Council Approves Downtown Study Money

Alliance Seeking Additional Contributions

— The money would allow the alliance to hire a company to develop a redevelopment plan for downtown Springdale. An estimate for the $100,000 cost of the plan was produced by Alta Planning and Design/Greenways, the designers for the Razorback Greenway.

The alliance has received interest from an unnamed organization that could make a substantial contribution to the redevelopment, said Kent Hirsch, alliance president. Representatives of the organization said they needed to know what was the plan for the area, he said.

“I believe we can get a substantial return on this investment,” Hirsch said. “There are no guarantees, but, unless we stub our toe, I think it will happen.”

Walter Turnbow, a retired Springdale business leader, explained the need for redevelopment of downtown, including Emma Avenue.

“Downtown is a lot like me,” Turnbow said. “It’s an old retail center that is outdated. It may not be a retail center again, but can become an area of prominence in Northwest Arkansas.

The 2012 budget included $25,000 to hire a person to oversee downtown events. This money was proposed to be used for the study by the alliance, said Mayor Doug Sprouse, with an increase of $9,000.

A contract with the alliance calls for a company to be complete the study in six months.

“We think it can all be done in six months,” said Patsy Christie, city planner.

A commitment of money from the commission and the facilities board is expected to be on their agendas for next month.

At A Glance

Council Action

Springdale’s City Council met Tuesday and approved:

  • A $572,370 construction budget at Shiloh Trail and spending $55,370 with USI Consulting Engineers for design
  • A $112,319 construction budget for Meadow Street Trail
  • Spending $30,000 for installing lights at J.B. Hunt Park and on downtown trail crossings
  • Spending $125,000 for a Public Works grapple truck
  • Spending $390,000 to buy two ambulances
  • A $160,462 insurance contract with CNA Insurance

Source: Staff Report

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