Planning board approves 23-lot 'Coyote Flats' preliminary plat after drainage, septic and traffic questions

The Benton County Planning Board approved the Crown Major Subdivision preliminary plat (case 25-342) on Feb. 4, clearing the way for a proposed 23-lot development named Coyote Flats near Highway 12 outside Gentry.

Staff told the board the roughly 50.48-acre property would contain 23 lots (22 buildable, one common lot), with lot sizes ranging from about 1.33 to 3.86 acres; water service was listed as coming from the City of Gentry and wastewater handled by individual septic systems. Staff said required approvals still outstanding included an Arkansas Department of Health subdivision plan review letter, an ADEQ stormwater permit and Arkansas Department of Transportation sign-off for a Highway 12 connection.

The public comment period produced sustained concern from nearby residents. "The water runoff in that general area has been pretty large," said Timothy Ray McConnell, who said runoff has crossed Highway 12 and caused accidents and that drainage currently flows through his and neighbors' property. Darryl Stephens, another neighbor, told the board his family spent about $10,000 on filtration and said wells in the area have shown E. coli and other contaminants; he worried that 23 septic systems in the same small area would worsen groundwater risks.

Engineer Ron Hoemeyer told the board the plan met current standards and that much of the runoff bypasses the subdivision and flows around its west side, while noting the health department had denied septic permits on two lots and that those two lots were combined with adjacent lots. He said the developer added a turnaround suitable for emergency vehicles and listed the remaining items the applicant must provide for final approval.

Board members pressed staff and the engineer on drainage standards and whether the plat would meet anticipated future rules. Hoemeyer said he did not know future standards but that the plan met current requirements. After discussion a motion to approve passed on roll call.

The developer was told to follow up with staff on outstanding permits and approvals before proceeding to final plat and building permits. The board recorded the vote in favor and instructed staff to advise the applicant on next steps.

The planning board will next meet Feb. 18 at the Rogers Annex, when related infrastructure and road matters could surface again.