Commission approves rezoning of 20‑acre Sugar Hill parcel to allow limited mixed use

The Texarkana Planning Commission approved a rezoning request Wednesday to change zoning on a roughly 20.71‑acre parcel at 6600 Sugar Hill from R1 (rural residential) to A1 (limited mixed use).

Parcel owner Sandra Soumen told the commission she wants the A1 designation “just so I can have more options to develop the property,” describing plans that could include a garden, fruit trees and a barn or workshop before a later home. She noted that most of the property lies in a flood zone and that the buildable portion is limited.

Staff said the request was submitted because there is currently no house on the parcel; under existing R1 rules Soumen could not build an accessory storage structure before a home. Two people notified staff in opposition; one adjacent property owner had expressed concern about potential nonresidential uses. Commission discussion focused on what the A1 classification allows; staff said A1 permits limited mixed uses (for example small agricultural retail or accessory workshops) but does not authorize large commercial or event uses such as rodeos.

A motion to approve rezoning to A1 was made by Commissioner (speaker 4) and seconded; the measure passed by roll call, with all six present commissioners voting yes. The matter will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for consideration at its first August meeting.

Soumen said she lives in Texarkana and that the portion she intends to develop would not be visible from Sugar Hill Road or Harris Lane because most of the acreage is wooded and in a floodplain.