SPRINGDALE -- Property owners around Arvest Ballpark now have new rules and regulations to follow because a new overlay district.
Aldermen approved the Ballpark/Southwest Springdale Overlay District at Tuesday. The district applies to the area around the ballpark.
Other Council Action
Springdale’s City Council met Tuesday approved:
• Selling land at 5110 Dearing Road to Jerry Horton.
• Spending money from the city’s Capital Improvement Program for Springdale Fire Department.
• Buying exercise equipment for Springdale Fire Department.
• Waiving competitive bidding to buy an alert system equipment for Springdale Fire Department.
• Buying self-contained breathing apparatus compressors for Springdale Fire Department.
• Rezoning 0.06 acres east of Interstate 49 and north of Watkins Avenue from institutional district to general commercial district.
• Rezoning 1.55 acres at 516 E. Emma Ave. from light industrial district to general commercial district.
Source: Staff Report
The borders of the district are Sunset Avenue to the north, Interstate 49 to the east, North Maestri Road or the city boundary to the west and 660 feet south of Don Tyson Parkway for the southern border, Patsy Christie, director of planning and community development, said earlier this month. She also said the goal is to create "a unique brand for the area" with stricter standards.
Much of the land in the district is owned by the Tyson and George families and companies, Christie said in January.
The district's planning document consists of more than 60 pages and includes requirements for signs, sidewalks, parking and more. Some details, such as benches and exterior building material, have photographic examples.
Mayor Doug Sprouse said during Tuesday's meeting the district could protect property value and ensure quality development in the area.
Mike Overton, alderman, said during the meeting the district is a "most egregious abrogation of property rights I've witnessed."
David Arthur said after the meeting he lives in the district boundaries and dislikes the district. He also said, however, he's not sure yet which details of the district will impact him.
"I don't like anyone telling me anything about what I have to do," he said.
Sprouse said earlier this month officials also hope to develop a district for the city's downtown area. The city and the Downtown Springdale Alliance soon will begin work on a plan for the area. Information from the plan will be used to create the district.
There's no timeline to create the downtown district, Sprouse said earlier this month. He also said at the time he hopes something will be in place in a year.
Aldermen also approved a revised agreement with Tontitown allowing criminal cases in Tontitown to be prosecuted in Springdale District Court. Tontitown doesn't have a district court.
Tontitown also will make an annual contribution to Springdale's court, according to meeting documents.
Officials created a formula for the contributions, said Ernest Cate, city attorney. The last agreement designated a flat amount to be paid.
The new formula states 20 percent of Tontitown's fine money will be paid to Springdale, said District Judge Jeff Harper. Prior amounts were calculated through research on other cities and agreed upon by officials. Springdale will receive a little over $12,300 this year to pay for 2014.
NW News on 02/25/2015