Waiver for Pedestrian Accommodations at 504 Memorial Drive

At the September 9, 2024, meeting, the Bella Vista Planning Commission approved a waiver request related to the installation of pedestrian accommodations at 504 Memorial Drive, the site of the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. The waiver, which was presented by Planner Workman, allows for the installation of pedestrian paths on the opposite side of Memorial Drive instead of adjacent to the chapel. This decision was made with a condition that pedestrians must still be able to safely access the chapel through a crossing.

The waiver request was part of a large-scale development (LSD-2024-54538) for the chapel's expansion, and it sparked significant discussion among commission members. One of the key issues raised by Mr. Farner was the length of the pedestrian accommodations. Planner Workman clarified that the planned accommodation would span 771 feet on the east side and 749 feet on the west side of Memorial Drive.

Chairman Ellis raised concerns about the nature of the waiver, asking, "The waiver we are being asked to approve is a partial waiver, they are providing pedestrian accommodations on the opposite side of the road, instead of on their side of the road?" Planner Workman confirmed this, and Ms. Robertson added that the waiver would be approved only if the accommodations were made on the opposite side, with a safe crossing in place.

Representing the chapel’s Board of Directors, Chuck Bell of Bell Construction Solutions expressed concerns over the financial burden of constructing the sidewalk. “We are going to have to go with the complete waiver without the sidewalk or we just won’t be able to do the project,” Bell said, indicating that the chapel may not be able to proceed with its development plans if the full accommodation requirements were enforced.

In the end, the Planning Commission voted 5–2 in favor of approving the waiver. Supporters of the waiver, including Mr. Farner and Mr. Sedberry, argued that it struck a balance between safety and practicality for the development. However, Ms. Duell and Chairman Ellis voted against the motion, citing concerns about pedestrian safety and the long-term impact of not having sidewalks directly adjacent to the chapel.

The decision to approve the waiver allows the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel to move forward with its development plans while ensuring that pedestrians can safely access the site, albeit from the opposite side of the road.