The Historic District Commission approved a plan to build two long-term rental cabins straddling a creek on Mill Hollow Road.
At the Oct. 15 HDC meeting, David Clarke submitted an extensive packet of information, including site plans, floor plans, and elevations. The commissioners’ questions primarily focused on the layout of the cabins and the possibility of flooding. Clarke explained that the lowest finished floor will easily clear the 100-year flood levels, and that floor should be safe even at a 500-year flood level.
Clarke did not have any concerns for the level of the creek, and explained how foundations of the cabins would fit the site. On the side of the creek closer to the road, the building will be supported on piers to minimize impact on the creek bank.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment had already granted variances on parking, lot size, and setback requirements in April. Clarke said he expects to return to BOZA with a tree-cut application in November. He plans to construct the foundations for both cabins before the arrival of spring rains.
In other business:
- Commissioners approved an application to replace doors at St. James Church, at 28 Prospect Ave. Commissioner Debbie Davis noted that the church has a façade easement with the state, and asked if the doors had been approved. Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, agreed with the need for explicit approval from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.
Davis said she had no objection to the design of the wooden doors, but said, “We need to know the state has approved this.” Commissioners approved the doors, with the stipulation that the AHPP must also grant approval.
- An application for a fence at 12 Cliff St. was approved with one abstention.
- At the Oct. 1 HDC meeting, the commission had approved most aspects of a remodeling project at 20 Pine St. At that time, some commissioners had concerns about the location of a planned retaining wall. They asked for a site visit, and several commissioners have since looked over the property. They agreed with the need for a retaining wall, although final approval will depend on the owners coming back to the commission with a more detailed description.
- The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Level III applications were due Oct. 22, and Level II applications are due Oct. 29.