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Commission approves planned development for 'Lula and Bert' neighborhood grocery at 3122 Marshall Street
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a planned development to restore a historic neighborhood grocery at 3122 Marshall Street after revisions to site design; neighbors opposed citing a recent fire and saturation of stores while supporters argued the project addresses a local food‑access gap.
The Little Rock Planning Commission on Nov. 13 approved a planned development (PDC) to allow a neighborhood grocery market, to be called Lula and Bert, at 3122 Marshall Street.
Staff described revisions submitted since the October meeting—addition of the adjacent lot to the development, new sidewalks and landscaping, a revised parking layout, repositioned handicap parking and defined dumpster screening—and recommended approval subject to engineering and public works comments. Planning staff told the commission that any new paving would require a franchise application and that sidewalks and ADA access at the intersection must be improved to current standards.
The hearing drew both sustained opposition and vocal support. Neighbors opposing the rezoning raised safety concerns after a structure fire at the site on Nov. 5 and submitted a petition and photos; one opponent said the building ‘‘has not been used in 40 years’’ and urged the commission to deny an addition of commercial use to a residential area. Supporters called the project a neighborhood anchor and a response to food access gaps; Chris Davis told the commission the site is in a ‘‘food desert’’ and described plans to stock whole and locally sourced foods and to avoid selling alcohol or tobacco. “This store is not a convenience store…Everything here is gonna be organic. We’re gonna have whole food,” Davis said.
Applicant (identified in the record as Veil) said the building was historically a retail store built in 1922 and that the project aligns with the South End Neighborhood Plan. She described commitments to enhanced lighting, full camera coverage, screening of the dumpster, and design changes to improve circulation and visibility. She reiterated that the market would not sell alcohol, tobacco or lottery products and said hours would be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
City legal counsel reminded the commission that the recent fire is under investigation and said the commission should not consider the fire in its zoning decision.
A motion to approve file Z‑10196 passed on a roll call vote with the PDC subject to compliance with the comments and conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the staff analysis. The approval requires the applicant to implement the engineering and public works improvements noted in the staff report and meet the site‑specific screening and circulation measures the applicant pledged.
What happens next: the zoning recommendation will be forwarded as required and the applicant must obtain any necessary franchise permits for new paving and complete required public‑works improvements before final sign‑off.
