[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6133489,"mediaKeyId","5700952-93daf8253ba39ab6863f4ba542556574","parentId",5700952,"title","Petitioner seeks rezoning for three‑unit ‘barndominium’ on West Park; no public opposition at hearing","audioSeconds",54,"startMs",0,"endMs",54000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700952-93daf8253ba39ab6863f4ba542556574&start=0&end=54","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700952-93daf8253ba39ab6863f4ba542556574/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6133489/Arkansas/Petitioner-seeks-rezoning-for-threeunit-barndominium-on-West-Park-no-public-opposition-at-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6133489-f9700ce4fc9ea968c313ac77f0c22bcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775030171&Signature=UFydn7c67QAQj4RVqY20sfVBSwuEHAXmDljYEqQzOLJEObDWQe6LMO5P3xIsCvGGCnUOXvsV~Xb2wwdEQ3GzVQuJG7gBJnp3Ez2inQqd-~RYoR3C0JqGTt9cl88yt2lHcOujiE5H~pzWdbwcUgQUx6B4Z-WPPH5gR2lnJFcRUPWhEQioMpPgenyEJmtQ3tB9w-ZXHBH59QGVFG9RzfPUPq1P-3HV-nLNh1FF2PNGzZhSjzR40z2GojQLLfxP5hkGQCjM5Sh302kIhpKPdzto2CBC9hZoMh2NdxsRLgKhi--3PDHzvGa5BWnzq2p7pp5xWpXZgEtCnfFB~8OL8duFAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Helena-West Helena","date","2025-06-18T11:15:50Z","article","A petitioner identified as Jordan asked the hearing body to rezone a two‑block area near the 500 block of West Park so he could build a single‑story, three‑unit apartment classified as a triplex. Jordan described the planned structure as a ‘‘barndominium’’ — a metal, conditioned‑envelope building — and said it would be constructed to meet residential and handicap‑accessibility building codes.

Jordan said, “What we’re proposing is a, a 3 unit apartment building. It’s classified as a triplex.” He added, “The terminology I just used was barndominium,” and described the building as “basically a metal structure, condition envelope building.”

The petition seeks rezoning from R‑2 to R‑3 covering a two‑block radius bounded by Park, Baringo, Russell and Sam streets, Jordan said. He told the hearing the rezoning is a prerequisite: the special‑use permit needed to authorize a multi‑dwelling cannot be sought until the property is rezoned and the matter goes through the planning commission and city council.

A hearing officer confirmed the petition had been publicly noticed; staff told the hearing that no members of the public had registered opposition. The officer said the petition would be submitted to the city council for further consideration. The hearing record indicates the petitioner believes the change would allow multi‑family dwellings in the area near West Side School and several existing multi‑unit buildings.

Jordan also referenced recent state legislation in the course of the discussion, saying he had sent materials about ‘‘Act 313’’ to city staff; the hearing record shows no substantive legal determination was made at the public hearing itself. The petitioner stated the project address as the 500 block of West Park and said a similar structure he built previously was the Masonic Lodge in West Helena.

No motion or council vote occurred at the hearing. City staff reiterated that rezoning is a separate process and that, if the council approves rezoning, the petitioner would then pursue required special‑use and permitting steps.

The hearing concluded after staff recorded the absence of public opposition and noted the item will be taken up by the city council for later action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Helena-West Helena City Council Meeting - June 17, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","A petitioner identified as Jordan asked the hearing body to rezone a two‑block area near the 500 block of West Park so he could build a single‑story, three‑unit apartment classified as a triplex.","taxTitle","Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas","taxId",80580,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6133485,"Public hearing on annexing unincorporated ‘islands’ draws divided comments; no council action expected tonight",207,1161000,1368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700952-93daf8253ba39ab6863f4ba542556574&start=1161&end=1368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700952-93daf8253ba39ab6863f4ba542556574/thumbnail_1161000.jpg","/articles/6133485/Arkansas/Public-hearing-on-annexing-unincorporated-islands-draws-divided-comments-no-council-action-expected-tonight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6133485-ec70b0a64b41e366a0679ac0de5e2a7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775030171&Signature=Qu2Ge-mdMjuCmgPx94JaNQYxZra7FBQw8zngVf0rfefNQrizdxHMF3FICSVD0V61ttygWnfCeZIEDaYcb3KSFQztzaKDqFwKLjKs44PBccfCE0yJBXMSD3NH1JdtSGK-LmJHS2hDVXLjyocsH0ySXN-H3Etr5JUWyVeOEd04tpcTO59GKVUhk28hdogfwNGmMqGYhyadgmn63dHdTJTqd5e8eva1jRToDo5PjN2Plp1tDaXDy9LtJKY7AOY4sBH766~4H9ePUQblmQUKKns9azu5Rv5voUD0YYJLkBfJvF52ar1O5J6AGnOEu9HVn~GvLVxEBgKgL6J4giV7CKwjXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public hearing on proposed annexation of several unincorporated ‘‘islands’’ surrounded by city limits drew speakers on both sides of the issue, with testimony focused on taxes, municipal services, law enforcement authority and property‑use restrictions.

A speaker who identified themselves as a resident speaking in favor said annexation is ‘‘a matter of fundamental fairness’’ because island residents often receive some city services without paying city taxes. The resident argued annexation would improve public safety and neighborhood appearance, and asked the council to vote in the best interests of current city residents.

Opponents — including property owners and business representatives — said many island parcels lack full city services and that bringing them into the city would impose substantial costs. Chris Anderson of Sunridge Drive, speaking for himself and the Hellman Country Club, said ‘‘there are places that have some city services’’ but that many island properties do not and that installing and maintaining infrastructure such as sewer pumping stations could be costly. West Orner, representing Porter Realty Company, said the company does not use city services and that annexation would be economically detrimental to the business.

Several rural property owners said they purchased land in the county to farm, keep livestock and maintain a rural lifestyle. David Marwin described owning 40 acres and asked rhetorically, ‘‘I’ve got 300 roosters. Where do I put them?’’ illustrating residents’ concern that city regulations would limit longstanding agricultural uses. Others, including Tracy Griffin and Caitlin Griffin of Griffin Valley, said they rely on private maintenance for roads, ditches and landscaping and do not want city oversight.

Speakers also raised public‑safety and legal process concerns. The hearing record includes statements that there is no memorandum of understanding allowing pursuit by city police into county territory and that city staff had not proposed an ordinance at this meeting; staff said no council action was expected tonight. One staff member noted state law allows municipalities certain regulatory reach (a five‑mile radius was referenced by staff), but no ordinance or binding change was adopted during the hearing.

The hearing concluded after public comment; city staff recorded the divided testimony and said the matter will be considered by the city council at a later date. No ordinance was introduced or voted on during the meeting.","Residents and property owners gave mixed testimony for and against annexation of several unincorporated ‘islands’ surrounded by the city, citing fairness, public safety, taxes, sewer costs and rural lifestyle. City staff said no ordinance or council action was anticipated at this meeting; the hearing record will be forwarded for council review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Petitioner seeks rezoning for three‑unit ‘barndominium’ on West Park; no public opposition at hearing

Public hearing on annexing unincorporated ‘islands’ draws divided comments; no council action expected tonight