FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — City planning staff recommended a narrow timing variance to postpone a segment of street improvements on North Salem related to a larger site at 2151 North Hazen Way.

The 3.28-acre property in the CS (Community Services) district was approved in 2021 for a large multifamily site. The developer later carved out a northeastern section as a commercial outlot; that commercial piece has not yet received entitlements. The applicant asked to delay certain North Salem frontage improvements south of an internal driveway until the commercial portion proceeds.

"They're not asking to be relieved that the improvement is [required]; it's just the timing of the improvement," Planning Director Jesse Masters said. Staff noted the request is minimal, that the improvements are expected to be captured later, and that an earlier request for a rebate of previously incurred improvements had been denied several years ago.

Staff recommended approving the timing change and placing the item on consent. Commissioners asked whether any building permits or entitlements exist for the commercial outlot; staff replied none have been issued to date and the street-improvement obligation is tied to the multifamily development.

Outcome: Staff recommended the timing variance be approved and placed on consent. No formal roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript provided.

Why it matters: The requested change affects when public improvements are installed, which can affect traffic operations and the sequencing of future commercial construction on the parcel.