contractor representing the owner, Lance Massey, and from Elizabeth Bracelle, a property manager who described the likely tenant as an organization called Immerse that would provide counseling and transition services for older foster youth.
Bracelle told the council the intended use is outpatient counseling and transition support for young adults (about 17–18), not a residential or overnight facility. "It'll just be a few cars that are parked there," she said, and said the operator has arrangements with churches across the street for overflow parking during events. Massey said the owner plans to use the existing structure for "quiet offices" and does not intend to demolish the house now; he said two parking spaces would likely be required for the initial tenant.
Neighbors had raised concerns at the planning commission about office and commercial encroachment and parking; Miss Tucker said parking and drive-aisle issues would be addressed in site development review if the rezoning is approved. Several councilmembers said they were comfortable approving the rezoning given existing O-3 zoning nearby and the lot’s commercial frontage.
The council adopted Ordinance O2529 to rezone the property; the planning commission had recommended approval by a 6-3 vote prior to council consideration.
Votes at the meeting were recorded as affirmative by all seven councilmembers, and the motion passed 7-0.
The rezoning allows future office development subject to site development review; councilmembers emphasized that any physical expansion or change would require follow-up review and compliance with parking standards.
