Board sets July 22 public hearing for mixed-use project after neighbors raise safety and privacy concerns

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday voted to set a public hearing for July 22, 2025, on Resolution 19-25, which would consider a special use permit to allow a residential mixed‑use development at the northeast corner of Highways 70 and 64.

The hearing will give neighbors and other members of the public an opportunity to comment before the board takes a final vote. "The purpose of this is to set the public hearing so the public can have their voices heard," staff member Kim Taylor said when the item was introduced.

Why it matters: Residents and a childcare operator said the developer's current plans place apartment units roughly 10 feet from the Little Bears childcare property line and could place upper‑floor balconies or windows overlooking the playground. Those speakers said that proximity raises safety and privacy concerns and asked the developer to change the plan.

Gregory Williams, a Bartlett resident, said he has lived in the city 33 years and supports responsible development but opposed the apartments as proposed. "It would be a pedophile's dream if I told him he could have a balcony overlooking a playground 10 feet away from little children playing," Williams said.

Jenny Lee Mann, a nearby business owner, suggested the developer consider alternatives such as a 55‑plus area, townhouses or single‑family homes closer to the property line and push apartments nearer to Highway 64. "Maybe putting the apartments closer to Highway 64, instead of right there on that property line," she said.

Cindy Cromwell, who identified herself as "the Little Bears lady," presented a petition with signatures and told aldermen she and other speakers support growth but do not want apartments overlooking the childcare playground. "I just would hate to see that have a negative effect on the children," Cromwell said.

The applicant's representative acknowledged public comment and said the developer has heard feedback. "We will have some revisions to the plan that we submitted to the planning commission, and plan to bring that to the July 22 meeting," said Keith Grama, who identified himself as representing the applicant. He told the board the team is considering adjustments based on comments received.

Process and timeline: The planning commission considered the proposal and — as noted by speakers — did not recommend approval. The board's June meeting action was procedural: a motion and second to set the public hearing moved the item forward so the public can comment and the board can vote at the July 22 meeting. The chair said the board had the three required votes to advance the item for public comment; a formal vote on the special use permit will occur at the public hearing.

Officials said that, if the board approves the special use permit after the public hearing, additional planning‑process steps will follow. The applicant and staff indicated they expect to present revised plans at the July 22 hearing and asked attendees to use that date to submit comments.

Less critical detail: Speakers repeatedly asked for the record of planning commission action and clarity about scheduling; staff member Kim Taylor explained the planning commission provides only a recommendation and the board sets the hearing so the public may be heard.

The item will return to the board as a public hearing on July 22, 2025; the developer said it will present revisions at that meeting.