By JOEL PHELPS | The Arkadelphian

A cosmetology school is one step closer to opening its doors in Arkadelphia after the city’s planning commission approved a request to permit the operation in a district zoned for retail businesses.

The Cosmetology Academy of Arkadelphia will operate in a space leased to them at Pine Plaza, between Brookshire’s and Cobb & Co Salon and Barbershop. The plaza is zoned for general commercial, which generally permits retail businesses. The nine-member planning commission has the authority to allow “other uses deemed appropriate” in considering zoning requests.

There was no opposition to the request, and commissioners unanimously approved the request without discussion.

Former grocery store in Main Street neighborhood to open as carryout restaurant

An restaurateur was given the green light to operate a carryout-only restaurant at 1526 Main St., which is in a residential district. Owner Daymond House has plans to open an eatery that sells barbecue and tamales to customers who call ahead of time and pick up the food for takeout.

The building has housed a grocery store and a barber shop in the past. Prior to giving House unanimous approval to run the restaurant, commissioners Lawrence Phillips questioned whether the approval would set a precedent for others wanting to operate a business in residential areas. Commissioner Llewelyn Terry responded that the panel could “cross that bridge when we get there.” Commission chair Bill Phelps said the building’s proximity to downtown businesses was a determining factor in his decision to support the measure.

Commissioners agreed to require six parking spaces outside the restaurant.

In other business

• Good Ole Boys LLC was given an 18-month plat extension for South Ridge Crossing. Nikky Goff said construction will begin soon on five lots at North Ridge Estates.

• Commissioners approved a variance request from yard setback requirements to add an accessory building at a home on Druid Hills.

• The panel approved a request to install 2 wall signs at Mary & Martha’s Florist in downtown.

• Outgoing commissioner Gracie Neal was recognized for her six years of service on the board, and Tom Tobin was recognized posthumously for his 28 years of service. Neal and Tobin’s widow were presented with plaques.