Eureka Springs City Council met for a budget workshop and regular meeting on Monday, April 27. Lasting two hours, the meetings covered a wide range of issues.
Alderman Steve Holifield requested to defer discussion of the Permanent Entertainment District after receiving communications from several business owners who requested more time to put together a comprehensive plan to present to council and the public. The topic still drew a few citizens who shared their opinions in public comments.
Devin Henderson spoke on behalf of the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. “Since the workshop, the proposal has been referred to our economic development committee’s tourism subcommittee. That group is currently working within a broader downtown revitalization effort and is actively bringing additional voices to the table.
“We’re talking to businesses, stakeholders, and community members to further refine what this could look like for Eureka Springs. We believe that taking the time to do this thoughtfully is important. Getting it right with strong input, clear structure, and community understanding is more valuable than moving quickly. And just to be clear, the intent behind this concept has always been about creating structure, clarity, and accountability around activity that already exists,” Henderson stated.
Proprietor of Crystal Waters, Heather Huber, followed with opposition to the PED, sharing concerns as a business owner, not just as a private citizen as she had previously. “My shop is full of glass, mirror, porcelain, breakable crystals, heavy stones, stainable fabric, fragile things,” she said. “I don’t currently allow drinking or food of any type in my space. People leave their coffees on the windowsill and pick them back up on their way out. Do we want unattended beers outside? No, we don’t because – kids.”
Huber described the potentiality of losing customers because of confrontation taking place – “and that’s the rub – visitors not becoming customers because of being told no,” Huber said. She also expressed concern for employees in recovery, saying that occasional festival weekends are something they can prepare for, but to be confronted daily with alcohol is too much to ask.
Other business
- Public Works has an opening for employment at the wastewater treatment plant. Contact Eureka Springs Public Works at (479) 253-9600.
- Vacancies exist on Planning, CAPC, and Hospital commissions.
- Ordinance Nos. 2384, 2385, and 2386 were read and approved for second reading.
- A Temporary Entertainment District was approved for Eureka Springs Blues Fest
- Council approved the 2024 legislative audit after discussion and clarification.
- Former ESH employees Richard and Samantha Webb wrote in requesting accountability regarding hospital personnel issues.
Crystal Waters won’t even be open during the hours of the PED. Virtually every other city & town in the state with tourist business has a PED. Not one has had major issues. Much ado about nothing.