Due to the lack of a quorum, the El Dorado Planning and Zoning Commission was not able to take action on a variance request that was presented earlier this week for a proposed project at a local apartment complex.
The EPZC could not vote on any applicable items on its May 17 agenda but commissioners asked plenty of questions about the scope of work that is planned for Terrace Villa Apartments, 105 Kimberly Circle.
Chris Drake and Allison Keith, of Chris and Molly Properties, LLC, based in Columbia County, presented a variance request to convert tennis courts on the Terrace Villa property into a space for storage units.
The tennis courts are adjacent to Apartment Building 6 on the east side of the property near the end of Meadow Lane.
The EPZC convened a public hearing about the matter May 17 and commission chairman Kelly Halstead said she had not received any phone calls or emails opposing the petition.
No comments in favor or against the project were voiced during the public hearing.
Petitioners Drake and Keith were the only audience members and commissioners who were present included Halstead, Janice Long and Devin Patterson.
Keith explained that the old Terrace Villa tennis courts are not in use and Chris and Molly is looking to install 42 metal storage units in the space.
"There's already an existing pad," Keith said, adding that the work is expected to take 90 days and will be performed by a Benton contractor and overseen by a project manager in Crossett.
She also told commissioners that the units will match the brown and tan color scheme of the apartment complex.
Halstead asked if Chris and Molly had discussed the proposed project with residents in the area and Keith said no.
The EPZC chairman also inquired about the need for the storage units.
"We just want to be able to provide storage units to the residents and the neighboring townhouses and we've had people ask before they move in," Keith said.
In response to a question by Patterson, Keith said the units will also be open to the general public.
Halstead asked about security measures and Drake said flood lights and security/surveillance cameras will be installed.
An existing eight-foot fence that encloses the tennis courts will be removed, he said.
"Will the lights affect neighboring properties?" Halstead pressed.
"They will not be right out front and they will shine straight down," Drake said.
Halstead said she will check with City Attorney Henry Kinslow to see if commissioners who were unable to attend the meeting could ask questions, make comments, voice any concerns and vote on the request via email.