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Commission approves rezoning and conditional use for amusement center with half-acre go-kart track on Kelly Highway
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a rezoning to Commercial Heavy (C-5) and a conditional-use permit allowing an outdoor amusement center with a half-acre go-kart track at 2600 North 30 Second Street; neighbors and a nearby church expressed support.
The Fort Smith Planning Commission approved a rezoning and companion conditional-use permit to allow an amusement center with indoor and outdoor activities — including a half-acre go-kart track — at 2600 North 30 Second Street on an 8-0 vote.
Planning staff described Rezoning 12625 as a request by Mason Reed, agent for property owner Andy Bartholomew, to change the site from Commercial Regional (C-4) to Commercial Heavy (C-5). The change and conditional-use approval would permit an outdoor amusement center; staff noted that outdoor amusement centers require conditional-use approval in C-5, C-6, I-1 and I-2 districts. Staff recommended approval with conditions on the development plan, required bike racks, shielded site lighting per the UDO, and compliance with the Fort Smith Municipal Code noise standards (section 16-45).
Oprah Peters, identifying herself for the record as representing First Missionary Baptist Church across the street, told commissioners, “We need something like this on the North side of town,” and said the church spoke with the owners and supported the project as a source of jobs and opportunity for the area. Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about the site plan, flood-zone limits and the final certified site plan orientation; staff explained the go-kart track location was shifted to avoid a sewer easement and to remain outside the flood zone. The commission called for a roll-call vote; all eight members voted in favor for both the rezoning and the conditional-use permit.
Conditions of approval include compliance with the submitted development plan (with amendments limited under UDO section 27.3307), provision of bike racks, shielded lighting to prevent light trespass, and adherence to noise ordinance section 16-45 of the Fort Smith Municipal Code. The approved actions will proceed to the City Board of Directors for review as required by city procedures for rezonings.
