BENTONVILLE — Planning commissioners took their first look Tuesday at the revitalization proposal for North Walton Boulevard. The commission will listen to comments and concerns from residents at a public hearing Jan. 15.
The plan aims to boost economic viability and improve aesthetics along the corridor. Danielle Shasteen, community programs coordinator, talked with commissioners about the plan for the 113-acre section from West Central Avenue to Ridgefield Drive.
At A Glance
Planning Commission
The Bentonville Planning Commission approved the following items Tuesday:
• Lot split at 501 W. Central Ave. The site was split to create a lot for each of the two single-family homes on the property
• Property line adjustment at 2700 S.W. Moberly Lane. The north-to-south property line will shift to allow the expansion of the auto dealership located on the lot.
Source: Staff Report
“North Walton Boulevard is an aging community corridor,” she said. “We’d like to plan for infrastructure improvements.”
She said the plan is 95 percent done. The finished product will be emailed to commissioners next week and available on the city website soon, she said.
If approved by the Planning Commission and City Council, the plan will not be a binding document but will instead serve as a guideline for development, she said.
“If we’re approached by the Chamber of Commerce or investors, we would have a plan to go by that lists funding sources and key players,” Shasteen said.
Debi Havner, commission chairwoman, said the plan is very thorough. She likened redevelopment efforts to newly finished improvements on West Central Avenue.
“I can’t wait,” Havner said. “I drive down Central Avenue and I think, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Walton Boulevard is so promising.”
The city has spent about a year gathering public input and economic information on North Walton Boulevard. The plan includes a strategy for upgrading sidewalks, adding trail connectors, planting trees and adding new public art. It also calls for a merchant district to benefit business owners and new business developments.
New streetlights are planned along the corridor between 2014 and 2017, as are tree plantings from Tiger Boulevard to Central Avenue.
“We did the same thing with the plan for downtown in 2003,” said Beau Thompson, a planner. “We’ve seen what has come of that. Hopefully, we can have the same result here.”
The Jan. 15 meeting will include a formal presentation from Troy Galloway, director of community development for the city. Residents will be given an opportunity to speak on the plan before commissioners bring it to a vote.