Jonesboro planning commission recommends rezoning for proposed gated senior-oriented community

The Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on Dec. 9 recommended approval of a rezoning request from R1 to planned development residential for a proposed gated community by applicant Marquis Milling.

The project would be located east of Warren Street and south of Jonathan Drive and is described by the applicant as “a proposed, gated community, for primarily senior living.” The applicant said the plan calls for 30 buildings — 29 residential buildings and one common building — with each residential building containing two attached units that could be individually owned. Each unit would have an enclosed garage and one exterior parking space.

City planner staff told the commission the proposal meets the six zoning-criteria requirements and recommended approval with conditions. Staff said the final site plan must satisfy the city engineer and comply with the current stormwater drainage design manual and applicable flood-plain regulations, and that any change of use would require planning-department approval before redevelopment.

Applicant comments described design changes made to improve fire access, including widening internal streets to 30 feet (typical streets are 24 feet) and enlarging the cul-de-sac. The applicant said all buildings will be sprinklered because the site has only one entry/exit, a configuration the applicant said limits secondary access for emergency vehicles. The applicant also noted the proposal includes site lighting and five pavilions for residents’ use. The applicant indicated the development would be served as a private street and that a waiver from city council would be required for that feature.

During public comment, resident Randy Willett asked whether the gated entrance would be supplemented by a continuous perimeter fence and whether units might be rented. The applicant responded there would not be a perimeter fence around the property and that units could be rented or sold, but would be constructed so they could be individually owned.

Commissioners discussed the applicant’s stated intent to market the development toward seniors. Staff and commissioners emphasized the city cannot impose an age restriction through rezoning: marketing toward seniors is a developer preference, and any private homeowners association (POA) enforcement would be a private contractual matter of the developer or owners, not a city-enforced zoning condition.

Member Dennis Zilber moved to approve the rezoning request with stipulations; Member Jim Little seconded. Ms. Nelson announced she was recusing herself from the vote, saying she had worked with Mr. Milling previously. The commission issued a favorable recommendation and staff said the item must be scheduled on the city council agenda before 10:00 a.m. Thursday. The transcript does not provide a vote tally.

The commission adjourned following the item; staff reminded members this was the body’s only December meeting.