The Planning Commission held a brief meeting August 8 to consider commissioner Tom Buford’s information presented July 25 about assistance programs for developers who want to build affordable housing. Buford said he knew about affordable housing programs in Forrest City and Wynne, for example, which have low income, high minority populations where rent goes toward eventual ownership. Developers who get approved could receive funding through the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Buford noted, however, even though Carroll County is a low-income county, it has a different demographic and he was not sure the same program would work here.
Greene said Planning should look through the sections of City Code related to subdivisions in preparation for possible development. Buford suggested they could adjust setback restrictions for subdivisions to accommodate building on a small lot. Commissioner Doug Breitling commented there might need to be considerations in Code because of Eureka Springs’ difficult topography and because there are only a few areas available for a development, but all of the planning should be done with the Master Plan in mind.
Defining weddings and events
Breitling distributed copies of his “really, really rough draft” of definitions for weddings and private events. He remarked right away there are unfinished details in some definitions commissioners will need to clarify if they choose to such as how loud the music can be and should there be a time limit or a maximum number of attendees. Breitling said other cities sometimes address these particulars but not always.
He said a person could also apply for a permit for a private event, which he described as “activities outside the realm of what other definitions cover.” He explained he was trying to establish some parameters, rough as they were so far, but provide a good enough framework within which commissioners could refine the definitions and enable folks to have events and understand the expectations.
Greene said they would keep the topic on the agenda. Breitling remarked he would welcome input and fresh ideas.
Other items
- Greene announced there would be a joint workshop with city council Monday, August 14, at 5 p.m. immediately before the council meeting. She said she would explain their suggested Code revisions. Commissioner suggested Greene should ask for their questions ahead of time so commissioners can prepare answers.
- Discussion of new commercial construction review at 3094 E. Van Buren was postponed because no one was there to represent the application.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, August 22, at 6 p.m.