ROGERS -- The Planning Commission approved an apartment complex for developmentally disabled adults during its meeting Tuesday.
Some residents expressed concern about having a multi-unit complex bordering their single-family neighborhoods during the meeting. Others, in favor, attended the meeting but didn't speak publicly.
The complex is planned by Bost Inc. at the intersection of 45th and Oak streets.
Mike McLemore, a resident, has attended multiple meetings speaking against the complex. A group of about 15 residents have supported his comments at each meeting.
"We have concerns about this being multi-family," McLemore said. "Apartment complexes are not a transition from single family neighborhoods in my opinion."
Mark Myers said the commission's job is to make sure the use of a development fits zoning. The property is zoned residential-office. Apartment complexes can be built under residential-office zoning in Rogers.
"This is by right," Myers said. "This is not a conditional use permit."
McLemore said he understood the commission made a decision based on the property's zoning.
"It doesn't mean we like it," McLemore said.
Bost plans to build the complex on 2 acres, said Kent Jones, Bost executive director. The Arkansas nonprofit group provides services and housing for disabled adults. This could include people who are epileptic, autistic or physically disabled.
Apartments are built to accommodate people with specific needs, Jones said. He said doorways are larger for wheelchairs, for example. Each unit will have two bedrooms and will house two individuals. The complex could house up to 22 people.
Karen Bradshaw of Rogers attended the meeting in support of the complex. She said her 30-year-old son has a developmental disability. The apartments will be an option for him as she and her husband age.
"We are happy," Bradshaw said about the approval of the complex. "A lot of people are not as lucky as my son and aren't able to live at home with parents."
The organization accepts payment through a Medicare-waiver program, Jones said. He said this provides an affordable option for disabled individuals and their families.
Jones said the 11-unit complex will consist of four buildings. The buildings will be built over time as money is raised, he said. He said fundraising will start in the coming weeks. It could be a year until the first of the four buildings start construction, he said.
The property was rezoned from agriculture to residential office in 2007, Mike McLemore, a resident, said. He said residents didn't oppose the rezoning at the time. He said they believed the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors was going to build an office and event space on the property.
NW News on 04/22/2015