Barbara Kellogg sent a letter to city council that Mayor Butch Berry read during Public Comments Monday in which she expressed her fears that “volunteers (some who do not even live in Eureka Springs) are in the process of accessing our historic district neighborhoods and green spaces that border many of our backyards for several off-road mountain bike trails that will eventually connect with the trails at Lake Leatherwood.” She wanted input because she claimed privacy and safety of residents would be jeopardized for the sake of creating “some kind of eco-tourism amusement park.”
Five speakers then voiced support for the trails being built at Lake Leatherwood. Bill Hinson, a retired engineer and environmentalist, said the project made sense to him because the economic benefit overcomes the environmental impact that he claimed was being monitored by Parks. The trails will bring many new visitors who will pour money into the local economy, and “in my opinion, it’s a gift basket and we should support it.”
Suzanne Reed agreed the downhill trails project was a unique opportunity to use our natural environmental assets to benefit the community. Edwige Denyszyn, co-owner of Keels Creek Winery, said her son is an avid cyclist who would visit Eureka Springs for the trails even if she did not live here. Also, she sees the project will increase tourism, and as a businessperson she is in favor of that.
Judy Montgomery echoed Hinson’s “gift basket” remark and sees an economic boom ahead because cyclists with high-end bikes have money to spend around town. She acknowledged Parks Director Justin Huss for watching out for the environmental impact on the park.
Jay Bender said he previously lived in a town with biking trails, and noted people who were environmentalists moved there because of access to the trails. He disagreed that proposed in-town trails would bring crime and lower property values, claiming statistics he has seen indicate the opposite.
Bruce Wright said he was on one of the first LLCP committees many years ago, and he is a strong supporter of what Huss has done in the parks.
On another note, Cameron Denouewer said he has been watching council meetings and a common thread he has seen is a fundamental lack of trust between citizens and council and between council and other city entities. “Nobody trusts anybody,” he said, recommending better communication between leadership and citizens. He commented this a national problem also, but simply listening would help.
Final items
- Ruth Hager was re-seated on the Parks Commission.
- Aldermen voted to reschedule the May 28 meeting, which would be on Memorial Day, to Tuesday, May 29, at 3 p.m.
- Berry mentioned there are vacancies on the Planning, Hospital and Cemetery Commissions.
Next meeting will be Monday, May 14, at 6 p.m.