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Planning Commission approves master land-use amendment and PZD rezoning for Essex Place redevelopment
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a master land-use map amendment and rezoning to a new planned zoning district (PZD) covering about 31.92 acres near Essex Place, allowing three character districts that include retirement housing (55+), 5,000-square-foot single-family lots, and a commercial district.
The Fort Smith Planning Commission voted 8-0 to approve a Master Land Use Plan Amendment and a rezoning to a new Planned Zoning District (PZD) covering roughly 31.92 acres northeast of Essex Place and Bramble Bray Street and southwest of Jean Lin Road and Brooken Hill Drive.
Staff presented the MLUPA (Master Land Use Plan Amendment) and Rezoning 14625, filed by Architectural Plus, agent for Vienna Properties LLC, 7002 Holdings LLC and WCR Development. The PZD divides the property into three character districts. Character District A is proposed for retirement housing age 55 and older with a maximum density of 114 dwelling units, subject to an enhanced 40-foot setback adjacent to single-family zoning and a 40-foot maximum building height (two stories). Character District B is proposed for single-family residences on approximately 5,000-square-foot lots. Character District C is proposed for commercial uses including retail, offices, restaurants and a shopping center; all freestanding signage in the PZD is limited to monument signs.
Staff told commissioners the PZD requires 100% high-quality facade materials in Districts A and C, restricts access from Jenny Lynn Road, and will use two existing ingress points at 1 Essex Place and Bramble Bray plus a new street off Brooken Hill Drive. Neighborhood meetings were held June 5 and June 6; staff reported neighbors asked about financing and phasing and raised no hard objections. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about lot dimensions for District B and whether the district would be retirement housing; staff said District B is being zoned for single-family lots and the applicant did not provide final lot dimensions yet. The commission approved both the MLUPA and the PZD rezoning with staff recommendations; the items will be forwarded to the City Board of Directors for review as required by city procedure.
