Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission Meeting - October 13, 2026

The City of Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to consider subdivision plats and a rezoning request. The meeting included unanimous approval of three plats and a denial of a rezoning after significant public opposition and commissioner concerns.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the September 22, 2026 meeting were approved as submitted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the rezoning request (RZ26-16) at 2732 North Church:
  • Sarah Bef Cook (2915 North Culber House) opposed the rezoning, stating the proposal is vague, inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, and a safety concern due to proximity to Math and Science Elementary School. She also noted the lack of a neighborhood meeting.
  • Ethan Broadway (2816 North Church Street) opposed, arguing that no commercial business has succeeded in the area and that the rezoning would create traffic and safety issues.
  • Lisa Turner Long (2728 North Church) opposed, raising concerns about increased traffic during school pickup times and the potential for liquor sales near children.
  • Sherry Arnder (2704 North Church) opposed, expressing worry about children's safety and the appropriateness of a C3 general commercial zone near a school.

Discussion Items

• Final Plat – Orchard Phase 3 (43 lots on Woody Knoll Drive and Orchard Pass Drive): Proponent Mark Morrison reported that asphalt is complete and the bond is pending. Staff recommended approval. Motion by Commissioner Bailey, seconded by Commissioner Sofer, carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Styling–Yes, Bailey–Yes, Pointer–Yes, Cooper–Yes, Little–Yes, Sofer–Yes).
• Preliminary Plat – The Landing Subdivision Phase One (53 lots on 21.55 acres at Southwest Drive and Tarmac Parkway): Proponent Jeremy Beville (Craft & Toll) stated all city comments were addressed. Staff recommended approval. Motion by Commissioner Styling, seconded by Commissioner Sofer, carried unanimously (Styling–Yes, Bailey–Yes, Pointer–Yes, Cooper–Yes, Little–Yes, Sofer–Yes).
• Preliminary Plat – First Replat of Block E, Southern Hills (8 lots in PDM zoning on 20.2 acres at Southern Creek Lane and Southern Ridge Boulevard): Proponent Jeremy Beville noted the plat creates six commercial lots. Discussion focused on lot layout and shared ingress/egress. Staff recommended approval after a resubmittal showing required driveway access. Motion to approve carried unanimously (Styling–Yes, Bailey–Yes, Pointer–Yes, Cooper–Yes, Little–Yes, Sofer–Yes).
• Rezoning Request RZ26-16 (2732 North Church, from R1 to C3 General Commercial, 1.4 acres):
  • Proponent: George Hammond stated the client owns adjacent C3 property and wants to expand. A letter was provided to keep the school's access open, and the applicant offered to make it a stipulation in the ordinance. Potential uses include an ATM and butcher shop.
  • Staff: Recommended approval with stipulations including that the school access must remain open and that all city engineering and site plan requirements be satisfied. Staff noted the access is not a recorded easement.
  • Commissioner Deliberation: Multiple commissioners expressed concern that the school access was not guaranteed beyond the current owner. One commissioner indicated he would not vote for it without a recorded easement. Another noted the access road appears misidentified on maps.

Key Outcomes

• The minutes, Final Plat (Orchard Phase 3), Preliminary Plat (The Landing), and Preliminary Plat (Southern Hills Replat) were all approved unanimously.
• Rezoning RZ26-16: Motion to approve by Commissioner Little; roll call vote: Styling–No, Bailey–No, Pointer–No, Cooper–No, Little–Yes, Sofer–No. The motion failed, and the rezoning did not receive a favorable recommendation from the commission.
• The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting on October 27, 2026, will include a presentation of the comprehensive growth plan and master street plan.