The first three items on the Historic District Commission agenda at the Sept. 5 meeting came and went without much ado. These applications were approved:
- 3 King – add railing across front porch with gate
- 9 Prospect – wine cellar; replace front cement skirt; replace footing with Hardie Board
- 2 Angus – new construction: carport
The fiber-cement siding was allowed at 9 Prospect because it will be in a moisture-prone area, and the cement skirt will be replaced with limestone.
The fourth item on the agenda was the application by Rhonda Dixon to construct a 14×32-ft. studio at 327 Dairy Hollow Rd. Next-door neighbor Buddy Boyd asked to speak regarding the application, saying he lived next door to “the worst neighbor in Eureka Springs.” He cited a litany of Code violations for electrical and plumbing issues, a significant fire hazard, a bevy of cats not being cared for properly, and just next door he was investing in restoring his home as a showcase. He was opposed to Dixon adding to her “collection of Dirksen buildings.”
Dixon said she did not know what Boyd was talking about. She claimed Building Inspector Bobby Ray had been to the site and her electrical situation was being upgraded by a reputable electrician. Chair Steve Holifield pointed out that the HDC is responsible for considering whether the concept presented in the application was appropriate for the neighborhood, and not policing Code violations. Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve Dixon’s application.
Commissioners approved these two items on the Consent Agenda:
- 78 Spring – new sign
- 8 Washington – new sign
Consent Agenda items are Level I applications that the City Preservation Officer believes to be in accordance with the Design Guidelines.
Holifield presented these Administrative Approvals which are applications for repair and work involving no changes in materials but which include changes in roofing and paint colors:
- 24 Ridgeway – re-roof
- 5 Paxos – re-roof
Next meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.