After a half-hour workshop on sidewalks and an hour-long workshop on the city’s vision plan, the Planning Commission still had the stamina to complete the regular meeting on Feb. 10.
Commissioners have discussed both issues in recent months, and both will continue to dominate the agenda in the near future. Commissioner Mike Welch suggested going through the city’s existing vision plan and removing any extraneous information before rewriting the plan chapter by chapter. Half-hour workshops on both topics will precede the March 10 meeting. Recordings of this month’s workshops are available on the city’s YouTube channel.
In other business:
- Sitting as the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the commission approved cutting five trees for Peter Graham at 8 Singleton St. Graham had submitted photographs showing that two of the trees touch the house, and others are threatening a retaining wall. Arborist Mike Larrew said an infestation by emerald ash borers will soon kill the trees. Larrew also noted power lines in danger from the trees.
- Former commissioner David Buttecali has resigned, creating a second vacancy on the commission. Prior to resigning, Buttecali had initiated a discussion on businesses offering merchandise on sidewalks or in parking lots next to their establishments. In January, Buttecali and some other commissioners said such merchandising detracted from the city’s appearance, and one commissioner called such displays “trashy.” During public comments at this meeting, commissioners heard some feedback. Jackie Wolven, director of Main Street Eureka Springs, offered a different perspective. She said retail sales are the backbone of the local economy, supporting residents and generating tax revenue. Outdoor displays signal that a business is open and inviting, she noted.
“Language matters in public forums,” Wolven said, as she encouraged the panel to “focus on solutions that strengthen the city rather than judgments that unintentionally divide it.” Commissioner Welch agreed that some commission comments in January were too harsh. “We’re insulting the businesses and the people who own them,” he said. “We really need to be careful.”
The item will remain on future agendas for further discussion.
- A resident on U.S. Hwy. 62 described the difficulties of safely entering the highway in the area of Pine Mountain. He said the 30 miles per hour speed limit in that area should be reduced for safety.
- Welch was elected as secretary to replace the departing Buttecali.
- Commissioner Scott Price commended the performance of Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, who serves as staff for this commission and for the Historic District Commission.
- Dishman said she will issue a request for proposals to update the city’s maps. The commission has discussed the need for maps showing city-owned property, utilities, and other information.
- Welch thanked the volunteers who had worked to restore the floor in the basement of The Aud, where city meetings are held. About a third of the floor restoration has been completed.
- Commission Chair Fergie Stewart invited applications to fill the two vacancies on the commission.
- Commissioner Susan Harman called for an ordinance to formally restrict wind turbines and crypto-mining operations.