BENTONVILLE -- Benton County planners on Wednesday approved plans for expanding Camp War Eagle after hearing from some neighbors concerned about increasing vehicular traffic along with noise and boat traffic on Beaver Lake.
Maggie Szymski, who said her home is adjacent to the camp, was one of two area residents voicing concerns to the board.
"Children screaming on the lake from morning to night every day," Szymski said, saying she can't open her windows or sit on her boat dock while the children are on the lake because of the noise. "More children means more traffic and more noise. We have a right to have some peace and quiet."
Pete Day, camp director, promised to work with the neighbors. He said the expansion of the camp won't increase lake program or the number of children on the lake at any given time.
Ashley Tucker, board chairman, said the camp needs to operate in a way that doesn't damage the rights of neighbors to use and enjoy their property.
"You need to use it in a way your neighbors feel comfortable with," Tucker said.
The board unanimously approved the additions to the youth summer camp in southeastern Benton County.
The original plans for the camp site were approved in 2004 when the land was in Washington County. Legislation in 2005 modified the border between the counties, shifting the site to Benton County.
The camp had an expansion plan approved in 2013 and Wednesday night's proposal adds to those plans. The additions include expanding the dining hall, water system and wastewater treatment system. Other improvements include adding to the health center; building a gymnastics center, a swimming pool; a cover for arenas and tennis courts; an office expansion; and new cabins.
The facility is designed to have about 550 kids and 260 adult staff members. With the expansion the camp could add room for another 300 campers, increasing the overall capacity to about 1,100 people.
Fire Chief Vester Cripps presented plans for a rural fire station for the Gentry Fire Department to the county. Cripps said the new station is planned for 23115 Cripps Road near Gentry. He said the 2,000-square-foot, 40-foot by 50-foot building would house three fire trucks -- one brush truck, one pumper truck and one tender truck. This would be the second rural fire station for Gentry's department, which has a full-time chief, one part-time employee and 24 volunteers to cover about 55 square miles, according to Cripps. The board unanimously approved the plans for the fire station.
Also Wednesday, the board discussed provisions of planning regulations covering home and rural family occupations, including off-site nuisances in subdivisions and cabinet shops on parcels of less than two acres.
NW News on 01/19/2017