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Board rezones 223 Civic Street to Central Business District to support downtown commercial uses
Summary
The board adopted an ordinance changing 223 Civic Street from RN-5 to Central Business District (CBD) and amended the future land-use plan to 'linear commercial corridor'; applicant said a buyer plans to revitalize the long-standing commercial site near the convention center.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted unanimously on June 3 to rezone 223 Civic Street from RN-5 Residential Neighborhood-5 to Central Business District (CBD) and to amend the city's future land-use plan for that parcel to a "linear commercial corridor."
Staff report and rationale
Planning staff, through Kathy Selman, told the board the 0.18-acre parcel at Civic Street and Convention Boulevard contains two commercial structures (one built in 1960 and one in 1986) and has been used commercially for decades. Selman said the lot’s small size and existing building footprints would make conforming residential development difficult under RN-5 setback rules; planning staff and the planning commission concluded CBD zoning better fits surrounding downtown uses and recommended the future land-use map be amended to match.
Applicant remarks
Jonathan Martin, counsel for the prospective buyer, said the property has been commercial since 1960 and the buyer, under contract, intends to revitalize the site for commercial uses near the convention center. Martin said the prospective operator has discussed a possible takeout/delivery-focused food use (sometimes called a ghost kitchen) given proximity to the convention center and the downtown entertainment district.
Action and context
Planning commission recommended approval by a 7–0 vote at its May 8 meeting; the board adopted the ordinance by recorded roll call on June 3. Selman said the proposed CBD zoning and the future-land-use map amendment will align the parcel with adjacent CBD zoning to the west and south and avoid creating a new nonconforming land use in downtown’s core.
Ending
The board’s action allows the property owner or buyer to seek business or redevelopment permits consistent with CBD standards. No specific redevelopment plan was presented to the board at this meeting; the applicant said potential uses are still under consideration.
