Gravette Council Rezones Property and Approves Highway Name Change
The Gravette City Council has been actively involved in various property rezoning matters and infrastructure improvements. At their June 9 Committee of the Whole meeting, council members reviewed several rezoning requests. Among these was a proposal by John Mitchael to rezone property at 509 First Ave. S.W. and at 409 First Ave. S.W. from residential to commercial. Mitchael also requested a variance for the property at 509 First Ave. S.W. to display and sell portable buildings. Mayor Kurt Maddox expressed concerns that such use might not be compatible with the nearby Taco Bell and O’Reilly’s businesses, as well as the planned walking and bike trail that will border the property.
Another significant rezoning request came from Kyle and Sam Evans for their property on Arkansas 279 North. The property had previously been split and then rezoned from commercial back to residential. Now, the Evans are seeking to revert it to commercial use.
Council members also considered a tract split for Gerry Craddock’s property at 16194 Smith Road. This revised proposal sought to divide the land into one one-acre and one two-acre tract at the west end of the property.
Additionally, Derek Estep and Bill Mattler’s terms on the Planning Commission were nearing their end. Mayor Maddox recommended reappointing them, and the council agreed to approve their reappointment.
City Council Approves Grant Application and Adjusted Budget
Furthermore, the council approved a resolution submitting an application for funds through the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program. The city has previously received funds from this program for community development projects, including the purchase of a fire truck. This time, the grant will be used to rehabilitate water lines along Highway 59.
Finance Director Carl Rabey presented a resolution approving adjustments for the 2022 budget, which included a surplus of ,000 in the general fund. The council also reviewed property tax income and sales tax data for the month.
Rezoning and Development Updates
Recently, the council passed a resolution rezoning parcels of land owned by John Nazarian at 14595 W. Highway 72 from agricultural to single-family residential, except for eight acres containing a chicken house which remains agricultural. This rezoning was coupled with the requirement that existing structures on the property be torn down before new construction began.
The council has also rezoned land off Forest Hills Boulevard from agricultural to multifamily district to accommodate a single-level multifamily housing project proposed by Newell Development. This project lies on the boundary between Gravette and Bella Vista.
Infrastructure Development and Funding
To improve the city’s infrastructure, the council set speed limits at 30 mph on all city streets and alleys unless otherwise posted. They also passed an ordinance annexing land owned by Spavinaw Investments just south of the concrete plant into the city.
Efforts to acquire funds for city projects continued. Council members voted to pay ,500 to secure the final piece of easement for the water line relocation project on Arkansas 59 south of town, which will facilitate the construction of a passing lane at the intersection with Mount Olive Road.
To secure necessary funds, the council approved a levy of 4.75 mills for real property and 4.75 mills for personal property for the year 2023.
