Commission approves rezoning at 6904 East Highland Drive after resident noise concerns
March 24, 2026 | Jonesboro, Craighead County, Arkansas
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The Jonesboro Planning Commission voted 5'to'0to'0approve a rezoning request affecting a small portion of 6904 East Highland Drive, changing that portion from R-1 to Commercial C-3 and Industrial I-2.
Applicant John Easley was identified in the agenda and the property owner was named as John Stuckey. A representative speaking on behalf of the owner (associate engineering) explained that, after annexation in 1986, the property now sits adjacent to Highway 18 and that the plan is to split the site so that commercial lots front Highway 18 with industrial zoning farther back. The representative said the intention would be “to probably divvy it up in the individual lot[s] for small businesses” and assured nearby residents, “there won't be a factory in front of your house.”
A nearby resident who gave public comment and identified their address as 1903 Easley Lane said neighbors were anxious about what would be built, warning: “If you build a noisy factory there, it's gonna ruin us. We can't sleep at nights. We can't sell our houses.”
A planning staff member said the rezoning submission met the six criteria for a rezone request and recommended approval subject to stipulations: the proposed site must meet city engineer requirements; comply with the current stormwater drainage design manual and floodplain regulations for any new construction; submit a final site plan meeting ordinance requirements for Planning Department review and approval prior to redevelopment; and any future change of use would be subject to Planning Department approval.
Commissioner discussion was limited; a motion to approve the request “as submitted, subject to stipulations” was made and seconded, and the commission approved the rezoning by a 5'0to'0 vote. The staff stipulations remain conditions before any redevelopment occurs.
The commission also noted that a separate Horizon Land Surveying rezoning item would be rescheduled to the next MAPC meeting on April 14 and encouraged public participation in an upcoming comprehensive-plan open house.
Applicant John Easley was identified in the agenda and the property owner was named as John Stuckey. A representative speaking on behalf of the owner (associate engineering) explained that, after annexation in 1986, the property now sits adjacent to Highway 18 and that the plan is to split the site so that commercial lots front Highway 18 with industrial zoning farther back. The representative said the intention would be “to probably divvy it up in the individual lot[s] for small businesses” and assured nearby residents, “there won't be a factory in front of your house.”
A nearby resident who gave public comment and identified their address as 1903 Easley Lane said neighbors were anxious about what would be built, warning: “If you build a noisy factory there, it's gonna ruin us. We can't sleep at nights. We can't sell our houses.”
A planning staff member said the rezoning submission met the six criteria for a rezone request and recommended approval subject to stipulations: the proposed site must meet city engineer requirements; comply with the current stormwater drainage design manual and floodplain regulations for any new construction; submit a final site plan meeting ordinance requirements for Planning Department review and approval prior to redevelopment; and any future change of use would be subject to Planning Department approval.
Commissioner discussion was limited; a motion to approve the request “as submitted, subject to stipulations” was made and seconded, and the commission approved the rezoning by a 5'0to'0 vote. The staff stipulations remain conditions before any redevelopment occurs.
The commission also noted that a separate Horizon Land Surveying rezoning item would be rescheduled to the next MAPC meeting on April 14 and encouraged public participation in an upcoming comprehensive-plan open house.
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