Downtown Housing Complex Plans Face Rejection
In a recent decision made by the Fayetteville Planning Commission, a proposed student-focused housing complex has hit a roadblock. The complex, aimed at housing 676 students, faced opposition as commissioners debated the need for an off-site parking lot on the former Powerhouse property.
The Complex and Its Needs
The housing complex requires 439 parking spaces. To meet this requirement, the developers suggested using the former Powerhouse site, a property owned by the Underwood family, which includes Underwoods Fine Jewelers on Dickson Street. The plan was to lease the property for 55 years to serve as an off-site parking lot. However, this proposal did not gain enough support from the commissioners.
Commissioner Concerns
One of the major concerns was the length of the lease. Commissioner Jimm Garlock expressed hesitation about committing to passive land use as a parking lot for 55 years, arguing that the city has dedicated significant taxpayer funds to revitalizing downtown areas, such as the Ramble arts corridor. Garlock’s sentiment resonated with fellow commissioners Nick Castin, Fred Gulley, and Mary McGetrick, who all voted against the request.
Mixed Opinions and Land Use Challenges
On the other hand, some commissioners acknowledged the practical challenges in developing the Powerhouse site. Commissioner Mary Madden voiced her mixed feelings about the proposal, highlighting the property’s difficulties with slope, power lines, and multiple easements. Despite these challenges, Madden noted that the project still needed to comply with required parking zoning.
Development Review Manager’s Insights
Jessie Masters, the city’s development review manager, pointed out that the hotel project, which was approved with a 7-0 vote, would manage its parking through a valet service to an off-site parking lot. The planned zoning district for the hotel reflected an earlier agreement between Mayor Lioneld Jordan and the hotel’s developer, Brian Reindl.
Additional City Council Business
In other business during the meeting, the Planning Commission:
– Approved rezoning over 90 acres to be compatible with surrounding properties, though final approval rests with the City Council.
– Extended permits for McNair Middle School and Vandergriff Elementary to continue using two temporary portable classrooms for three more years.
– Rezoned the cross overlook at Mount Sequoyah from residential single-family to a public institutional zone to potentially add an observation deck, pending City Council approval.
– Approved a planned zoning district for 12.1 acres north of 54th Avenue and Wedington Drive, including 8 acres for single-family homes at a maximum density of 10 units per acre, also subject to City Council approval.
New Members Join the Commission
This meeting marked the first for new members Matthew Cabe, Nick Castin, and Nicolas Werner, who joined the Planning Commission to participate in ongoing discussions and decisions about Fayetteville’s development and zoning policies.
The complex’s future remains uncertain, as the decision now goes to the City Council on appeal. The stakeholders will have to navigate these challenges and find a solution that balances the need for student housing with the city’s overall development strategy.
