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Council approves rezoning at 931 Faulkner Street over neighbor-notification concerns
Summary
The Conway City Council voted 6–2 to rezone 931 Faulkner Street from R‑03 to C‑1. Applicant Brent Salter described a scaled-back, all‑residential plan; neighbors and councilmembers pressed city staff for better notice when items are tabled and later returned to the agenda.
The Conway City Council voted 6–2 to rezone 931 Faulkner Street from R‑03 to C‑1 after a lengthy discussion that included resident concerns about notification when zoning matters are tabled.
The applicant, Brent Salter of Salter Properties, told the council he removed a previously planned commercial component after meeting neighbors and now proposes rehabilitating the existing structure into five apartments and constructing an additional building with nine one‑bedroom units (14 units total). Planning staff told the council the parcel sits near existing C‑1 uses and that the Planning Department advised the C‑1 request was appropriate.
Why it matters
Rezoning from R‑03 (residential) to C‑1 (commercial) changes the parcel’s allowable uses by right and can affect the character and density of the block. Council and residents discussed both the applicant’s current residential proposal and the “by‑right” uses allowed under C‑1 zoning should future owners pursue other commercial activities.
What council discussed and decided
- Neighbors and some councilmembers said the property had been tabled for over a year and that adjacent property owners had not been notified when the item returned to the council agenda. Several members described the need for a better mechanism to notify neighbors when a previously tabled item reappears. The city attorney suggested that tabling motions be handled so a reconsideration date is known and set for the next regular meeting when appropriate. - Brent Salter said he had met with neighbors and that those residents who remain adjacent to the site supported the revised, residential‑only plan. He said he spent money on architectural plans to show neighbors the proposal and that his intent is to add downtown residential units. - Several councilmembers debated whether to table the ordinance two weeks to allow neighbors more notice; the applicant asked the council to vote that night. Councilmember Hawkins moved adoption; after discussion, the motion was called and the ordinance passed 6–2. Recorded no votes were Councilmember Jones and Councilmember Isby. - Staff clarified that historic‑district controls (the Historic Commission) will review building massing and cladding if the project advances, which limits design details beyond zoning.
Next steps
Planning staff and the Historic Commission will review design details and provide the applicant and council any required approvals. Council asked staff to return with recommended procedures for notifying neighbors when long‑tabled items are rescheduled.
Ending
The rezoning passed despite neighbor-notification concerns; the council directed staff to study notice procedures to reduce future confusion.
