Texas County Arkansas Planning Commission Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Texas County Arkansas Planning Commission held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, with Chairman Neal presiding. Commissioners Pickett, Dr. Hickerson, Owens, and Mobbs were present; DuPri and Thomas were absent. The agenda included adoption of minutes, two ordinance revisions, two major conditional use permits, and one rezoning. Public testimony highlighted strong public debate, particularly around the two conditional use permits.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2 – Minutes: Unanimously adopted the summarized minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting.
• Item 3 – Accessory Structures: Unanimously approved a revision to Section 50146 to allow accessory structures (e.g., detached garages, pools, gazebos) in side yards, per staff recommendation.
• Item 4 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Unanimously approved a revision to allow ADUs in side yards, requiring them to meet the same principal setbacks as the main structure, consistent with state guidance.
• Item 6 – Rezoning (Flying J): Unanimously approved the rezoning of the Flying J truck stop from legally non-conforming to the Mixed Use Highway zone to allow potential expansion.

Discussion Items & Public Testimony

Item 5: Conditional Use Permit – Boarding House (Pathway to Higher Dimension)

• Applicant Position: Applicant George Jefferson (Hedrill Jefferson, Malachi Group Trust) proposed operating a faith-based transitional housing program for up to 24 men reintegrating from incarceration at the former Ritz Motel (1415 East Broad). He emphasized the program’s structure, including job training, life skills, no sex offenders, and 24/7 staffing, and stated it meets a critical need for the state.
• Public Testimony: Taronsela Hines Flowers questioned access to recreation and fresh food in the area, calling the location desolate.
• Commission Deliberation: Building official Jamie clarified the need for a CUP due to capacity (25 state approved versus 16 local limit for other home types) and strict state oversight. Concerns included fencing, proximity to Arkansas High School, property security, and the lack of a completed state application.
• Vote: 3 in favor (Pickett, Hickerson, Owens), 2 opposed (Mobbs, Chairman Neal). The chair initially stated the motion passed but corrected himself, ruling that a majority of the full board (4 votes) was required. Motion Failed. The conditional use permit was denied.
• Next Steps: Mr. Jefferson was informed he could appeal the decision to the Board of Directors in writing within 10 days.

Item 7: Conditional Use Permit – Duplexes on East Street

• Applicant Position: JC (Ford Battle Investments) requested a CUP for five duplexes on 5 acres at 341 East Street in a C3 zone. He argued the project addresses the city’s critical lack of diverse housing and helps retain growth on the Arkansas side. Property managers from Tri-State Realty clarified the units will be market rate (approx. $1,000/month), not Section 8, with strict screening and property management standards.
• Public Testimony (Opposition): Several neighbors and property owners raised concerns. Taronsela Hines Flowers cited lack of community resources. Leah Collie expressed fears of property devaluation and transient turnover. Jerry Rhodes highlighted the rural character, liability from ponds and creeks, and significant neighborhood opposition. Karen Rhodes read a statement from Mary Clayton voicing concerns for elderly residents’ peace and quiet. Doyle Holmes restated his opposition.
• Public Testimony (Support/Mixed): George Jefferson (applicant from Item 5) cautioned the commission against decisions that could be construed as redlining or discrimination based on income, stating that 70% of county residents cannot afford higher rents but deserve quality housing. Tracy Harris, whose family borders the property, stated a sale fell through due to the uncertainty but expressed understanding of both sides. Colin Coon noted C3 zoning already permits less desirable uses (e.g., bars, RV parks), making duplexes a compatible fit.
• Commission Deliberation: Chairman Neal clarified decisions are based on land use, not prejudice. Infrastructure concerns (septic, water pressure) and the impact of multifamily density on a rural setting were debated.
• Vote: 4 in favor (Hickerson, Owens, Mobbs, Chairman Neal), 1 opposed (Pickett). Motion Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent items (Minutes, Side Yard Accessory Structures, Side Yard ADUs), Rezoning of Flying J (Item 6), and Conditional Use Permit for duplexes at 341 East Street (Item 7).
• Denied: Conditional Use Permit for the boarding house/transitional housing at the Ritz Motel (Item 5). Applicant granted a 10-day window to appeal to the Board of Directors.