Texarkana planning commission backs rezoning request for U‑pick berry operation on Tennessee Road

The Texarkana Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 8 to recommend rezoning a 4.423‑acre parcel at 6212 Tennessee Road from R‑1 residential to A1 limited mixed use to allow a proposed U‑pick berry operation.

Applicant Jessica LaForce, who said she and her husband David will live on the property, told the commission they plan to plant blackberries and blueberries and operate “a kind of a U‑pick where people can come and pick fruit” during summer months. She said they do not intend to harvest and sell fruit wholesale but may charge a fee for patrons to pick berries.

Several nearby residents opposed the rezoning at the Planning Commission hearing. A neighbor said she feared “random strangers coming in at any time,” raised concerns about privacy for elderly residents and children, and questioned whether increased traffic would worsen poor road conditions on Tennessee Road and Rolling Ridge. Resident Michael Middleton said rezoning to A1 could allow other commercial activities under that designation — “there are various other businesses that could go into that same property” — and urged caution.

Commissioners and staff addressed technical and procedural points in response to concerns. Planner Jamie noted the parcel is just over 4 acres, has water service but no sewer connection, and that two written complaints were filed (one included in the meeting packet, one submitted later). A commissioner identified the Arkansas State Plant Board as the agency with jurisdiction over pesticides and said the Cooperative Extension Service can provide agronomic guidance on feasibility and pest management.

Chair explained the city’s intent for the A1 zone: it was created to allow limited agricultural uses on large residential lots after annexation and was not intended to authorize large row‑crop or high‑value industrial agriculture. He emphasized the Planning and Zoning Commission makes a land‑use recommendation; the Board of Directors has the final authority and will consider site plans, permits and other approvals if the Board adopts a rezoning.

A motion to recommend approval passed on roll call with recorded yes votes from Anita Pickett, Jason Dupree, Anderson Neal, Doctor Hickerson, Chris Owens and the chair. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Directors, which is scheduled to hear the matter the first Monday in August. The chair encouraged interested residents to testify at that meeting.

The commission also noted that site plans, surveys and permitting would be required if the rezoning is adopted by the Board, and that any pesticide or chemical use would fall under state regulatory authority.