School District Land Zoned For Development

— The city Planning Commission on Tuesday rezoned land owned by Bentonville’s School District at southwest Bright Road and southwest Windmill Road to single-family residential to allow the district to build on the property.

The land was divided into sections zoned agricultural and single-family residential before the change. The residential designation allows for school development.

The district plans to use the property for school campuses in the future, according to agenda documents.

Ron Harrison said at the meeting his mother lives across the street from the property. He was concerned about the possibility of a housing development on the site.

Beau Thompson, city planner, said the district has no intention to build homes on the property but might build an elementary or junior high school.

Harrison asked if the city intends to pave Windmill Road. Thompson said there are plans for a joint project to improve the street. The project would be between Benton County, the city and the school district, he said. Improvement on the road could begin as early as this fall, he said.

The commission also approved a request to help the city move forward with plans for a community center just west of Southwest I Street.

Commissioners gave the go-ahead to dedicate easements for improvement to water and sewer infrastructure needed for the new facility.

The city is working on site improvement and building a road that will encircle the center. Plans for the community facility include sports fields, multiple swimming pools, meeting rooms, fitness areas and basketball courts.

At A Glance

Bahr Returns

Brian Bahr, planning manager, attended his first Planning Commission meeting Tuesday after returning from service with the National Guard. He serves with Troy Galloway, director of community development, in the 142nd Fires Brigade.

Source: Staff Report

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