On March 26, Victor Smith received approval from the Planning Commission to operate The Barking Pines Pet Wash at 425 W. Van Buren Ave. He had appeared at the Jan. 22 meeting asking for an initial reaction without a formal application. At that time, the commissioners thought the idea had merit.
He returned last week with a detailed application, which included a listing of trees on the property. “I feel like this is something different for our city,” Smith said. He described Eureka Springs as very dog-friendly and said more than 70 percent of lodging establishments accept pets. The business will serve tourists and locals, providing a convenient and efficient way to wash a dog without a domestic disaster.
In response to a question from commissioner Abbey Abbey, Smith said he will have filters in place in table and floor drains to trap dog hair before it reaches the septic system. He listed some of the available services, including a choice of shampoos, tick and flea treatment, a blow dryer, and organic pet treats to reward pets for their cooperation.
Commissioners noted that the site has ample parking, and Smith said contractors will add fill so those exiting can re-enter the highway safely despite limited sight lines. A streetlight already illuminates the parking area, which has more than enough spaces based upon the floor space of the business. The coin-operated self-service operation will not have a full-time attendant, although a contact number for assistance will be posted.
A concrete pad 16×20 ft. provides a base for the module, with a sidewalk around it. The module itself is 8×13 ft.
Discussion of construction details took only a few minutes, but commissioners spent much more time considering the trees on the property. Abbey complimented Smith on the clarity of his diagram and agreed that he is preserving many trees, but she and others objected to one part of his plan. Smith had asked to remove a small cluster of trees to create an area to bury the limbs from trees harvested elsewhere on the property. He said his contractor had recommended this as an alternative to carrying several truckloads of material off the property.
He agreed to remove or mulch the waste materials instead of using the site to bury them. That reduced the total number of trees to be cut from 22 to 18.
Smith will still have to return for approval of his sign.