Subdivision Plans Have Residents Concerned

BENTONVILLE -- Two residents said they may sell their homes if the Planning Commission approved a rezoning request allowing a subdivision development on Southwest Regional Airport Boulevard.

They were two of five people who spoke about the proposed development at Tuesday's meeting.

The commission approved a rezoning, lot split and preliminary plat for the Arbor Lane Phase II development after almost an hour of public comment and discussion about it. The vote was 6-0 for each item.

The development is on seven acres south of Southwest Airport Regional Boulevard near Southwest Juniper Avenue. The proposed single family subdivision would have 6.6 units per acre, which is slightly denser than the six units per acre allowed in single family residential zoning.

There would be 47 single family lots and two common areas. Floor plans show the homes would be between 1,300 and 1,500 square feet and have three bedrooms and two baths.

"What we're offering is an option to prospective homebuyers," said William Fugitt, architect.

Fugitt said the homes will be high quality with granite counter tops, wood floors, walk-in closets and stainless steel appliances. However, they are a smaller footprint that's more energy efficient and makes better use of the land compared to larger homes, he told the commission.

Each house is projected to sell from $143,000 to $151,000, according to Fugitt.

A property owners association will be established. Monthly dues will pay for maintenance of front yards and the common areas, he said.

The ground floor plan for all the homes is alike, but the second floor will vary, creating different roof lines, Fugitt said, talking over elevation drawings.

"We can change the faces and we can change the color and create a variety within the subdivision and the neighborhood so we're not repeating ourselves too often," he said.

Some changes were made after developers spoke with neighbors during a community meeting. There was concern the second floor windows would look out into neighbors' backyards so all of the second floor bedrooms will be in the front side of the houses instead of the back, Fugitt said.

Lorraine Bowen said the development will be against her backyard on Southwest Aster Way.

It's not about the houses themselves. It's about how close they are to homes that are already there, she told commissioners.

"The green space between those homes and our home is a big issue to us," she said.

Bowen listed other concerns, including the potential negative effect on property value and traffic.

"If it is approved, we're putting a for sale sign up because we don't want that in our backyard," she said.

Shawn McGrew also said he and his family would consider moving off Southwest Joshua Avenue if the development moved forward.

He said one of the appeals of buying his house was it was in a low density area, which he believed would have lower traffic and be a safe area for his children.

Traffic was a main concern for those who spoke in the public hearing. Juniper Avenue would be extended raising the concern it would be used as a cut through street for motorists to avoid Southwest Airport Regional Boulevard.

The state Department of Transportation will widen the two-lane road to five lanes.

Residents said motorists would use Southwest Juniper Avenue to avoid construction.

Stanford McBride, resident on Southwest Juniper Avenue, requested the commission table the rezoning so a plan more appealing could be developed.

Commissioners and planning staff discussed how increased traffic is an issue with city growth.

"For us to sit here and suggest that there won't be any cut through traffic would be misleading," said Troy Galloway, community and economic development director. "It's one of the unfortunate side effects of growth in the southwest part of the City."

Galloway also commended the developer as he has taken "every piece of advice and then some" from city staff in regards to the proposed plans.