Commission recommends Barnett lot rezoning to R1.5 amid debate over commercial corridor

Prairie Grove — The Planning Commission on Nov. 6 recommended that city council change the zoning of a short, 90-foot lot at 12738 Richardson Road from MUB2 to R1.5 after commissioners concluded the parcel is unlikely to attract immediate commercial development and several prospective buyers sought residential use.

Staff said many callers wanted to build a single-family home on the Barnett parcel and that title and utility connections (septic location and distance to city water) complicate redevelopment. A representative who identified himself as "Representative Barnett" explained that potential buyers had sought residential use and that sewer or water connections could cost an estimated $10,000–$15,000 to extend.

A prospective buyer told the commission she had made an offer but withdrew when title issues and the parcel’s commercial listing emerged. Commissioners debated corridor continuity and whether converting small highway-front lots to residential would preclude future business opportunity; several members said the lot could be rezoned back to commercial if a future buyer needed it.

Motion and next steps: A commissioner moved and the commission voted to recommend changing the property’s zoning from MUB2 to R1.5; the recommendation will be transmitted to city council for final action at an upcoming council meeting.