Planning commission denies rezoning request for 809 North Mark Street

The Prairie Grove Planning & Zoning Commission denied a rezoning request for 809 North Mark Street on Aug. 6, rejecting the applicant’s proposal to change the parcel from single‑family R‑1 to R‑2 to allow multifamily housing.

Staff told the commission the request, submitted by Joe Ben Kerrick, would create an island of higher density within an established R‑1 neighborhood and could permit uses not currently allowed on surrounding lots. The applicant described plans for two four‑unit buildings — about eight rental units on roughly 0.88 acres — made up of three‑bedroom, 1,462‑square‑foot units targeted at an estimated monthly rent of about $1,250.

Neighbors urged the commission to consider street safety, parking, and the character of the nearby historic houses. Kevin Hovsdale, who lives south of the lot, said the property sits higher than his yard and warned that adding residents near a busy school corridor could compound traffic hazards. “There’s at least 10 foot difference from the road to the back of that property…we’re gonna add 24 more cars to that area, and it’s a disaster,” he said.

Commissioners and staff debated so‑called spot zoning — rezoning a single parcel surrounded by a different district — and noted the difference between approving a zoning change and approving building plans. The commission also reiterated the procedural path: a planning‑commission recommendation goes to city council, and an applicant may appeal a denial. A commissioner moved to deny the rezoning (motion announced as by Blaine, second by Cook); the motion carried, and the rezoning request failed. Staff advised the applicant of appeal rights and the one‑year limit on reapplying for the same zoning change.

The denial leaves the site subject to current R‑1 rules; the applicant said he appreciated the commission’s time and would consider next steps.