Jonesboro planning commission recommends rezoning for 2005 East Highland Drive

The City of Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on March 10 issued a favorable recommendation for rezoning RZ 2064, which would change the property at 2005 East Highland Drive from commercial zoning C2 to C3.

The chair introduced the item at the start of the meeting and identified Christy Lance as the applicant. John Haley, with Associate Engineering representing East Arkansas Planning, described the site as "what was the old Malco movie theater side and parking lot" and said the rezoning request is intended "to fit in with the adjacent property and the overall neighborhood." The commission asked staff for its analysis before any vote.

The city planner said staff reviewed the application and "it meets all 6 of the rezoning criteria," recommending approval with conditions: the site must satisfy the city engineer's requirements; comply with the city's stormwater drainage and floodplain regulations for any new construction; and submit a final site plan that meets ordinance requirements for the planning department to review and approve prior to redevelopment. The planner also said any future change of use would be subject to planning-department approval.

The chair opened the meeting for public comment; no members of the public spoke on the rezoning. Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to recommend approval; the record reflects a favorable recommendation but does not record a roll-call tally. The chair told the applicant the commission's recommendation must be placed on the City Council agenda before Thursday at 10:00, and the proponent thanked the commission.

Next steps: the rezoning recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for final action and the applicant must satisfy the listed engineering and permitting conditions prior to redevelopment.