Commentary: Rogers Residents Raise Downtown Concerns

It's good to see Rogers residents taking an interest in, and being vocal about, their concerns in the community.

Specifically, there has been much discussion the last couple of weeks about businesses that seem to be out of character with downtown.

One is a tire business that moved in at the northwest corner of Arkansas and Walnut streets. What most didn't realize is that, east of Arkansas Street, the area is zoned industrial.

If you look at it with a historic perspective, that makes sense. Tyson, Pel-Freez, Triple-T-Foods are all on the east side of the downtown business area. That industrial zone makes sense. Or at least it made sense.

One thing the downtown renovation plan is supposed to do is provide zoning recommendations. They aren't yet saying what those recommendations are, but one would expect the industrial zone to change.

Don't, however, expect the venerable downtown industries to disappear. They will be allowed to operate there. People called it "grandfathering" them in.

If, however, there is a change of some kind, it's unlikely the city would allow another industry to locate in an abandoned facility.

That's why, in large cities, you see those old industrial building re-imagined as loft, retail and gallery space.

Of course, you have to have the investors with the vision, and money, to undertake such projects.

In the case of the tire store, that's allowed in an industrial zone. What's not allowed is displaying piles of tires outside. That's what brought forth the wrath of residents who pass by there every day, and got the attention of city officials.

The tires are out of sight, but the business can continue to operate.

Also at issue are former gas stations on Walnut Street, one at the intersection with Fourth Street and the other at Seventh Street.

I see gas stations in downtown area of cities I visit. I mean, do you really expect urban dwellers to drive miles to gas up?

The problem in Rogers is neither station matches the historic nature of the surrounding area. They could be cool and retro looking. Instead, they just look junky.

And they don't sell gas, either.

I think diversity in downtown is good. Business owners willing to fit into the historic nature of downtown, should be welcome, but they have to comply with the rules.

These situations also bring to the forefront the need for the city's code compliance officers to be proactive rather than reactive. Don't wait until residents start complaining -- it's like calling the power company when the electricity is off; no one wants to be first, but when they start, look out.

Instead, check businesses that don't seem to comply with the surrounding area. It doesn't have to be a storm trooper inquiry, but it does take a little research and effort.

Frankly, I think we could learn something from Springdale's code compliance efforts. They are cleaning up the town. Yes, there are complaints about their methods, but it always seems to come from those violating city ordinances.

City officials have made a commitment to beautify the city. Now, all they have to do is to show residents they are doing so.

•••

Here's something I hope city officials will address: the need for more public meeting space.

The demand is great, and the pickin's slim.

I spoke recently to Judy Casey, library director, about a problem a quilt guild I belong to had with reservations for the much-used community room. The matter was resolved, although not in favor of the guild. We had to search for another place to have a workshop -- one anyone can take -- because we charge a fee with which to pay the teacher. The guild, a nonprofit organization, was violating library rules, although guild leaders hadn't been previously informed.

Judy said she believes providing meeting space will continue to be a major demand on the library, and has even given thought as to how the need might be met.

In the mean time, I think the old city hall at Third and Poplar streets would be a great facility for public meetings. Granted, the county did a lot of remodeling, and some of it would have to be undone, but there's space for a large meeting room, and one or two smaller ones.

Meetings would bring more people downtown, too.

Re-use -- that would fit right into the effort to renovate and re-energize downtown.

Commentary on 10/23/2014

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