Sam Dudley, executive director of Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation, received approval for two projects at the Nov. 15 meeting of the Historic District Commission,
A stairway at Basin Park has presented a recurring safety problem, sometimes spilling pedestrians into the street. Dudley said the steps are in poor condition and do not meet code. A new design will provide a landing to turn the stairs toward the sidewalk, not the street. The landing will be made of imprinted concrete, but the steps will remain limestone. All commissioners approved the change.
At the Parks’ office at 530 Spring St., an existing deck will be demolished and replaced. A stairway from an emergency exit will be added. The plan calls for adding two stone walls, and Dudley explained that those walls may utilize concrete blocks, but natural stone will cover the blocks. This project also received unanimous approval.
In other business:
- At 302 Village Circle, a new wooden stage had already been constructed, and the HDC granted belated approval. Commissioner Peter Graham said there had been confusion with the contractor over what work required a permit. The stage measures 2,000 square feet.
- Graham said he has only been here for a year-and-a-half and has been pleased with Building Inspector Jacob Coburn and his efforts to clean up the town.
- Chair Dee Bright said she had heard questions about the HDC and paint colors. She said commission guidelines have an advisory section for guidance on historical traditions, but the HDC has not regulated paint colors during her 17 years on the commission.
- The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Level III applications are due Nov. 29, and Level II on Nov. 22.