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Neighbors oppose Orndoff No. 2 PDR at 1522 Hanger Street over parking and safety; board approves after three readings
Summary
The board approved third reading of a planned district residential (PDR) application titled Orndoff Number 2 at 1522 Hanger Street following public comment raising concerns about off-street parking, pedestrian safety and neighborhood crime. The planning commission previously voted against the project citing lack of required off-street parking.
The Little Rock City Board of Directors completed third and final reading and approved the Orndoff Number 2 planned development residential (PDR) application for property at 1522 Hanger Street after public comment from neighbors who said the project lacks off-street parking and creates safety risks for children and emergency vehicles.
Multiple residents spoke against the project. Charlene Riggs, a neighbor, told the board the area has traditionally relied on off-street parking and that adding multiple units on a small lot without driveways would create safety risks for children walking to bus stops. Michelle Lynn, who identified herself as medically disabled, told the board she needs safe, close access between car and home and said street parking would reduce accessibility for residents with mobility limitations.
Phyllis Hodges, a neighborhood resident and organizer, presented photographs and a petition and described ongoing crime and traffic challenges; she said emergency responders sometimes have difficulty accessing parts of the neighborhood because of cars parked on narrow streets.
Applicant Mike Orndorff described his background as a home builder and said the project is intended to create lower-cost, one-bedroom homes he hopes can be sold at lower price points. He disputed some safety claims and said street parking can slow traffic and is common in nearby blocks; he also noted the planning department’s decisions are based on the city code, which requires one off-street parking space per unit.
Planning staff confirmed the planning commission recommended denial at an earlier meeting because the project did not meet the city’s off-street parking requirements.
On the recorded roll call the board split but the motion carried. The transcript records the roll-call votes as: Director Miller — No; Director Webb — Yes; Director Peck — Yes; Director Hines — Yes; Director Lewis — No; Director Campiris — Yes; Director Phillips — Yes; Director Adcock — No; Vice Mayor Warrick — (vote recorded as yes in roll call summary). The chair announced the measure carried.
