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Planning Commission approves mixed-use rezoning at Heather Ridge despite neighborhood traffic and noise objections
Summary
The Fort Smith Planning Commission approved a master land use plan amendment and rezoning for a mixed-use planned zoning district at 5300 Heather Ridge Street after public comment raised traffic, noise and trust concerns; staff said independent traffic reviews and mitigation keep level of service acceptable and the developer said a sound study and legal action are underway regarding a gas well.
The Fort Smith Planning Commission on Feb. 10 approved a master land use plan amendment and companion rezoning to allow a planned zoning district (PZD) with a mixed-use, predominantly residential character at 5300 Heather Ridge Street.
Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing warned the addition of up to roughly 300 new units in the 2.98-acre Character Area A — part of a larger, previously approved PZD — would overload existing access, concentrating egress onto 58th Street and creating safety and congestion problems. Daryl Cunningham, who said he owns three nearby properties, urged the commission to require an alternative ingress/egress route, saying, “There needs to be an alternative exit to this development.”
Other residents raised related concerns. Ted Johnston told the commission he questioned the traffic study’s…
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