Commission narrowly approves R‑5 rezoning at 1825 Watts Road after neighbors warn of emergency access and traffic problems

The Benton Planning and Zoning Commission approved a rezoning of two lots at 1825 Watts Road from R‑1 to R‑5 on July 7, voting 5–4 after multiple neighbors urged the commission to deny denser development citing narrow streets and safety concerns.

Mickey Sewell, a long‑time resident who said she has lived on Watts Road for 23 years, told the commission the street is "very narrow" and lacks parking or reliable access for emergency vehicles. "There is no place for, emergency equipment to come down," Sewell said, describing recent incidents when emergency responders had to reverse because of the street's constraints.

Commissioners discussed the narrow right‑of‑way, the steep drop along parts of the street and recent nearby multifamily construction. Staff noted some recently built quadplexes on the road and said the city street department could be asked about planned street upgrades, but no immediate capital project was pledged during the meeting.

Supporters said the requested rezoning was consistent with multifamily patterns along the road and that rights and options under current zoning and subdivision rules allow some additional density. After discussion, the motion to approve the rezoning passed by a 5‑to‑4 roll call.

The approval allows the property owner to pursue multifamily development consistent with R‑5 density rules, subject to site‑plan and engineering reviews that will follow. Commissioners and staff indicated any future building permits would need to address emergency access and driveways during civil review.