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PEA RIDGE – A proposed entertainment district in the area north of Slack Street between Carr Street and North Curtis Avenue was rejected by the City Planning Commission after hearing from numerous area business owners at a Sept. 6 public hearing.
City Attorney Shane Perry left the room during public hearings and new business discussions due to a conflict of interest. He owns the Whistle Stop liquor store and is building a cafe at the east end of the building, where he plans to serve music, food and drinks.
The proposed ordinance would allow people to drink in designated areas with wristbands and cups approved by the city and sold by approved businesses. It has been likened to Rogers’ Rail Yard.
Several food truck managers in the area spoke, most of them opposed to the area.
“Where’s the security?” asked Roger Waterloo. “We don’t know what people do when they’re drunk. If something goes wrong with our trailer, who’s responsible?”
He also expressed concerns about rubbish, parking, seating and restrooms.
“Our customers are on the go,” Waterloo said. “They want to park near our trailers.”
He and other food truck workers said none of them had restrooms and went to McDonald’s and Sonic to the east to use the facilities.
Tammy Pearson of Grateful Griddle said: “It’s on the agenda. Will voting happen today? To me, it’s too early. You don’t have restrooms, seating, safe infrastructure… the district itself is A great idea, but no plan, and I don’t think we’re ready to vote tonight.”
Chairman Al Fowler explained that there is a process whereby the planning committee can make, approve or reject the request. If approved, it will be submitted to the City Council for consideration.
“I own the properties where the food trucks are, and I own some of them and rent them out. It’s good to have discussions, but from my point of view, I think the city needs an entertainment district,” said Rigoberto Mendoza. Helps the city grow and will provide an extra place to hang out and hang out. I agree; it’s good for the whole community.
“Regarding the infrastructure, I plan to continue developing the property, including adding a permanent restroom and the possibility of introducing a gated potty temporarily…except for a small pavilion…those items are in my plans. “
“I’m personally against this because a business will benefit and taxpayers will pay for security, wristbands, trash, etc.,” said city construction officer Tony Townsend. “For cities, the burdens will outweigh the benefits.”
Streets department head Nathan See said the cost of cups and wristbands “doesn’t come out of the city’s pocket”.
“If residents don’t ask for it, I don’t understand that,” said planning committee member Caroline Wendell.
Planning committee member Dr Karen Sherman agreed, moving a motion saying: “I think we should now refuse to build.”
The five members of the Planning Committee present unanimously voted against it.
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