Planners approve Axe Senior Village PCD to add senior 'tiny homes,' worship and market space near John Barrow Road
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Summary
The commission unanimously approved a PCD zoning for Axe Senior Village on Jan. 8, a proposed mixed‑use development that includes a 250‑seat worship center, 10 one‑story senior tiny homes and a pop‑up market; neighbors raised concerns about narrow streets, parking and safety.
The Little Rock Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 8 to approve a planned community development (PCD) zoning for Axe Senior Village, a mixed‑use proposal on roughly 3.8 acres near John Barrow Road and West 40th Street.
Staff presented File Z7154A and recommended approval subject to the standard staff comments and conditions. The applicant, Terrence Bolden, described a phased project that includes a worship center with roughly 250 seats, 10 one‑story tiny homes targeted to seniors (about 600 square feet each) and a weather‑protected, ADA‑accessible pop‑up market intended to provide healthy food and community gathering space. The site plan shows at least 67 parking spaces for the sanctuary and additional parking dedicated to the market space.
Several neighbors spoke in opposition or with concerns. Clara Cardriche, a 20‑year resident on West 40th Street, cited narrow streets, existing parking on both sides of the street and calls for additional public safety measures and traffic management. "The street is too narrow for that," Cardriche said, urging the commission to make sure safety and parking are addressed.
Commissioners praised the level of detail in the application's site plan and elevations, with one commissioner calling it the standard the commission should expect. Staff noted that any proposed abandonment of rights‑of‑way included in the application would be addressed separately by the Board of Directors if forwarded.
The motion to accept staff recommendation of approval passed by roll call vote, 10–0. Under the approval, the applicant must comply with the comments and conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the staff report and any technical review prior to building permits.
Why it matters: the PCD adds senior‑oriented housing and community services in an area with limited recent development. Neighbors and commissioners signaled that implementation will require close coordination on parking, traffic and site management.
Next steps: staff will process the permit and coordinate any rights‑of‑way abandonment request that proceeds to the Board of Directors.
