Outdoor retail displays defended at Planning

The March 10 meeting of the Planning Commission began with a response to recent commission discussions about limiting outdoor displays of merchandise. Former commissioner David Buttecali had raised the issue in January, and Jacqueline Wolven of Main Street Eureka Springs came to the February meeting and scolded the commissioners for their harsh language. At that time, other commissioners also asked to set this topic aside. “We’re insulting the businesses and the people who own them,” Commissioner Mike Welch said. “We really need to be careful.”

The topic did not appear on the agenda for this meeting, but Barb Weems spoke during public comments. Weems owns Eureka Vintage and Outdoor, and she gave her perspective as a lifetime resident of Eureka Springs. “I’ve watched ideas, people, and businesses come and go,” she said. She started her business in 2020, during the difficulties of the Covid pandemic, but has thrived since then. “I own my own building, pay my taxes, follow the rules, and put out the energy every day,” she said.

Weems explained that her business not only supports her, but also provides supplemental income to local artists and craftsmen. She said her outdoor displays change frequently, and described “colorful, well-merchandised displays that draw people in from the highway.” Weems said she opened one day without her usual outdoor display, and her sales that day were down about a third. She closed by asking the commissioners, “Please don’t take my legs out from under me with needless regulations.”

Weems was followed at the microphone by Josh Vail, who said the clothes he wore and the furniture in his home both came from outdoor displays. He said an Internet search on the topic would inform the commissioners of the positive effects of such marketing.

In other business:

• Sitting as the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the commissioners approved a tree-cut permit for owner Bret Berghoefer at 49 Mountain St. Contractor Penny Pemberton appeared on his behalf, and she had submitted photos showing the damage to a retaining wall. Welch said he had made a site visit, and described “really bad” damage from the trees. All approved the application.
• BOZA also approved an application from Mark Elworth, at 7 E. Mountain Dr. He shared pictures showing a tree leaning near the house, with its roots pushing up the asphalt driveway. All approved the application.
• Sitting as the Planning Commission, the members considered an application to build an event space with 3,300 square feet at 2044 E. Van Buren. Andrew Weichen described a gathering space which could be used for events for an adjacent hotel. He acknowledged at the outset that he had not yet solved parking issues but asked the commissioners to evaluate the rest of his plan.

Commissioners at first said they could approve the project with the condition that the applicants would comply with parking requirements and receive approval for access from the fire marshal. They had questions, however, when Weichen said the venue would have a maximum occupancy of 475 people. He said it would usually only serve about half that number, and most events would tie in with the hotel.

 Commissioner Susan Harman looked at the worst-case scenario, giving the example of 475 people attending a wedding. Welch moved to require a site visit, and all agreed, with the matter tabled until April. Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, said she would schedule a time for the site visit to allow Weichen to attend and answer questions.

• A workshop on updating the city’s vision plan preceded the meeting, and Chair Fergie Stewart described “a lot of progress” at the workshop. A similar session will precede the April 14 meeting, beginning at 5 p.m.
• At the request of city council, the commission had begun an extended discussion on sidewalks. Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee said council continues to work on this issue even after delegating it to Planning. She also noted that no aldermen had attended the commission’s workshops on sidewalks. Harman suggested assembling the information derived so far by the commission and forwarding that to council for consideration. Dishman said she will compile the commission’s information for everyone to look over at the April meeting.
• Dishman explained that a plan to seek bids for new city maps has been delayed by the recent illness of Mayor Butch Berry. Harman expressed frustration at the delay, although Stewart agreed that issuing requests for proposals would require the mayor’s input.
• Harman addressed the issue of wind turbines. Although she and the other commissioners consider the terrain unsuitable for wind turbines, the city might still need explicit protections from such installations. Harman also suggested creating a standard under which residents could use solar or wind power on a small scale. Tandy-Sallee suggested returning to this issue after the commission completes work on the vision plan. She suggested that everyone conduct more research in the meantime.