The residents of southeastern North Little Rock continue to await a final decision on a significant rezoning request that could change the landscape of their community. The proposed rezoning of nearly 837 acres surrounding U.S. 165, near the Scott community, has sparked concerns among local homeowners, who fear that industrial development could disrupt their neighborhoods.
The land in question, purchased by Tyler Investments Inc. in May, has become the center of a contentious debate. The firm acquired over 1,700 acres in the Willow Beach area, though only about 1,250 acres are considered “usable,” according to Brooks McRae, a broker at McKimmey Associates Realtors and local representative for Tyler Investments. The firm is seeking to rezone the area from commercial and residential use to light industrial zones, which would allow for various operations, including animal care facilities, fueling stations, and automobile repair shops.
However, the proposed rezoning has raised alarms among residents of nearby communities such as Willow Beach, Cypress Crossing, Stone Links, and Ashley Downs. Their concerns culminated in a request to the city’s planning commission to postpone a final recommendation on the rezoning until more information could be provided and further discussions held.
The fears of the residents were compounded by rumors that the rezoning could pave the way for crypto mining operations, a concern quickly addressed by the planning commission. “Data mining is not currently a permitted use within the city’s zoning ordinance,” said commission chairman Norman Clifton during Tuesday’s meeting. He clarified that any proposal to develop crypto or data mines would require a detailed Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning request, which Tyler Investments had not submitted.
Despite assurances from Tyler Investments that data mining is not part of their plans, the unease among residents remains palpable. “We have been forthright with the nearby HOAs,” McRae stated, reiterating that data mining was never contemplated and that the firm’s current focus is on potential residential development.
The delay in the rezoning decision stems from the planning commission’s vote to postpone the final recommendation until September 10. This decision allows Tyler Investments time to engage with the concerned homeowners and explore possible compromises. “We will make every assurance to the community and the neighborhood that there is no Bitcoin planned in our intent—we would restrict it if possible—so I want to alleviate that concern,” McRae assured the commission.
Residents, however, remain skeptical of the potential industrialization of their neighborhoods. Stephen Hart, president of the Cypress Crossing Homeowners Association, voiced his concerns, arguing that industrial development could hinder the growth of residential areas. “North Little Rock has plenty of industrial parts, and anywhere around that industrial—the neighborhoods—have not grown,” he said, advocating instead for residential and commercial development to attract families.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are two recent Arkansas state laws, Senate Bill 78 and Senate Bill 79, which impact local regulations on crypto mining. These laws permit localities to impose noise regulations on crypto mining operations and require digital asset mining businesses to obtain valid permits. However, with the rezoning decision still pending, the application of these laws remains uncertain.
The outcome of the rezoning request will have significant implications for the future of the Scott community and its neighboring areas. As the city grapples with balancing development and community concerns, residents and developers alike are watching closely, aware that the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the region for years to come.
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