Monday, October 29 - UPDATE - Don’t allow the development of Mergeron Court on Markham across from Brady Elementary

This should not happen, period.

The additional traffic is not considered. The additional construction will also affect traffic. Traffic is bad enough where walking would be faster alreay.

It's simple: too many entrances directly onto Markham increase traffic accidents. And across from a elementary school, even more so!! Too much earth covered in pavement and roof tops increase flash flooding!!

This development is the last thing this city needs and will destroy the midtown area! This will become an eyesore and destroy a much needed green area in the city! Plus don't start on increased flooding danger!

NO TO THE DEVELOPMENT

Given the objection to this development is factual including "The developer has said his development will pave over most of this green space. No hydrological studies have been made." I can see no reason to think that the development by a high end contractor will have neighborhood/environmental/traffic safety impact as a priority. I would hope the Planning Commission Members would consider these arguments in their deliberation.

Traffic is already very bad on Markham, especially at certain times of the day. To increase that traffic, especially across from an elementary school is a very bad idea. Little Rock needs its green spaces as well, not more concrete. The water flow issues and creek need to be evaluated

Stop this development before it starts. Traffic congestion and destruction of green space are always accompanied by noise and air pollution. Protecting green space is a quality of life issue for all of us in Little Rock.

LR must balance new development with the city's existing infrastructure and budget, which isn't adequate for expanding drainage systems and handling additional road traffic.

You had me at “no hydrological studies have been done.” I’m in.

This development will be a real detriment to the community.

I was listening to the City Hall live broadcast when they were debating the addition of new homes near the Target on Markham. While there was opposition, (many of the arguments were similar to what is listed here, bar one) the measure was not prevented. One of the council members stated that it would negatively impact existing property value on nearby older homes, but that the new development was a necessity of area doctors and other potential residents. With that said, the measure did pass. This will be a second new home construction initiative in the vicinity. I have neighbors who have not been able to sell their older homes. With the addition of new homes, that is going to impact older homes all the more. They are having to redo a part of the street off Markham to accommodate turning where the new homes will be built. This is a tough battle and one that I have fought myself in the not so distant past. It was very difficult to make City Hall see anything other than the potential for new revenue. If you build new homes beside old ones...will new buyers be more interested in the new or the old? Further, what is the pricing range for the new homes? Are they low income? Gentrification efforts come at a high cost to those who already live in the area. Further, low new home prices could drastically hurt homeowners who cannot sell their houses now. Is this project really necessary? What research shows their is a need for more housing? We have plenty of empty homes and not a lot of buyers.

Listen to the wise parents please. Thank you

I am opposed to this.

I do not want this development to be approved!! It would have a profoundly negative impact on my Wingate neighbors.

Not opposed to appropriate development; when neighbors raise concerns, it should not be taken as an attack, but should be taken as something to work through so that it is a win win. I certainly would not want to buy a home only to have it flood!

William, if you live in Midtown and are not on Nextdoor.com, join. This is a neighborhood networking site which we use to post updates, organize, and communicate in this fight. Please call and/or email all the Planning Commission members to let them know you object. And most importantly, plan to attend the rescheduled hearing November 1. We want to turn out a lot of people to show how unpopular this is. Thank you for your support! Catherine Johnson [email protected]

Janice, the Wingate and Kaylin Hills neighborhoods are directly adjacent to the lot in question and are fighting this together with several other neighborhoods in Midtown, including Leawood, Briarwood, Plaza Heights, and University Park. We have fought similar developments in the past and have won, but you are right - a large amount of community opposition is key. It's especially important that we turn out large numbers to the November 1 hearing, and also that Planning Commission members get a flood of calls and emails about this. We plan to take very active measure to fight this, and I know I plan to do what I can to keep the energy going! Thank you so much for your support - please spread the word and attend the hearing if you can! Catherine Johnson [email protected]

Thanks, Janice! Yes, I believe several people have been in touch with Capi. This will be heard by the Planning Commission, and probably NOT by the City Board (updates on that to follow once we get official word), so it's very important to reach out to all the Planning Commission members. They will be the ones deciding this.

You can also contact Capi Peck. She is ward director for ward 4 which covers this area. Everyone send her an email and let her know that we want to KEEP IT GREEN!!!!!! [email protected]