Plans are unfolding for a new look at the triangle of land formed by the intersection of West Lanier and Stonewall avenues. A rezoning proposal to Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission would lead to the mixed use office and retail center on the 2.74-acre site.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to recommend rezoning the tract. All board members stressed the critical nature of the gateway site as one that would form an immediate impression of Fayetteville’s downtown area, only three blocks to the east.

The site is bordered on its east side by Tiger Trail. Conceptual plans call for construction of a 4,000 square-foot bank building and a 12,000 square-foot, two-story office/retail building.

Though numerous plans are being considered, Commissioner Sarah Murphy said the space between the buildings should not become a sea of asphalt. Commissioners agreed, with Commissioner Bill Talley adding that the property is critically important to the way people perceive Fayetteville.

In other business, commissioners split on a 3-2 vote to recommend three crosswalks and warning signs at the proposed amenity center across from Clifton Lakes subdivision on the South Side Connector.

Developer Scarbrough and Rolader was met with opposition to the crosswalks-only concept at the July 11 meeting, with some commissioners preferring that crossing be controlled by a pedestrian-controlled traffic light.

Previously approved plans call for the center to be located across the road from Clifton Lakes. The center will also serve Logan Park and Dickson Springs subdivisions, for a total of approximately 200 homes. The center will consist of a 1,900 square-foot cabana, swimming pool and playground, along with parking for 22 vehicles. The location for the amenity area had already been approved under an earlier proposal.

Agreeing with city engineer Don Easterbrook, Bob Rolader got the votes of Derryll Anderson and Bill Talley, referencing similar crosswalk areas around the county that did not need a traffic light. Citing one of the reasons for installing a crosswalk rather than a traffic light, Rolader said the amenity center would be in use by residents for approximately two months per year.

Commissioners Allen Feldman and Mike Menchinger disagreed.

“This crosswalk will be used by a great number of children and should have a pedestrian-controlled light,” Feldman said. “This would allow traffic to flow the majority of the time.”

Menchinger agreed, citing concern for the children that would have to cross an increasingly busy connector road to access the amenity center and playground.

With Feldman and Menchinger voting against the crosswalks-only motion, Commission Chair Sarah Murphy broke the tie in favor of foregoing a traffic light and recommending crosswalks instead.

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