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Commission approves conditional use and variance for Academy of Math and Science K–8 campus at 3510 North Street
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a 35,798 sq ft K–8 Academy of Math and Science at 3510 North Street and the Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a companion variance reducing the exterior side yard setback from 100 to 25 feet; both votes were unanimous and approvals include several staff‑recommended conditions.
The Fort Smith Planning Commission voted March 10 to approve a conditional use permit that clears the way for construction of a two‑story, 35,798 square‑foot Academy of Math and Science campus at 3510 North Street.
Planning staff described the project as a primary and secondary (K–8) school with 25 classrooms, a gymnasium, about 100 parking spaces and a soccer field on a roughly 5.1‑acre tract. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: compliance with the submitted development plan; completion of planning tasks before building permit issuance; installation of an automatic irrigation system for required landscaping; fully shielded site lighting that complies with UDO standards; and completion and approval of existing water and sewer line abandonment and design by the utility engineering department prior to building permit issuance.
Staff also presented a companion variance request to reduce the required exterior side yard setback from 100 feet to 25 feet in order to accommodate on‑site queuing and drop‑off. Staff noted the applicant cited unusual lot shape as the hardship and asked the Board of Zoning Adjustment to substantiate approval under UDO section 27.3.337-2.
Matthew Gunderson, vice president of growth for the Academy of Math and Science, thanked the commission and described plans to invest "millions of dollars" in the facility and to partner with local nonprofits. Gunderson said the school would serve K–8 and expected about 600 students.
A motion to approve the conditional use with staff comments passed on a 9–0 roll call. The Planning Commission recessed and the Board of Zoning Adjustment considered the variance; the BZA approved the companion variance on a 9–0 vote, subject to the stated conditions and findings substantiating the claimed hardship.
The approvals allow the project to move toward permitting and construction, subject to the development plan limitations and the utility and lighting conditions staff set. Appeals of Planning Commission actions can be filed to the City Board of Directors.
