Centerton Planning Commission Meeting Summary - January 21, 2025

The Centerton Planning Commission met on January 21, 2025, to discuss development projects, infrastructure updates, and planning policies. Highlights include progress on major projects, updates to compliance policies, and news about an exciting Schuber-Mitchell Homes community. Here’s your detailed recap.

Roll Call and Minutes Approval

The meeting began at 6:00 PM, with a roll call confirming quorum. The minutes from the January 7, 2025, meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.

Administrative Approvals

The commission ratified four administrative approvals, reflecting Centerton’s active growth:

1. True Blue Electric (HOP24-37):

   • A home occupation permit for an administrative office at 551 Dogwood Street, supporting local small business.

2. Bradshaw Tract Split (TS24-06):

   • A 6.66-acre property at 225 West Centerton Boulevard was split into two parcels (3.23 acres and 3.44 acres) for commercial and industrial uses.

3. Callis Tract Line Adjustment (TS24-15):

   • A lot line adjustment at 14390 AR Highway 102 aligned two parcels for optimized development.

4. Centerton MFD Replat (TS24-19):

   • A replat of lots on East Centerton Boulevard included new public easements to support multifamily housing.

Old Business: Williamson Tract Split

The commission revisited and approved the Williamson Tract Split (TS24-16) at 12386 Bullock Road, dividing a 7.03-acre parent tract into:

• Tract 1: 5.76 acres.
• Tract 2: 1.28 acres.

Key Updates Addressing Commissioner Feedback:

• Utility Easement: Added a 15-foot easement to accommodate future development.
• Right-of-Way Dedication: A 40-foot right-of-way was added along Bullock Road for compliance.
• Wetlands Note: The surveyor updated the plat with the required wetlands statement.

With these updates, the commission unanimously approved the tract split, ensuring all previous concerns were resolved.

New Business: Woodcrest Walk Subdivision

The commission conditionally approved the final plat and plans for Woodcrest Walk Subdivision, a new Schuber-Mitchell Homes community at 1110 West Centerton Boulevard.

Project Highlights:

• Development Plan: 99 single-family lots and three multifamily lots with a density of 2.75 units per acre.
• Flood Zone Adjustments: A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) is pending FEMA approval for the property’s location in flood zone “A.”
• Infrastructure Improvements: Streets and drainage systems are completed, pending minor labeling corrections.

Thinking about moving to this community? As The Blue Haired Broker, I can help you explore pricing and plans for Woodcrest Walk. While I don’t work directly for Schuber-Mitchell, I’ve been consistently impressed by their excellent communication and quality of work. Reach out if you'd like help in purchasing your dream home!

Title 15 Compliance Policies: Enhancing Accountability

The commission discussed updates to Title 15 Compliance Policies to improve developer accountability for infrastructure and documentation.

Key Issues:

1. Certificates of Occupancy (COs): Developers often receive COs before completing infrastructure or submitting final documents, reducing enforcement options.
2. Performance Bonds: Financial guarantees are being considered to incentivize developers to complete their obligations.

Proposed Solutions:

• Completion Deposits: Developers pay a refundable deposit returned once all requirements are met.
• Tiered Fee Structure: Fees proportional to the project size to balance fairness and risk.
• CO Issuance Policies: Withholding COs until all requirements are satisfied, as seen in Bentonville.
• Business License Ties: Linking compliance to business license approvals for added enforcement.

The commission plans to refine these proposals and revisit them at future meetings.

Water and Sewer Capacity Update

Centerton Utilities Director Malcolm Attwood shared updates on sewer capacity challenges:

• Decatur Plant Upgrades: Decatur is analyzing its system and has allocated $18 million for wastewater plant improvements.
• Project Delays: Over 50% of Benton County’s projects face delays due to Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) constraints.
• Ongoing Updates: Monthly updates will track progress and solutions.

Planning Commission Seat Interviews

Interviews for one open seat on the Planning Commission will begin next week. A decision is expected by the next meeting on February 4, 2025.

Meeting Highlights

The meeting demonstrated Centerton’s dedication to thoughtful growth by:

• Supporting local businesses and optimizing land use through strategic approvals.
• Advancing developments like Woodcrest Walk, an exciting new Schuber-Mitchell Homes community.
• Strengthening compliance policies to ensure public infrastructure accountability.

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