Jonesboro City Council Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

The first meeting of the year for the Jonesboro City Council was held on January 13, 2026, featuring the election of officers, approval of routine administrative actions, and deliberation on several development and zoning proposals. The council affirmed its leadership and reviewed the minutes from the previous December meeting before moving through a series of preliminary subdivisions, conditional uses, rezoning requests, and fee waivers, culminating in an overview of ongoing land use planning efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Officers Elect: Lonnie was nominated to remain as Chair, with Kevin appointed as Co-Chair. The motion was voice-approved unanimously.
• Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting were approved without changes upon a motion by Zulper and second by Little.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cheryl Rogers: Representing herself and neighbors residing at 2815 Wood Street, Ms. Rogers expressed strong opposition to the rezoning of 2620 Alexander Drive from R1 to C3 General Commercial District. Her specific concerns included:
  • The potential impact on the residential neighborhood's character and safety due to general commercial use (noting a past rejection of a limited use overlay across the street).
  • Concerns regarding the "high-intensity" nature of traffic generated by the site's proximity to I-50/555.
  • Worries about the visual appearance and the type of business that might occupy the property, contrasting it with the existing "nice" commercial properties on Alexander Drive.
  • She questioned whether the rezoning truly aligns with projected open spaces and city plans, suggesting the general commercial designation does not adequately address neighborhood integration.

Discussion Items

• Orchard Phase Three Preliminary Subdivision (13.61 acres): Applicant Mark Morris presented a request for 43 lots. The City Staff noted the project meets all lot size and single-family zone requirements and recommended approval. Council approved the application.
• Twin Oaks Reserve Commercial Subdivision (17.23 acres): Applicant Brandon Wood requested final approval. Staff confirmed the project meets all requirements except for a sidewalk on the north side; however, a bond covers this deficiency, leading to a recommendation for approval. Council approved the application.
• HERC Rentals Conditional Use (2210 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive): John Easley, representing HERC Rentals, requested approval to construct a gravel storage area and parking lot for rental equipment in the I1 zone, following a variance granted by the BZA. Staff recommended approval based on permit requirements. Council approved the conditional use with stipulations.
• Residential Rezoning (1306 Charles Drive, R1 to RS7): Applicant Weston Wagner requested to rezone from R1 to RS7 to enable the construction of two single-family homes, citing a frontage width (105 feet) that does not meet the 60-foot R1 requirement but fits the 50-foot RS7 requirement. Staff recommended approval with conditions regarding engineering, stormwater, and site plan submission. The council noted a requirement to present to City Council before 10:00 AM Thursday for final city-level approval.
• Commercial Rezoning (2620 Alexander Drive, R1 to C3): Dustin White requested rezoning to align with the city's long-term land use plan, with no specific use proposed at this time.
  • Commissioner Deliberations: After public testimony from Ms. Rogers, Commissioners raised concerns about the lack of buffer and potential incompatible uses. Commissioner Denisulper clarified that general commercial use (C3) prohibits the council from restricting specific uses unless a Limited Use Overlay (LUO) is proposed. However, Commissioners noted existing codes (80% brick/masonry, landscaping, signage limits, and lighting) and the mandatory 25-foot setback from residential properties.
  • Stipulation: Commissioners proposed and the applicant agreed to a stipulation requiring the property owner to leave an untouched wooded buffer of 25 to 30 feet along the east and north sides (abutting residential properties). The applicant declined to table the request for a Limited Use Overlay proposal at this time.
• Sidewalk Fee Waiver (2210 MLK Boulevard): Applicant John Easley requested a "fee in lieu" based on actual R.Dots pricing for ongoing construction, rather than the standard rate. The City Planner noted the accepted price of $687.80 per square yard (totaling $4,816.43) matches current project bids on MLK. The motion was approved.
• Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update: The City Planner announced the hiring of a consultant for a comprehensive land use plan and master street plan update. Commissioners were asked to complete a provided survey via QR code/website link. Upcoming events include:
  • A public hearing on February 12th (5:00–7:00 PM at Earl Bill) for preliminary results.
  • A charrette session on March 1st at the OY (all-day event).

Key Outcomes

• Official Actions: The council unanimously elected Lonnie as Chair and Kevin as Co-Chair.
• Approvals Granted:
  1. Preliminary Subdivision: Orchard Phase Three (43 lots).
  2. Final Subdivision: Twin Oaks Reserve (17.23 acres) with bond for sidewalk deficiency.
  3. Conditional Use: HERC Rentals gravel storage and parking lot (approved with stipulations).
  4. Rezoning: 1306 Charles Drive (R1 to RS7) (subject to City Council agenda before Thursday 10 AM).
  5. Rezoning: 2620 Alexander Drive (R1 to C3) (approved with stipulation of 25-foot untouched wooded buffer on residential sides).
  6. Fee Waiver: Sidewalk in lieu fee approved for R.Dots project at $4,816.43.
• Next Steps: Commissioners are directed to submit feedback on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan survey; final City Council approval for the Charles Drive rezoning is required by Thursday at 10:00 AM.