Development News for Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Rezoning Request for Highway 16 Property from R2 to R5 Introduced

Ordinance 26-04, concerning rezoning from R2 to R5 for the 800 block of Arkansas Highway 16, was presented for its first reading. This rezoning request for 24.5 acres was previously reviewed by the board and remanded to the planning commission due to an issue with a fire emergency access easement. The applicant intends to develop townhomes on the site, which is designated for neighborhoods two on the future land use map, consistent with R5 zoning. Concerns were raised by directors regarding the fire access easement, potential traffic cut-throughs, and the proximity of R5 zoning to R2. The applicant also requested combining the first and second readings. [cite: 444-448, 451-473, 483-507, 518-623]

Ellingson Contracting Appointed Construction Manager for Community Building Renovation

The City Council approved a contract with Ellingson Contracting to serve as the construction manager at risk for the community building renovation project. This delivery method allows the builder and architect to collaborate from the early stages to ensure constructibility within budget. Ellingson Contracting was selected based on their strong experience in historical restoration and knowledge of associated trades, scoring highest among several construction managers evaluated by staff. [cite: 168-174, 181-188]

Presbyterian Church Property Rezoning Approved

The rezoning of the Presbyterian Church property at 302 North Maxwell Street from R3 to GI was discussed. The church requested the change to better align with its institutional use. Staff noted it was a mis-zoning correction and that the GI zone is more conducive to a place of worship. The planning commission recommended approval. [cite: 1025-1029, 1031-1051, 1054-1079]

Fire Department Receives $4,000 Donation for Rescue Equipment

The City Council accepted a $4,000 donation from the Western Benton County partnership for the fire department. This donation, stemming from funds left over from tornado relief efforts, will be used to purchase a winch and other rescue equipment. The partnership decided to split the remaining funds equally among four communities: Siloam, Gentry, Decatur, and Gravette. [cite: 348-351, 353-358, 360-371]