BELLA VISTA -- Planning Commissioners approved two conditional use permits Monday night.
Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1900 Forest Hills Blvd., got the OK to expand its religious facility in a residential area through the approval of a conditional use permit. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the permit, pending a parking lot lighting plan for the expansion be submitted.
Though the church brought its large-scale development plans to the commission at a work session May 28, the plans were not on the regular meeting agenda and have been postponed.
Planning Director Chris Suneson said that a lighting plan was included with the large-scale plan that has been resubmitted through his office.
The plans include a parking lot in front of the existing church, a 6,700-square-foot classroom wing on the rear of the building and an interior remodeling of the existing structure.
A conditional use permit was also granted for a temporary fireworks stand, to be located on the north side of Wishing Spring Gallery along McNelly Road, immediately east of Walgreens.
This property is included in the land that was annexed into the city recently, following the settling of a multi-year lawsuit.
The fireworks stand, operated by Meramec Specialty Co. of West Memphis, formerly set up its tent between Walgreens and the Crye-Leike Realty building along Bella Vista Way.
The group didn't have any issues with the plans for the 40-by 80-foot tent, as long as it meets all regulations under the fireworks retailer permit, which is issued through the fire inspector.
According to the permit, the stand may operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 23 through July 1, from 7 a.m. to midnight July 2-4 and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 5 and 6.
The group tabled a resolution regarding changes to the city's zoning code notification process, and will discuss the issue at its next work session July 2.
NW News on 06/10/2014