The seal of the city of Fayetteville. | Photo credit: Chance Kolman.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 16, 2025) – A 49-acre housing development known as a “Next Chapter Neighborhood” drew both support and criticism during a recent Fayetteville City Council meeting. The project originally aimed for approximately 500 rental units but developers scaled back the plan to around 200 market-rate rental homes. Many council members and residents voiced concerns about the project’s compatibility with Fayetteville’s character while also noting potential affordability and long-term community impact issues.
Development Overview
Andrew Malzer, Vice President of Development at Next Chapter Neighborhoods, is behind the project, which emphasizes building “great neighborhoods” rather than just housing units. The concept involves a market-rate rental community with professionally maintained homes and landscaping, targeting a broad demographic with a natural appeal to the 55 and older age group. The homes will not be individually owned, but rather part of a single-owner rental model similar to a high-end apartment complex.
“This is not an apartment complex where no one knows each other,” said Malzer. “We are building an environment where residents organically form sub-communities — hosting events like pumpkin carving, baby showers and trick-or-treating.”
Private vs. Public Infrastructure
One of the central issues raised was the balance between private and public infrastructure, particularly roads. Most roads within the development will remain private but include public access easements. One public road will run through the development to comply with the city’s master street plan.
Council members asked for clarification on which roads will be public and how private roads will be constructed to city standards to allow for potential future conversion. The developer confirmed that all roads will meet public specifications but retain private ownership, providing flexibility while maintaining access.
Public Concerns and Council Feedback
Public comment reflected a deep divide over the project’s direction. Some residents criticized the development for deviating from the original vision of neighborhood services — such as clinics and professional offices — promised when the land was first acquired.
Jim Erwin, a local resident, voiced disappointment, saying, “This isn’t what the community was promised. We agreed to neighborhood services, not high-end rentals.”
Others questioned the affordability of the housing, especially given the developer’s stated income requirements and rental rates. Council member Sarah Moore expressed skepticism: “When I look at the photos, it doesn’t feel very Fayetteville. There’s a lot of concrete and not a lot of affordability.”
Another concern centered around stormwater management and environmental impact. The developer assured the council that the project would comply fully with all city stormwater and tree canopy requirements, including the 25% preservation standard for planned zoning districts.
Traffic and Connectivity
The development’s proximity to schools, parks and existing neighborhoods also raised questions about traffic and pedestrian access. While a traffic study has not yet been completed, it is required before final approval. The developer highlighted multiple sidewalk and trail connections planned to integrate the neighborhood with Underwood Park and the broader trail network.
Next Steps
The ordinance to rezone the property was left on its first reading to allow for additional information and public input. Action items for the developer include:
- Clarifying which roads will be public versus private on the site plan
- Demonstrating that private streets meet public standards
- Providing details on how the project aligns with the city’s housing study
- Addressing concerns over the zoning reversion clause, which would revert the zoning if no action is taken within two years
The next council agenda session is scheduled for Sept. 30, with a follow-up City Council meeting on Oct. 7.