The Planning Commission held two special meetings last week, one after the other. A gun and pawnshop did not receive a Conditional Use Permit, and the owners of a property at 1 Washington St. failed to have a Stop Work Order overturned.
Keeling Grubb applied for a CUP at 3022 E. Van Buren. He explained that he must have a pawn license to buy and sell guns, but he does not plan a typical pawnshop. Most of his business will be devoted to higher-end weapons. Grubb specifically addressed the contention that lawnmowers and bicycles would clutter the front of his business. “We’re not doing a conventional pawnshop,” he said.
Grubb explained in detail that he would only pawn guns and silver and gold. He would buy other items outright, but those items would be sold online or elsewhere.
Public comments, whether delivered by letter or in person, objected to the business. Some thought it would become a target for a break-in. Others said the business did not belong in a residential neighborhood.
A neighboring business supported the application. Arthur Bruno, owner of Common Sense Technologies, said Grubb’s existing business at that location, Metal Feathers, has been a good neighbor. Bruno said the collector-grade firearms would attract “the right kind of customers.”
Some at the table also voiced objections. Commissioner Joe Hill did not have a problem with a pawnshop, but he said, “There are plenty of guns around already.” Commissioner Peter Graham said contractors in the city often have tools in the back of their trucks, and pawnshops have a correlation with property stolen and resold. Grubb answered that anyone pawning an item would need valid identification and a phone number.
Grubb said he has already spent money on a system of cameras, alarms, and bars. Despite his claim that the business would soon grow to “a couple million dollars in sales” annually, the commission voted against Eureka Gun and Pawn, with only Fergie Stewart and Tom Buford in favor. City Historic Preservation Officer Kyle Palmer said Grubb could come into the office to discuss a possible appeal.
BOZA upholds Stop Work Order
Convening as the Board of Zoning Adjustment, commissioners turned to an appeal of a Stop Work Order issued by Building Inspector Jacob Coburn. Bill King and John Rankine own a property at 1 Washington St., an apartment building which had been partially destroyed by fire. King and Rankine have had a running battle with Coburn, who issued the SWO on May 1. The SWO cited the continuing presence of construction debris and alterations to the structure that were not approved.
King and Rankine asked commissioners to overturn the SWO. King began by calling this session “illegitimate,” as he cited city codes which call for the creation of a special board to hear questions like this. He also said the SWO is not an appropriate remedy for a violation of an order from the Historic District Commission.
King said a room that did not have a fire exit was removed during the rebuilding process, but he said the fire marshal required it, and the change was noted on plans submitted to the city for the repair process. Language in the application, however, called for rebuilding the property with the same design and dimensions. Even if the property was in violation, King said the proper remedy would be a misdemeanor charge, with a fine from $10-500.
Since the city had already approved the submitted plans, King warned that he could sue on the basis of “detrimental reliance.”
Coburn had pictures from December showing the same type of debris on site five months later. King said a nuisance property should receive a written 10-day notice, followed by a citation if the problem persists.
Chair Susan Harman addressed King’s contentions. “We understand you think this should not be in front of Planning,” she said. “That’s why we had a special meeting.”
The item had been on the agenda at the May 9 commission meeting, but it was postponed pending further information. Harman said city code does call for an appeals board, but the city has not established one. Advice from the Municipal League has placed the responsibility with Planning. “That issue has been resolved as far as the commission goes,” she said.
A unanimous vote upheld the SWO.
I agree with Jack Albert. People come to Eureka Springs to find a zenful place to relax or get away for the weekend. Those of us who have moved here also came for the peace and low crime. People don’t vacation here with the thought of seeking out guns to buy, they come here to celebrate life, get married, have dinner, etc. This person is only trying to do himself a favor, with disregard how it could affect others. This person could sell his personal gun collection at the gun shows along with other gun enthusiasts and do just fine. There’s a gun show somewhere every weekend. This is a dumb idea and Eureka doesn’t need it in the city limits. If there are people passing through and needing money, those aren’t the type of people we want to attract to our town. Most stores that open here, cater to our tourists or provide a good service or retail shop, not take whatever they can get from our tourists or locals. This business will do more harm than good. There has never been a need for locals, private or businesses to put bars on their windows, except now we may all have to consider it. This town is not big enough to support this type of business anyways, we are not a big city and there is no need for it. Walmart has all the fishing rods and sporting equipment we need and even our local Walmart stopped selling guns! Something to think on.
I totally agree with Jack Albert. People come here to relax because this is a zenful peaceful place. People come here to get married and celebrate all kinds of life. No one drives here looking to buy guns or breaks down with no gas to get 10 miles down the road and “need” a pawn shop. This guy should sell his gun collection at the gun shows with other gun enthusiasts. It’s obvious this location is not a good idea for this type of thing. Most shops that open here are for the tourists not to take from them. This town is small and probably cannot support what he’s trying to do anyways. Please go to the next hearing Monday June 12th @6pm at the Aud. Say no to Gun and Pawn. Keep Eureka peaceful!
Thank you Jack. Please attend the City
Council meeting, Monday June 12, 6:00
Throughout the years, Eureka Springs has certainly had its share of fast talking huckster types, who in the name of making a quick buck, attempt to undercut the peaceful easy ambiance the town is noted for. So now comes Keeling Grubb who wants to put his (bars on the window) gun shop prominently on the strip at the doorway of the town. Thankfully, there are those on the Planning Commission who sincerely care about Eureka Springs as a place to live, work and vacation in a spirit of relaxation and security. And shame on the three other Commissioners who voted for the gun shop approval–obviously having no real appreciation for the flavor of the town, except as a place to defile, muck up or do to it whatever anyone wants.