Lyla Allison and her husband, Cory, presented city council with an offer of $5,000 to purchase lots 12-16, Block 46 from the city. Their goal is to secure and cleanup the boundary and entrance to their property, citing the area has never been used by the city, and the driveway has been in place since the 1920s.
Alderman Rachael Moyer said she had viewed the property and acknowledged the remarkable improvements that were made. She maintained that she was not in favor of selling city property until a vision plan is known. She would consider selling one of the lots, and to provide easement for the driveway. Moyer also said she felt $5,000 undervalued the property.
Alderman Terry McClung challenged Moyer’s stance. “It’s good stewardship to relinquish it and let her start paying tax on property that is generating zero for the city and never will. It’s also good business and smart for the city to be fair with the citizens, make their properties whole, and give them peace of mind.”
Moyer disagreed with him on the value of the land. “The fact that it hasn’t been used yet is not an argument for selling it for $5,000. The city doesn’t have a need to divest of this property when we don’t know how it could be used in the future, just because she’s asking for it.”
Allison emphasized that she is flexible, not seeking extra land for expansion but to secure access and improve the area, even if in collaboration with the city’s efforts. She noted that she is a native of Eureka Springs, born in the local hospital. “I’m open to the trails, I think it’s a good thing for Eureka.”
Allison offered a compromise to purchase all the way to the end of the driveway so there didn’t need to be an easement. Moyer maintained she would only be in favor of selling the lot that held Allison’s two sheds and wanted to preserve the rest of the land to hold.
Allison asked whether the city would maintain the easement if granted, adding she has already spent $2,500 maintaining the driveway. Public Works Director Simon Wiley responded that his department does not have the staff to maintain all the easements in the city, nor do they maintain roads that only service one house.
McClung made a motion to approve the sale. Alderman Harry Meyer seconded. The motioned failed 3 to 2. Allison asked for guidance on what comparable price or legal description council would consider, conceding to return with a fresh proposal.