Bentonville to Review Rezoning Proposal for Greenhouse Road Development
The Bentonville Planning Commission is preparing to review a rezoning request for a 7.99-acre property at the corner of Greenhouse Road and Southwest Regional Airport Boulevard during its November 19 meeting. The applicant, Greenhouse-Highway 12 LLC, represented by Hope Consulting, seeks to rezone the land from A-1 (Agriculture) to C-2 (General Commercial), setting the stage for the development of restaurants, gas stations, and similar commercial ventures.
Transforming Open Space into Commercial Hub
Currently designated as open space, the property is undeveloped but strategically located with "very good visibility and site distance," according to the applicant. If approved, the rezoning would extend an already partially C-2-zoned area, complementing nearby commercial parcels to the south and southeast.
The project plans include splitting the property into smaller lots while maintaining "cross access easements" to reduce traffic disruptions on Southwest Regional Airport Boulevard and Greenhouse Road. Additionally, the site is equipped with key infrastructure, including "a 12-inch water main and 8-inch sewer main," with planned sewer extensions to serve the new lots.
Balancing Growth with Community Plans
While the request does not align with the city’s Future Land Use Map, which designates the area as open space, city staff note that the rezoning would support Bentonville's "edge growth" strategy. This strategy encourages development near existing infrastructure to maximize municipal investments.
The proposed C-2 zoning classification is designed to accommodate businesses that serve both local residents and highway travelers. Staff acknowledges that the request is "in harmony with the surrounding development" and recommends approval if the Planning Commission also amends the Future Land Use Map to reflect the zoning change.
No Public Objections So Far
At the time of reporting, no public comments had been received regarding the project. The property is surrounded by a mix of residential zoning, including low, medium, and high-density developments, suggesting potential for synergy between the proposed commercial uses and nearby neighborhoods.
A Key Decision for Bentonville’s Development
The upcoming decision by the Planning Commission could signal a significant shift for the area. Approval would bring new commercial amenities to a high-traffic corridor, while rejection or deferral would preserve the current agricultural and open space designation.
The project’s outcome will highlight Bentonville’s approach to balancing its expanding commercial footprint with long-term land-use priorities, making it a key moment in the city’s development narrative.
