Board denies rezoning request for Vista Point subdivision after residents cite safety and water concerns

The Little Rock City Board declined to overturn a Planning Commission denial and rejected an application to rezone the Vista Point subdivision from R‑2 to R‑4 on June 3, following resident testimony about safety and water capacity.

What happened: An applicant sought permission to allow duplexes in the subdivision to improve project feasibility. The Planning Commission had voted to deny the rezoning; the applicant asked the board to overturn that decision but the board allowed the Planning Commission outcome to stand. The board completed three readings; after public comment a procedural vote was called and the final outcome was “Nays have it.”

Why residents opposed it Speakers from Shannon Hills and Vista Point argued the neighborhood has only one entrance and exit, creating risks during fires or other emergencies. Amanda Hope, a 15‑year Vista Point resident, told the board, “there's only 1 way in, 1 way out,” and said an earlier fire in the area highlighted the danger of limited egress.

Shannon Hills Mayor Mike Kemp told the board the Shannon Hills water tower was built and funded by Shannon Hills residents to serve the planned single‑family subdivision. He urged the board not to approve the rezoning because additional units would increase storage and service demands on the tower and on Shannon Hills residents, whom he said have paid to build that infrastructure.

Applicant’s position Kendall Grooms, counsel for Apex Professional Construction LLC, said the developer seeks flexibility to build duplex units on some lots to make the unfinished subdivision viable. Grooms said the proposed duplexes would be designed to match neighborhood character and that the land‑use plan’s density threshold would not be exceeded. He also said the subdivision was platted in 2008, that emergency access turnarounds exist and that Central Arkansas Water raised no objection to the application.

Board action After public comment and applicant remarks, a motion to call the question was approved; the board then completed required readings and the motion to approve rezoning failed (roll‑call and final procedural voice votes recorded as “Nays have it”). The board did not direct further study at this meeting.

Ending The subdivision remains zoned R‑2; the applicant may pursue other lawful options but must address the neighborhood’s safety and water‑service concerns if it seeks future changes.