Patrick Anders, the architect who helped marshal neighborhood opposition to a proposed 24-pump Murphy Oil megastation at Taylor Loop Road on congested Highway 10, reports that the Planning Commission approved the plan tonight, with all members present voting in favor.

Little Rock Planning Director Tony Bozynski also spoke at length in favor of the plan, which required variances from the design overly rules that nominally guide development along the Cantrell Road/Highway 10 corridor.

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The decision can be appealed to the City Board. But given the Board’s rejection of two big gas station/convenience stores in recent weeks and Murphy Oil’s powerful influence in the community through its related Deltic Timber development company, odds are long against the neighborhood.

Anders reports the room was packed with people to speak on the proposal. He said he sensed things wouldn’t go well when he arrived before the meeting to find Murphy Oil, its consultants and the city planning staff conferring in a 2nd floor conference room.

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Alsp here’s background including links
to the staff outline of the proposal and the various exceptions. Below is a slide from Anders’ program. It includes the detailed staff report that wound up in favor of the idea.

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