Proposed commercial development at Hwy 5 and Alexander Rd. closer to reality

Plans to build a convenience store/gas station and convert the former funeral home into a medical marijuana dispensary took major steps forward this past week. The Alexander Planning Commission is recommending the city council approve the preliminary plat for the development, while property owner Griffin Leggett, Inc. and Natural State Medical Group have come to terms to purchase the property.

Timothy Daiters, of White-Daters Engineering in Little Rock, presented a preliminary plat to members of the Alexander Planning Commission at their regular meeting Tuesday, October 8. The plat will essentially divide the property in half with Natural State Medical Group selling the eastern portion to the developer.

In an e-mail received Friday Dr. James Adametz said, “It appears that everything is moving forward for us to buy the land and locate in Alexander.”

In September Natural State Medical Group was approved for its license by the State of Arkansas. After finalizing the purchase the group will remodel the interior of the existing former funeral home.

The preliminary plat shows the proposed convenience store on Lot 1
and the former funeral home on Lot 2.

The plat (above) shows both driveways, for the existing parking lot, will remain. The driveway nearest the intersection of Highway 5 and Alexander Road, however, will be improved and included in the development’s layout. The plat also shows a driveway providing access between both businesses.

The design of the building includes room for expansion. Daiters explained the room for an addition is there if someone wants to put in a fast-food restaurant.

Speaking of business, it was first thought a Circle K would be built but Daiters said the developer owns both Circle Ks and Casey’s Country Stores. Considering this part of Arkansas has neither Alexander could be the first in this area to have either a Circle K or Casey’s Country Store.

The preliminary plat will be presented to the city council at the October 21 meeting. Considering the thumbs up given by the planning commission the proposal is expected to pass.