Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City Council approves PUD allowing Shorter College to use shipping-container modular housing
Summary
The North Little Rock City Council adopted an amended planned-unit-development zoning change enabling Shorter College to place shipping-container modular residences at 715 North Pine Street, after a public hearing featuring college leaders, students and the vendor and an amendment attaching a rendering and conditions.
The North Little Rock City Council voted to adopt an amended planned-unit-development ordinance allowing Shorter College to use modified shipping containers as student housing at 715 North Pine Street.
Shorter College President Jeffrey, who spoke at the council’s public hearing, said the proposal would provide much-needed, campus-proximate housing as the college grows in enrollment. “Our institution is experiencing increased enrollment and we are wanting to support and supply residential spaces for our students,” he said during remarks to the council.
Students and the college’s housing partner described the design as a finished, dormitory-style solution. Student Morgan DeWalt told the council that many students rely on public transportation and face rising housing costs, and asked officials to support “alternative building materials” to speed construction and reduce disruption to neighborhoods. Vendor representative Bryce Smith said the company had worked with building and fire officials and had completed similar projects at other institutions.
Council members debated design and code protections during the amendment stage. Council Member Ross moved to attach a rendering and a set of conditions to the ordinance; the council approved that amendment. Council Member Hart framed the vote as a choice about “smart growth” and balancing innovation with neighborhood standards.
The ordinance, as amended, includes the rendering and site-specific conditions the council attached on the record. Officials said the modular buildings will have a sloped roof and an exterior finish to match campus materials, and that building code and fire marshal approvals would be required before occupancy.
The ordinance passed following roll-call votes on the adoption and on an emergency clause. The council recorded unanimous or near-unanimous support during the final votes. The zoning change moves forward with the attached rendering and the conditions the council specified; the college and vendor must complete the required building and fire approvals before work proceeds.
What happens next: The college intends to follow the conditions included in the PUD and proceed with plan submittal and permitting; council members said they expect to see site plans and code approvals prior to final permitting and occupancy.
