http://nwanews.com/story_print.php?paper=bcdr&News=section&storyid=26695

Planners turn down stereo business

BENTONVILLE — Residents showed up Tuesday night to oppose a stereo business in their neighborhood, and the Planning Commission agreed with them. Ronald Connolly submitted a rezoning from single-family residential (R-1) to general commercial (C-2) at 811 N. W. 10 th St.

The property fronts North Walton Boulevard, and the city’s Future Land Use Plan shows the area as commercial. However, the existing house on the property does not meet the requirements for a commercial structure. The tenants are already operating a small audio sales and equipment business there. The house does not provide a safeguard from noise, odor or vibration. It also does not provide buffering for the residential areas to the north and east. Noise from the business started about a month ago, residents said. "Loud music does (affect) children’s sleep," said Eva Rousey of 808 N. W. 10 th St.

She works two jobs and has a toddler. "My concern is for my rest and my toddler’s rest." "I feel like there’s more noise coming from there than from the car wash," said her husband, Robert Rousey. They live next to the Spot Not Car Wash on North Walton Boulevard.

Connie Bruns first contacted the city code enforcement officer in September. "Why do we have to suffer through all of this noise and all this boom-boomboom?" she asked, pointing out that the business is operating illegally because it has not been rezoned. Property owner Ron Connolly thought the land was already zoned commercial, or he wouldn’t have allowed the business to operate there, he said. "I’m trying to help two young gentlemen get a business started," he said.

The commission denied the rezoning unanimously with a 6-0 vote.