Leaders discuss planning issues
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006
BENTONVILLE — In its first meeting at noon Wednesday, the General Plan Steering Committee discussed the positive factors about growth in Bentonville, as well as some factors causing concern.
The city created its Charting a Course General Plan in 2000, but now it’s time for a complete rewrite. This new General Plan will be a long-range plan, reaching to 2030. "A comprehensive plan is a document, and a process," said Sara Copeland, project manager with consultant Planning Works.
The Steering Committee, which has about 15 members, discussed why people like the city and what makes them stay. "I really think Bentonville is on the cusp of being the best community in the area, or having so many problems that it can’t move forward," Copeland said after assessing the area for a few days.
Following are a few positives:
• The group noted the city’s employment base, good schools, low crime and increasingly diverse population.
• Local developer Chris Gregory applauded the recent focus on culture here, mentioning the trails and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. "Getting those things (is) a priority," Gregory said. "I’m excited to have those things available to me."
• The group also discussed the importance of Wal-Mart, and making sure the employer wants to stay here. "I’m especially pleased that Wal-Mart is going to have a place at this table," Community Development Director Troy Galloway said, referring to Jeff Snyder with Wal-Mart Realty, who is a member of the Steering Committee.
Committee members also discussed bad decisions in the past:
• "I wish we hadn’t allowed development to go forward in some areas," said Ed Clifford, president of the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.
• Growth of schools, neighborhood character and sprawling development toward the regional airport must be considered.
• The city needs "architectural quality — maybe a little bit more control that what’s being built is something that we want to look at," Gregory suggested.
• Affordable housing came up as well. "The growing division between the haves and the have-nots — that’s a change that concerns me greatly," Mayor Terry Coberly said.
• Committee members also discussed fledgling corridors in the city, such as North Walton Boulevard. "North Walton is evidence that continued strip development doesn’t benefit anyone for very long," Community Development Director Troy Galloway said. "It’s on the last phase of its life cycle."
Copeland encouraged members of the Steering Committee to talk about the plan wherever they go.
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