Alexander Master Development Plan won't be approved until 2025

Alexander must now wait until early 2025 for Little Rock's final approval on its proposed Master Development Plan submitted in April 2023. Releasing Alexander of a requirement by Little Rock to write the plan will require approval of a new contract between Alexander and the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA).

During the planning commission's July 9 meeting, Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck reported receiving an E-mail, from LRWRA by way of a local developer, that provides an update on the future of the Master Development Plan. Currently, Alexander City Attorney Chris Madison is working with an LRWRA attorney to write a new contract between Alexander and the LRWRA, which provides sewer service to the Pulaski County area of the city.

The current contract, approved in 2018, required Alexander to develop a new zoning ordinance and a new master plan. The new zoning ordinance was passed in 2019 replacing zoning regulations that had been in effect since 1982. This new master plan will also replace a plan that was approved in 1982.

According to the E-mail, "Once they are complete the agreement documents will have to go to our commission (LRWRA) for approval. At the earliest, it would go to our commission at the January 17th commission meeting. Once our commission approves of the agreement, it must go to the City of Little Rock BOD (Board of Directors) for approval."

At the same time the Alexander City Council must approve the contract. Once both sides sign the contract the Master Development Plan can go to the planning commission and city council for final approval.

The Master Development Plan will be used by current and future city leaders to act as a guide concerning residential and commercial growth in the City of Alexander. The plan was developed through surveys and public meetings.

Also during the July 9 planning commission meeting:

Planning commission members discussed proposals to amend zoning regulations by adding a sentence to the definition of "Recreational Vehicle" to make clear that an RV cannot be used as a residence and to remove the term "Duplex (site-built)" in reference to the zoning category "Mixed-Use Residential District (R-2. MU)." A proposed ordinance was given to City Attorney Chris Madison to review and edit before being presented to the city council for approval.

Removing "Duplex (site-built)" from the R-2. MU zone will grandfather two parcels. One in north Alexander at 13518 3rd St. (Hwy 111) and in south Alexander at 15405 S. Alexander Road.