Board approves planned‑zoning district for properties at Rogers Avenue and S. 74th Street

The Fort Smith City Board of Directors on Feb. 3 approved an ordinance rezoning about 8 acres at Rogers Avenue and South 74th Street to a planned‑zoning district that would allow mixed retail, service and entertainment uses and a taller hotel than current zoning permits.

Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice told the board the planning commission held a public hearing Jan. 13 and voted 9–0 to recommend the zoning map amendment. Rice said a neighborhood meeting on Jan. 7 drew no neighboring property owners and that the applicant was represented at the planning commission by Bob Cooper.

During public comment, resident Kim Fodge said she supports the project but urged the city to mitigate existing traffic problems on 74th Street, saying drivers “are coming and going in all kinds of directions” and it can feel like “playing Frogger” to enter or exit businesses there.

Director Neil Martin called the project “an awesome project” and said demolition and early work have transformed the area. The board unanimously approved the ordinance and later passed the emergency clause by roll call, 7–0.

The planning commission recommendation and staff report said the rezoning would allow a mix of retail, service and entertainment uses and accommodate an increase in hotel height; details of site plan, access, and traffic mitigation will be addressed through the planned‑zoning district process and subsequent permitting.

The board’s approval includes the emergency clause adopted the same night; there were no recorded no votes or abstentions on the ordinance.