Neighborhood grocery proposal at 3122 Marshall deferred after residents raise parking, access and dumpster concerns

The Little Rock Planning Commission deferred a rezoning request to allow a neighborhood grocery at 3122 Marshall Street after residents and commissioners pressed the applicant for clearer parking, access and trash‑collection plans.

Monty, a city planner, summarized the proposal as a request to rezone the 1,912‑square‑foot building from R‑3 to Planned Development Commercial (PDC) so it can operate as a neighborhood grocery and mini‑mart, Monday–Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., typically staffed by up to three employees. The applicant, Mel Wyatt, said the site historically housed a neighborhood store and that the revived use would focus on fresh fruits, vegetables and a deli rather than liquor, tobacco or lottery sales.

The proposal shows eight off‑street parking spaces (one ADA) and relies in part on on‑street parking; staff noted the Hillcrest Design Overlay and on‑street crediting rules and said staff supports the rezoning. Several neighbors said the alley behind the property is not currently used for traffic, that additional deliveries would increase traffic behind homes, and that the neighborhood already has nearby convenience stores.

Clara Taylor, a resident, told commissioners, “The traffic… would go through that alley that would be in the back of my house. So I definitely don't want the traffic in the back of my house. I have grandkids that play around there.” Sandra Thomas, another longtime resident, said the area already has multiple convenience stores and opposed a change from residential zoning: “If it’s changed, it’s gonna open up that whole area, wherever it's a vacant lot… and no, we don't want that.”

Commissioner Russell and other commissioners pressed the applicant on technical site‑plan issues. Russell asked how Parking Space No. 8 would be maneuverable, how the dumpster would be emptied when it is fenced and surrounded by parked cars, and whether the building encroaches across the lot line. Staff said the site plan complies with some overlay rules and that on‑street parking may be credited, and that dumpsters must be screened per code; the applicant said roll‑out bins are planned and that a larger replat or incorporating the adjacent lot in the PDC could resolve a building/lot line issue.

After discussion, the applicant requested a deferral to address parking layout, dumpster access and the property/plat questions; the commission voted to defer the application to next month’s meeting. Staff confirmed neighbors on the notice list will receive another letter when the item is rescheduled.

Discussion points and next steps

- Applicant: Mel Wyatt, owner/operator; proposes fresh foods, deli, limited staff and partnerships with local farms; no liquor, tobacco or lottery sales planned. - Staff: Monty summarized zoning, parking counts and overlay rules; noted eight shown parking spaces and allowed on‑street credits per Hillcrest Design Overlay. - Neighbors: Concerned about alley traffic behind houses, deliveries, trash/dumpster servicing, and conversion of residential lots to commercial uses. - Commission direction: Commissioners, led by Russell, requested clearer maneuvering diagrams, loading/delivery plans, dumpster servicing approach, and clarification of the lot‑line/building encroachment (possible replat or inclusion of adjacent lot in the PDC). - Outcome: Deferral to the next monthly meeting; applicant to return with revised site plan and additional documentation; mailing notice to neighbors is required.

The commission did not take a final vote on the rezoning; the item remains pending.