The transfer of a Conditional Use Permit required a series of steps, but the buyers of a bed and breakfast operation at 8 Washington St. sailed through the process last week with little opposition.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment met Nov. 12 to consider extending a current exemption from the rule prohibiting two B&Bs from operating within 200 feet of each other. The only public commenter on the topic urged the commissioners to continue the CUP to help preserve the historic building.
Jamie and Jonas Funston did not attend, but their real estate agents represented them and answered questions. The agents said the owners would either live on site or have a live-in manager. Some commissioners had reservations that the new owners might not even relocate to the state, but all approved the variance from the 200-ft. rule.
Commissioners then convened as the Planning Commission, and they approved transfer of the CUP without further discussion.
The commissioners also approved an application for an outdoor stage at 302 Village Circle. The stage had already been built, and commissioner Tom Buford asked the reason for the belated application. The contractor had not understood that a permit was required for that part of the project.
In other business:
- Buford said the Nov. 30 workshop on sidewalks brought a variety of people together to talk about the issue. Progress in this area may not come quickly, but sidewalks have an important impact on residents and tourists. The workshop is available on the City of Eureka Springs YouTube channel.
- The commissioners discussed the agenda for January and the coming year. Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee mentioned several new ordinances relating to tourist lodging and B&Bs.
- A special meeting may be needed to consider expedited tree-cut permits.
- Chair Susan Harman thanked Glenna Booth for temporarily returning to her former position as City Historic Preservation Officer in the absence of Kyle Palmer. “What would we do without her?” she asked.