HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-03-R ADOPTION RESOLUTION OF GOVERNING BODY
RESOLUTION NO.2009-2-3-R
CITY OF BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS
WHEREAS, the Batesville Planning Commission, following a public hearing on
January 5, 2009, adopted on February 2, 2009 and recommended to the Batesville City
Council for adoption, a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Batesville Planning Area_ for
the City and its environs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BATESVILLE , ARKANSAS
THAT, the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Batesville Planning Area as
prepared and recommended by the Planning Commission be, and hereby is adopted.
PASSED THIS 24 DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2009.
Rick EI g , Mayor
ATTEST:
Loanv�
Denise M. Johnston, City glerk
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
The City Planning Commission of the City of Batesville, Arkansas, held their monthly
meeting on Monday, February 2, 2009, with Chairman Carma Osborn presiding. Also
present were Secretary Brian Langston, and Commission members Steven Lewis, Ronnie
Hampton,Nina Womack, Mike Fagan and Ken Smith.
A public hearing was held at our previous monthly meeting on January 5, 2009 regarding
the new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Batesville Planning Area.
Commissioner Lewis moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the City
Council of the City of Batesville, Arkansas, approval of the Comprehensive Plan and all
the supporting documents as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Hampton and upon vote of the commission was passed unanimously.
Therefore, the City Planning Commission of the City of Batesville, Arkansas
recommends to the City Council of the City of Batesville, Arkansas, that the appropriate
action be taken by the City Council to carry out the recommendations of the City
Planning Commission.
Batesville City Planning Commission
Carma Osborn, Chairman
By s� � -!T*�
Brian Langston, Secretary
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING
A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FOR THE BATESVILLE,ARKANSAS PLANNING AREA
WHEREAS, cities of first and second class and incorporated towns have the power to adopt and enforce
plans for the coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the municipality and its environs;
and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission of the City of Batesville, Arkansas wishes to adopt a new
comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission has undertaken the following:
(1)Prepared a work program;
(2) Made studies of the present conditions and the probable future growth of the municipality and
its neighboring territory;
(3)Prepared a Comprehensive Plan;and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission held a duly advertised Public Hearing on
January 8, 2009,to allow discussion and citizen comments on the proposed document.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS,THAT:
1. The Comprehensive Plan,as presented and discussed during the public hearing, is hereby adopted.
2. The Planning Commission Chairman is directed to forward the adopted plan to the City Council for
approval.
PASSED THIS r9-1 DAY OF
E
E rrJ,
Chairman
"(Batesviffe...It's OurYfometown...9Vake It `Yours"
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Batesville, Arkansas Comprehensive Plan
PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY Today Independence County maintains its rich history and
prosperity, and Batesville flourishes as a center of light
his document presents the Comprehensive Plan for industry,poultry processing,banking,and health care.
the City of Batesville,Arkansas. The Comprehensive
Plan serves as an official policy statement of the city, REGIONAL SETTING
outlining its goals and strategies for directing orderly growth
and development within its Planning Area. The plan serves atesville is located in the northeastern portion of
as an instrument that blends public and private interests to Arkansas and is the county seat of Independence
benefit the entire community. BCounty. The planning area is about 45 miles north of
Searcy, 80 miles west of Jonesboro, 90 miles northeast of
The Planning Commission directed the preparation of the Little Rock, and 135 miles northwest of Memphis.
plan after careful study of the area. The planning process
included public meetings,and the comments and ideas Batesville is well-connected to the rest of the state with U.S.
generated by the public are represented in this plan. and state highways, including four- and five-lane access
via U.S. Highway 167 that runs through the center of the
The purpose of the Land Use Plan is consistent with city. The city's regional airport,with its runway in excess of
Arkansas Codes,Annotated(ACA) §14-56-403. 6,000 feet,provides opportunities few comparable cities can
HISTORY offer. The city is also served by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Batesville's location amid the foothills of the Ozark
atesville is the second oldest city in the state. Mountains places it in and near many outdoor recreational
Permanent settlers began moving to the area around opportunities, including fishing,hiking,mountain biking,
1810, forming posts on Poke Bayou where it flows rock climbing, canoeing,and hunting.Area fans also enjoy
into the White River. In 1820 the Poke Bayou Post Office dirt-track racing at the Batesville Speedway. Batesville also
opened,but the name was changed to Batesville Post hosts the Ozark Foothills FilmFest each year as well as the
Office in 1824. This post office is the oldest one in the state Scottish Festival at Lyon College. In addition,the Course at
with continuous service. The name Batesville comes from Eagle Mountain, one of the golf courses on the Natural Stat(
Judge James Woodson Bates,the first territorial delegate to Golf Trail, is located in the city.
Congress.
Batesville is a regional center for recreation and area citizen
The town of Batesville boomed when steamboats enjoy five municipal parks with a golf course,horse arena,
began traveling to the city in 1831. In 1872 a group of two swimming pools,two tennis courts,basketball courts,
Presbyterians founded Arkansas College,now Lyon College, and baseball, softball, and soccer fields.
in Batesville. Lyon College is the state's oldest continuing
private college. Lyon College and the University of Arkansas Community
College at Batesville(UACCB) are located in the city and
Batesville received another big boost after the St. Louis,Iron serve as regional centers of higher education. Moreover,
Mountain and Southern Railroad reached the city in 1883. Batesville is a regional trade center serving 50,000 persons.
i
TRENDS
industrial land. Property owners with land located in flood-
he Census estimates the population of Batesville prone areas should understand its development limitations.
reached 9,577 people in 2006. Batesville has grown While not suitable for most purposes, it may be suited for
steadily over the past 15 years. limited recreational uses.
In 2000,manufacturing and educational, health, and social Experiences with flooding in the early summer of 2008
services industries employed a majority of Batesville reminded residents and public officials of the need to restrict
development in the flood plain and abide by the prohibition
workers.The city is a regional employment center with a
daytime population increase of 74.6 percent generated by the against building in the flood way.
daily commuting of 7,050 people.
Downtown
Batesville leads in educational attainment and incomes. In Downtown Batesville is an important asset to the city for its
2000,77.6 percent of Batesville residents had graduated high history, charm, and the center of governmental activities. It
school and 21.8 percent had received a bachelor's degree will never serve again as the dominant retail center of the
or higher.These percentages are higher than the county city and must reframe itself in a different form, such as a
and state averages. In 2000,the median family income in regional entertainment center.
Batesville was also higher than the county and state averages
at$42,634. There are not enough homes within walking distance to
support major retail businesses,and therefore downtown
ISSUES businesses face the problem of dependence upon
automobiles. This, in turn,creates problems with parking, a
he issues discussed herein grew from a number of concern downtowns were not designed to handle.
sources. For the main part,they reflect the work of
Some of the older buildings around the edge of downtown
two city-wide design meetings. At these meetings,
are deteriorated and dont add to the overall image.These
local citizens gathered to work around tables with maps and
drawing equipment to"plan"their community. From this could be redeveloped as parking and as uses that would
effort,the professional planners gathered understanding of support and enhance the downtown experience.
community issues and ideas with which to address them.
Trails
Cities in America were largely given over to the
Mazza- _ - automobiles in the last half of the 20th century.This
4 resulted in communities that are not particularly friendly or
accommodating to pedestrian or bicycle traffic. This, in turn,
has contributed to the overall increase in obesity and other
diseases connected with lack of physical activity.
Participants in the design charrettes consistently emphasized
the need for sidewalk and trail systems to counter these
problems. Future transportation planning should include
considerations for pedestrian and bicycling systems.
Recreation
charrette participants pian the future of their community. Recreational facilities can greatly influence a community's
quality of life and its ability to attract new jobs,tourists,and
Infrastructure modern retirees. Batesville residents believe the existing
The greatest need in any city is the requirement to fix recreational system could be reorganized and expanded.
the basics.Without proper infrastructure, quality living
conditions, overall safety, and other basic needs,the long- For example,residents want a centralized sports complex.
term success of other improvement projects will be limited. This complex coupled with smaller neighborhood parks,
In Batesville,improving the wastewater system represents playgrounds, and trails will help build a comprehensive,
the absolute top priority. The current treatment system is functional system.
out of compliance and,until this is remedied, few other plan
elements can be effectively addressed. The Poke Bayou and riverfront areas also possess untapped
potential as recreational attractions. Citizens recommend
Flood Control developing these areas with parks,trails,boat rentals, small
Adequate flood protection is also critical in a city such as lakes, retail shops,and entertainment venues to better
Batesville.While the location of the city on the White River utilize this resource. Citizens also recommend using flood-
creates a number of recreational possibilities, it also limits prone areas for water impoundments to create fishing and
the amount of land suitable for residential, commercial, and recreational lakes.
Page 2 . I OWN
Housing Growth
Housing is a vital part of a community,and a variety of In the next couple of decades Batesville will most likely
housing helps promote a healthy city. Residents of Batesville grow in population and area. The city will have to plan
want to preserve its historic character while also building for for the demands of growth in order to continue to prosper.
the future. This will include hiring new staff,upgrading city utilities
and streets, and expanding city services. Members of the
Higher densities, loft apartments,zero lot line housing,and community feel that the city needs a new fire station,new
other types of housing benefit the community by providing sports park, a community center, additional city inspectors,
so-called"workforce housing"or housing for working and other services. The city needs to be proactive in
families that are just entering the market. The city needs to promoting expanded broadband services.
provide for all residents,giving special consideration to the
housing needs of special groups such as retirees, students, Future prosperity will also rely on the continued success of
rural residents, and low-to medium-income residents. institutions already
in place. The city
Beautification will promote Lyon
Without proper planning and regulating,many cities lose the College,UACCB,the
appeal they once had. Citizens want to beautify the city's White River Medical
entry ways and major corridors with landscaping and distinct Center, and other
welcoming signage. Entry ways are important because they i ! area institutions to
I
are a visitor's first impression of the city and help define the ensure their continued
city's identity. U.S. Highway 167 and the entrance to Lyon success.
College are important gateways in the city. Preservation of U of A Community College,,
IA a d�i i�„�• ,., ,
trees and open space are also important to a city with the
existing charm of Batesville. Not only is growth in
numbers important,
Streets but growth in quality
Citizens of Batesville believe the city should extend some is just as necessary.
streets and construct alternative routes in certain sections The city will workto better educate
of the city. They particularly cited east-west connectors its citizens and
and improved access to the medical complex. Ideas for encourage young
alleviating traffic included widening streets,adding lanes, adults to return to
ea Lyon College
constructing alternative routes such as the long-proposed the community after college. The city will support cultural
eastern bypass. programs such as the community orchestra, community
theater,art gallery,the Ozark Foothills FilmFest,and Old
Industrial Development Independence Regional Museum.
Industry is an important component of Batesville's economy.
Many citizens want the city to focus on improving and Land Use and Vacant Land
expanding existing industries before attempting to attract The following chart shows the existing land uses within the
new ones. Others support plans to attract smaller, cottage- city.About 40 percent of the land within the city is vacant,
size industries,biomass production industries, or aviation- much of it due to topography and floodplain. There are still
related industries. In promoting industrial development,the areas to be developed. Infill development in these areas will
city will support programs at UACCB and Lyon College that maximize the use of municipal utilities and services already
train students to work in Batesville's industries. in place. Vacant land that is not suitable for development
can be used as parkland, open space,or a nature reserve.
',jtiji,+,,(,iChP.mica1 Company Some in the community recommend that the city needs more
industrial land.
City of Batesville
Existing Land Use Study
Aggregate Data
9 7i%
r
a 61%
050%
`�j` �. OReetlonlial
BReemationul
:� .y�� ,�.�tj�a� ■IlKIiIWiUnel
Pubk
Dv
1A4:.
aunl �
..✓r -" .. 3.84% :Wal.
OStreet Right-of.Way
e
680%
4000%
231%
FutureFuel Chemical Company of Batesville
Prepa.d by Urban Raraang A.—I.ea,1.
Page 3
®IUR PLAN retail trade are important. The accompanying figure provides
an estimate of the city's retail trade area.
he following summarizes the approach for dealing
with the issues facing our community. The approach Batesville derives a great deal of its financial resources from
was developed by the planning commission with a households outside the city limits. In return,the city must
great deal of assistance from the following. obligate itself to provide basic traffic,water, and wastewater
services to allow the movement of people,goods and
- Individuals participating in public meetings and charrettes services within the planning area.
during the planning process.
- City staff. I-Iousing
- Other city commissions. In order to promote a healthy, diversified housing stock,the
city will revise its zoning codes to allow for higher densities,
- Other entities dealing with specific aspects of Batesville's zero lot line housing,loft apartments, and other varied and
growth and development. affordable options for working families,the elderly, students
low-to-moderate income residents,and people just entering
The ideas presented will remain fluid and flexible so as to the housing market.
meet future challenges swiftly. They are intended to drive
policy and not to regulate.
Infrastructure
All participants in the planning process agree that correction ;.
of the wastewater system must remain the top priority of the
city until it is resolved. The estimated costs of the most basic
solution to the wastewater problems ranged from $32 million • . . ' ' ' ' ' ' ' • '
to$45 million, a cost well beyond the current finances
of the city. Funding will require multiple sources and the
understanding of area residents that doing nothing is not an
option.
Resources
Since cities in Arkansas derive the majority of operating -
income from the Local Option Sales Tax, considerations of Batesville enjoys a rich historical tradition in housing.��77
Oxford E ahk l� flood Control
I
Batesville has experienced the devastation caused by the
sm,th,lle flooding of the White River and realizes the potential
Evening Shade �—
Mcl�boe me Y
_-, for future damage. The city now has updated floodplain
Lyih
delineations from FEMA and will increase efforts to control
• Mount Pkat- - , development in flood-prone areas.No building can occur
a Dyna 1" i
Go �, `tY� r �I within designated floodways.
hen , . Major construction outside floodways but within the
floodplain will be discouraged and controlled. Ideally,this
land will be designated for open-space,recreation,and light
B[esvllle'.M. f Id - 7,
�— construction that could withstand periodic flooding.
r�Tu kJerman
Ma� nrCCami /
Pb4R Downtown
Jt-a �a�k� P rt r-r -° In order to revitalize Downtown Batesville,the city will
OilTrough Newport I
strategically reframe its approach to the area. The city will
Pie
an s, =' Y support the collaboration and diversification of downtown
i.� businesses so that people are drawn to the area throughout
Xeber_Springs the day and evening. The city will aim to create functional
Weldon trails and linkages to downtown to increase pedestrian traffic
Pangburn gra ord Legend and reduce vehicular traffic. The city will also support
Letun Russ ii Persons per Square Mile higher densities around downtown and the construction of
-
0 2.5 5 Less than 2 additional housing in and around downtown.The city will
30
Batesville, Arkansas vM°es 2.0-14.9 restudy its zoning codes to reflect this strategy. The city will
Area Population 15.0-29.9
Retail Trade Area 43`imo1e,2000 _30.0-74.9 also promote public owned/leased parking facilities in the
-Above 75 downtown area to facilitate the transformation.
Trails Transportation
The city will develop a comprehensive trail system that The proposed transportation system appears as part of
includes sidewalks,bike trails, and bike lanes. They will the comprehensive plan map on the opposite side of this
link schools,major attractions,and community facilities. brochure. It recognizes the potential for an eastern bypass
Pedestrian access will help support the growth and as shown on the Arkansas Highway and Transportation
redevelopment of other key elements of this plan, such Department's 2006 Capacity Needs Map. This bypass would
as the downtown and the riverfront areas. The City will provide a beneficial impact on future industrial growth east
target trails in areas recommended by the community and of the city. The transportation plan also recognizes the need
city staff throughout the planning process and during its to improve street-connectivity within the city to allow better
implementation. fire and police protection.
The plan calls for additional streets serving the schools and
the medical complex. One will connect the Eagle Mountain
community with the school facilities on Pioneer Drive.
This facility has been a part of the adopted master street
plan for some time but has never been built.A second street
improvement is the connection of the south end of Jennings
Lane with the north end of Jennings Lane and continuing
across Harrison Street/Highway 69 to connect with 30th
Street and Neely Street.
1 - Another proposed street is a connection between Virginia
Drive/Hospital Circle and 20th Street. This will provide
better access to the medical center,a major asset of the
Batesville area.
Proposed trail along Pioneer Drive
The plan proposes upgrading 20th Street from its intersectior
Recreation with Pioneer Drive to Harrison Street/Highway 69 to a major
The city will create a comprehensive parks system plan that arterial-level street.
builds on existing assets in the community. The city's strategy
will be to combine all sports facilities into a centralized The planning commission will also study the possibility of
complex and disperse smaller parks,playgrounds, and an east-west connector between East Main Street/Highway
greenspaces in neighborhoods around the city. 223 at the Miller Creek Road intersection and Highway 69 in
the Sawmill Subdivision area.
When developing future parks,the city will consider the
recommendations expressed by the community during the The plan proposes a major traffic artery as part of the
planning process, including the need for a park on the west redevelopment of the existing Batesville Country Club golf
side of town,the creation of a community/recreation center, course property and would include upgrading Myers Avenue
and other recommendations. from U.S. 167 to 20th Street.
The city will also work to enhance the Poke Bayou and Beautification
riverfront areas with parks,trails,boat rentals, entertainment
venues,and other beneficial developments. Flood-prone The city will take a comprehensive approach to
beautification
areas will be recommended for lake impoundments. fication that considers signage, landscaping,
preservation, and other elements by creating new regulations.
One of the top needs identified by the public during the The city will combine stronger sign regulations with
planning process was to consolidate youth sports activities in landscaping and welcoming signage to enhance corridors
a unified location.This will remove the burden upon parents and gateways. Moreover, the city will develop landscaping
who have children in different activities at the same time. and tree preservation guidelines for new developments.
Planners identified three possible locations for a unified Community Facilities
sports complex. One exists in the floodplain of the White Planned community facilities appear on the plan map.These
River,another lies in the area along Miller Creek, and the include the new fire station and a long-range goal of a
third would involve expansion of the present sports complex special-needs firefighting facility at the airport.
in the north portion of the planning area.A fourth location
was removed from consideration because its proposed Batesville enjoys the benefits of a superior school system
location was in the floodway of the White River. that should be supported by the comprehensive plan. This
means, among other things, improving the transportation
The general locations of the proposed alternates are shown system to serve area schools. Such improvements will
on the plan map on the opposite page. include the proposed street connections shown herein.
The transportation system should include enhancing citizens. The planning commission will take this into account
opportunities for students to walk or ride bicycles to schools. when allocating land uses and commercial activities near
Thus the proposed trail system is designed to include schools municipal systems and adjacent to residential areas.
as points of destination and origin.
In addition, the city will make every attempt to document
locations of hazardous materials stored within the city.
The most effective method of doing this is through use of
business permits. This plan recommends the immediate
;F adoption of such a system in order to allow the fire and
police departments to monitor locations of specified
activities and materials.
owl Monitoring
The planning commission will monitor the provisions
The Batesville Regional Airport of this plan and make adjustments as necessary to carry
Public Safettj out or protect its provisions and intent.The city council
In addition to the normal considerations of police and fire will provide the planning commission the technical and
protection,the city must be aware of other safeguards to the professional support it needs to carry out this mission. In
public health and safety. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code addition,the planning commission will communicate with
is enacted by state statute and must be enforced by every staff, elected officials, other commissions, and the private
city. It is vital,therefore,that code enforcement activities be sector to remain aware of planning issues.
improved.
The provisions of the fire code extend to the design of
subdivision and multi-family complexes. The planning P '..
commission will,accordingly,take the provisions of the code
into account when reviewing subdivision plats.
In the future,the planning commission will insist on
complete and detailed drainage control features for any new
development,regardless of its size.No development may
be approved that, in the opinion of the City Engineer, will
contribute to problems of off-site drainage.
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, each city Source:Urhan P1,-irintng Associates,Inc
must remain aware of internal and external dangers to its Goal:To build upon the natural beauty and charm of Batesville.
Acknowledgements
Batesville Planning Commission
City of Batesville Carma Osborn,Chair
Rick Elumbaugh,Mayor Ronnie Hampton,Vice-Chair
David Shetron,Council Member Brian Langston,Secretary
Richard O'Neal,Council Member Ken Smith
Tommy Bryant,Council Member Steve Lewis
Fred Krug,Council Member Nina Womack
Davy Insell,Council Member Michael Fagan
Magarett Henley,Council Member Tommy Bryant,2005-2008
Matt McDonald,Council Member
Douglas Matthews,Council Member City Staff and Support
Trula Pectol,Council Member,2007-2008 Sue Skinner,Administrative Assistant
Paula Terrell,Council Member,2002-2008 Denise Johnston,City Clerk/Treasurer
R.L.Carpenter.Council Member, 1995-2008 Scott Stalker,City Attorney
Stephen Smart,Council Member,2005-2008 Danny Russell,Fire Chief
Damon Johnson,City Engineer
Planning Team Chad McClure,Code Enforcement Officer
Jim von Tungeln,AICP,President,Project Director Sanford St.John,Street Superintendent
Robert K.Middleton III,Co-Director Randy Palmer, Parks and Recreation
Jack Castin,Urban Planner/Designer
James Walden, Planner
Sarah Clark, Planner Adopted by the Planning Commission February 2,2009
•
Batesville ,
Arkansc
Comprehens *ive Plar
Proposed Land Use
- Downtown Medium Density Residential
- Commercial ® High Density Residential
Multiple Use Historic Residential
Public/Quasi-Public Industrial
Rural Density Residential Recreational
I
Low Density Residential Urban Reserve
Flood Hazard [Preliminary Data] Commerical Historic District
Floodplain .........n
i. �
City Limits
._.._.._..
Floodway
Points of Interest `
-a Government Building S College
x
F Fire Station t School
* Police Station + Museum
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® Hospital Park
Sewer Treatment Plant ttt Cemetery
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Street Classification
Principal Arterial Collector
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Disclaimer:
IX This plan is a general
land use outline and is not
1 intended to be site specific
nor to establish boundaries
for zoning districts.
300 Spring Building
Suite 703
Little Rock,AR
72201