BENTONVILLE -- Benton County planners on Wednesday approved plans for the NWA Riding Club, an equestrian center near Decatur.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the project proposed by Vicky Graves and Donna Straight on 9.78 acres at 16701 W. Arkansas 102 in Decatur.
According to the planning division, the operation was brought to the attention of officials by residents' complaints about fencing for a horse riding arena on the property.
Timothy and Donna Carter, who live just east of the property, attended Wednesday's meeting to object to the property. The couple said the arena was closer to their home than the Straights and would deprive them of privacy and potentially decrease their property value.
"I will not have a minute of privacy if they are allowed to do this," Timothy Carter told the board. "I would hope the members would take into account how greatly they are going to affect the neighbors."
The land is designated for residential/agricultural use and the riding club operation was determined to be a commercial use requiring approval of the Planning Board. The proposal was found in compliance with ordinances and approved after a brief discussion.
According to information from the riding club's website, the operation provides a place for riders to practice and compete in various activities. The club has about 40 members. The club participates in riding activities every two weeks from April to October. Hours of operation would be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in phase I of the project and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. in phase II after lights are installed. The average number of members at an event was estimated at 25 to 40.
Also Wednesday, the board discussed lengths of board terms and upcoming vacancies. The terms of Rick Williams and Sean Collyge expire July 31. Both are eligible to apply for another term.
Mark Curtis has served two terms on the board and will be ineligible to serve after July 2016. Starr Levya, currently head of the board, said she doesn't intend to serve another term when hers expires in July 2016.
NW News on 06/18/2015