Centerton Planning Commission Recap, July 15, 2025

As your trusted Centerton Real Estate expert, I make it a priority to attend every Planning Commission and City Council meeting, keeping my clients and community informed on decisions that shape our growing city. Here's your detailed recap of this past Tuesday’s Centerton Planning Commission meeting — and let me tell you, it was a dense one.

Quick Housekeeping

The meeting kicked off with roll call, all commissioners present, and approval of the prior meeting's minutes from July 1, 2025. Administrative approvals were then ratified without objection, including:

• Gengler Enterprises (311 Cisterna Dr) — approved for home office use.

• Natural State Sourdough Micro-Bakery (701 Melrose Pl) — approved as a home occupation.

• Centerton Commons Tract Split (11301 W AR 72) — officially divided into two tracts, enabling future commercial developments.

Old Business

No old business was on the docket, so the Commission moved swiftly into new business.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Public Hearing: Rezoning Request REZ25-06 — Keystone Group, LLC

This was a significant discussion. The Keystone Group petitioned to rezone 11.04 acres just north of Seba Rd, west of the Latter-day Saints Church, from Agricultural (A-1) to R3-Single Family Residential (R3-SF).

Applicant Overview

Dustin Riley from CEI Engineering presented on behalf of Keystone Group, citing that the requested zoning aligns with adjacent developments — North 40, Brier Rose, and Bington Place subdivisions — which are all R3-SF. Infrastructure such as water and sewer connections are accessible, though some extension would be needed.

City Planning Review

City staff supported the rezoning, citing consistency with the Growth Accommodation Plan. The parcel fits within Node 3, designated for low to medium-density residential infill — precisely where R3-SF zoning lands in terms of density (~4 units per acre).

Public Comment

One resident, Thomas Lok from Diamond Estates, raised safety concerns. His focus was on increased traffic density along Seba Rd and the absence of sidewalks and crosswalks — particularly critical given the nearby high school and parks. He advocated for a moratorium on new developments until infrastructure improvements are in place to protect pedestrians, especially special-needs children in the area.

City Response

Commissioners sympathized but clarified that the Planning Commission's role is to assess zoning consistency — not to legislate infrastructure. However, Mayor Bill Edwards addressed this directly, confirming the city is exploring sidewalk and trail connectivity in that area, including possible crosswalks near the skate park and trail links to Keller Road. The mayor pledged to coordinate with city staff to explore viable solutions.

✅ Final Vote: Approved Unanimously

The Commission voted unanimously to rezone the property to R3-SF, emphasizing the zoning’s consistency with surrounding uses and comprehensive planning documents.

2. Conditional Use Permit Violation: Lost In Ink — Tattoo Shop at 880 E Centerton Blvd

This item concerned a significant code violation that escalated quickly. Lost In Ink had previously been granted a temporary Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate out of a trailer while renovating their permanent space.

Incident Recap

On June 23, 2025, the fire department responded to smoke from the unfinished interior space of 880 E Centerton Blvd (next to Tooth Squad). Investigations revealed the space — which lacked a Certificate of Occupancy — was used for a party, complete with alcohol, piñatas, a burning couch, and evidence of tattooing-related props.

Owner Testimony

Marin Simmons, owner of the property and father of the Lost In Ink business owner, stated the space was used to film a music video, not for tattooing. He emphasized that no business activity had taken place inside. Regardless, the fire marshal's findings pointed to unsafe, unauthorized occupancy.

Commission Deliberation

The Commission expressed concern that the CUP applicant (the business owner) knowingly allowed use of an unsafe, unfinished commercial space — violating code, fire safety, and the CUP conditions.

🚨 Outcome

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to revoke the Conditional Use Permit for Lost In Ink. They provided a seven-day window for removal of the trailer and any business-related equipment from the site.

Additional Notes & City Updates

• Population Growth: Centerton’s population is now estimated at 25,745 — reflecting our city’s steady growth trajectory.

• Grants & Infrastructure:

  • $2.6M additional funding secured (in partnership with Bentonville) for right-of-way and utility relocation along Greenhouse Road.

  • $100k awarded to design a traffic signal at WAC and 102.

  • An additional $400k allocated for sidewalks, addressing exactly the kinds of infrastructure needs highlighted by public comments in this meeting.

Commissioners and the Mayor acknowledged ongoing concerns about pedestrian access and connectivity, especially near parks and schools. There’s an open intent to prioritize these safety enhancements as development continues.

📅 Next Planning Commission Meeting

🗓 August 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM

✍️ Final Thoughts from The Blue Haired Broker

This meeting reinforced the tension between Centerton’s rapid growth and the necessary infrastructure to support it safely. As a resident, realtor, and advocate, I’ll continue tracking these developments closely. If you have concerns about how Centerton’s expansion might affect your property, neighborhood, or commutes — or if you're curious about investing in the area — don’t hesitate to reach out.

Engel & Völkers Bentonville is your partner in understanding not just the real estate market, but the community’s trajectory.