Texarkana Arkansas Planning Commission Meeting Summary for July 14, 2026

The Texarkana Arkansas Planning Commission met on July 14, 2026, with six members present (Stephen Cross, Anita Pickett, Jason Dupree, Dr. Hickerson, Chris Owens, Corey Mobbs) and one absence (Chairman Neal), establishing a quorum. The meeting addressed three rezoning requests and one conditional use permit application. All actions were approved unanimously and, except for the conditional use permit, will be forwarded to the Board of Directors.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 (Sandra Suman rezoning to A1): Sandra Suman, the property owner, spoke in favor, stating she wanted more options to develop the property for personal use (garden, barn, eventual home). Two people opposed the request: one adjacent property owner expressed concern about storage use without residence, and another cited his own property plans but did not elaborate.
• Item 5 (Gary Davis rezoning to C1 for funeral home): Lou Santa, owner of an adjacent property, initially expressed concern but clarified after discussion that she had no objection, noting the rezoning would only affect the specific parcel (1401 Dudley).
• Item 6 (Raymond Paul Taylor conditional use permit for cattle): Raymond Taylor, the requester, spoke in favor, explaining he wants four calves as pets and that his grandson (almost 19) will help care for them; a fence permit has been obtained. Greg Schumate, a neighbor, spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the grandson's driving, noise, lack of water for cattle, and potential for additional animals. Taylor countered that the disagreement stems from a fence and tree dispute.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (Eric McCoy rezoning from R4/C3 to residential): The property, located at Beach and MLK Parkway, consists of three lots (two commercial, one residential). The requester was absent but had discussed wanting to build a single-family home. Staff noted R4 allows duplexes/triplexes. A commissioner recommended R2 (single-family only) to match the intent. The motion was amended to R2.
• Item 4 (Sandra Suman rezoning from R1 to A1): The 20.71-acre parcel is at 6600 Sugar Hill corner of I-30. Staff explained A1 allows limited mixed uses like corn mazes or wedding venues; the owner wants to develop personal storage/barn before building a home. Staff noted most of the property is in a flood zone.
• Item 5 (Gary Davis rezoning from O1 to C1 for funeral home): The property at 1401 Dudley is currently vacant (formerly a dentist office). Staff clarified the funeral home is not a crematorium (a separate facility on East Street). The requester was not present, but the owner's estate signed the form.
• Item 6 (Raymond Paul Taylor conditional use permit for cattle): The 6-acre parcel on Rocky Creek Road is zoned R1. Under current rules, one animal per acre is allowed (max 6). The request is for four calves as pets. Discussion focused on land use suitability, neighbor disputes, and enforcement of conditions. Commissioners emphasized the permit is limited to four cows and goes with the property (lapses after six months of non-use).

Key Outcomes

• Item 3: Motion to rezone to R2 passed unanimously (6-0). Will go to the Board of Directors meeting on August 3, 2026.
• Item 4: Motion to rezone to A1 passed unanimously (6-0). Will go to the Board of Directors meeting on August 3, 2026.
• Item 5: Motion to rezone to C1 passed unanimously (6-0). Will go to the Board of Directors meeting on August 3, 2026.
• Item 6: Motion to approve a conditional use permit for up to four cows on the property passed unanimously (6-0). This decision is final and does not require Board approval.