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Board approves Leonard Street Lofts planned development to add three cottages and renovate 1921 farmhouse as infill affordable rentals
Summary
The board adopted Ordinance O-26-26 approving the Leonard Street Lofts planned development at 333 Leonard Street to renovate a 1921 farmhouse and add three small cottages for workforce/affordable housing. Planning staff said the PD allows exceptions to setbacks and supports the Hot Springs housing strategy; the city will continue to maintain the alley referenced in the plan.
The Hot Springs City Board voted June 2 to approve a planned development (PD) application for Leonard Street Lofts (333 Leonard Street), a proposed infill project that would renovate an existing 1921 farmhouse and add three small cottages to provide rental workforce housing.
Planning and Development Director Kathy Selman presented the application on behalf of property owner Moore and Williams LLC, represented in materials by Thomas Moore. Selman said the PD requests exceptions from district regulations to allow more than the usual additional dwelling units on the lot and to reduce front and side setbacks where necessary, citing the Hot Springs Housing Strategy and the Forward Hot Springs 2040 comprehensive plan’s neighborhood reactivation guidance.
The application includes energy-efficiency measures for new cottages and preservation and adaptive reuse of historic features on the farmhouse. Selman noted the planning commission considered the record at its May 14 meeting and voted to recommend approval with conditions.
Directors asked about alley maintenance and whether improvements would shift maintenance responsibility; staff confirmed the alley is currently city-maintained and would remain so even if the applicant improves or paves it.
The board adopted Ordinance O-26-26 by roll-call vote. Staff said the PD approval becomes the controlling regulation for the property and must be developed in accordance with the approved plan.
Action: O-26-26 adopted; staff to continue permitting and enforcement processes under PD conditions.
