Residents from the Hanger Street neighborhood told the Little Rock City Board of Directors on Aug. 5 that a proposed plan‑development (Orndoff No. 2 PDR) at 1522 Hanger Street would worsen parking and traffic hazards and endanger seniors and schoolchildren. The board included a resolution on the consent agenda setting Aug. 19, 2025 as the date for a public hearing on the appeal of the planning commission’s recommendation of denial.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized the lack of off‑street parking proposed for the development. “The parking is going to be an issue. Build what you want to, but make sure that the parking is available in the in the inside the lot, not on the Street,” one resident said. Phyllis Hodges, representing neighbors of 1522 Hanger Street, said the neighborhood had collected petitions and asked the board to “say no” to the plan because of safety and congestion near bus stops and for older residents in the area.

City staff and the mayor reminded speakers that the board’s consent‑agenda resolution only establishes the date for a public hearing; it does not approve the development. “I just wanna make sure your voices were heard. But, again, the vote that the board members will take is merely to have a public hearing. And so if the board members, say yes, that doesn't mean they're voting for or against it,” the mayor said.

Why it matters: Residents said the development’s lack of driveways or off‑street parking would push additional vehicles onto narrow neighborhood streets, interfering with school buses, emergency access and pedestrian safety. Multiple commenters cited high local traffic near school bus pick‑up points and expressed concern for seniors and children.

Next steps: The board will hold the public hearing on Aug. 19; neighbors were encouraged to register and present their concerns at that hearing. The resolution to set the hearing date was part of the consent agenda and passed.

Ending: Neighbors left petitions with the city clerk and were told the Aug. 19 hearing would allow fuller public record and testimony before any final board decision.