Bentonville Planning Commission Listens to Public Concerns, Adopts Future Land Use Map Updates
Bentonville’s Planning Commission took a deliberate and community-focused approach in their latest meeting, approving updates to the Future Land Use Map and Code Alignment Policy after hearing extensive public input on key development areas.
The meeting underscored the city’s commitment to engaging residents, particularly regarding E Central Avenue and Highway 72, where proposed land use changes sparked concerns over traffic, safety, and compatibility with existing neighborhoods.
Residents Voice Concerns, Commission Responds
At the start of the meeting, Planning Manager Tyler Overstreet provided an overview of Plan Bentonville, highlighting the importance of long-term growth planning and the need for robust infrastructure projections. The Commission then opened the floor for public comments, where residents shared strong and diverse opinions about the proposed changes.
Riki Singh, a resident of NE Cadbury Ave, thanked the Planning Commission for being receptive to public input but requested that suburban neighborhood and neighborhood center designations replace the current land use proposal for E Central and Highway 72. She cited concerns over traffic congestion and safety.
John Butler, of Benton Ridge Circle, echoed Singh’s concerns, pointing out that previous meetings had demonstrated overwhelming neighborhood opposition to non-residential development in the area. He requested a suburban neighborhood designation to maintain compatibility with existing structures.
Wes Woolbright, of Northeast Nightingale, clarified that a claim stating Kensington Neighborhood now supported the existing land use plan was inaccurate. He reaffirmed that a majority of neighbors still opposed anything beyond single-family development.
Commissioner Davis assured Woolbright that the Commission had not received such communication and was fully aware of the neighborhood’s consistent stance.
Jared Stewart, of Stonebridge Way, emphasized that none of the residents on his street or McLain Road supported the proposed land use for the area.
Following these comments, Commissioner Wright closed the public hearing, and the Commission shifted to discussing possible modifications to the land use map.
Commission Balances Public Input with Development Needs
Taking into account public concerns, the Commission carefully reviewed multiple land use options and clarified that even with land use map updates, any new developments would still require rezoning approvals.
Dan Weese provided an update on planned improvements along Highway 72, noting that he had met with ARDOT in December, and the agency was aware of ongoing issues. Potential solutions are expected by the end of the month.
Overstreet addressed community concerns and explained that a property owner had indicated potential legal action if commercial use was removed from their property.
Ultimately, the Commission unanimously approved "Option 1," which aligned with some of the public’s requests while maintaining key elements of the city’s growth strategy.
Regarding Convair Street, the Commission approved a compromise:
South of the railroad was designated as a Walkable Neighborhood.
North of the railroad remained Urban Neighborhood.
Both motions passed unanimously, reflecting the Commission’s responsiveness to community concerns while balancing citywide planning goals.
Code Alignment Policy Adjusted to Prioritize Infrastructure
Another key outcome of the meeting was an adjustment to the Code Alignment Policy, ensuring that infrastructure considerations take priority in future development approvals.
Commissioner Davis proposed modifying the Standard Review process to prioritize infrastructure availability.
A motion was made to move "Adequate infrastructure exists or is planned" to a higher priority category in development review criteria.
The change was approved 5-0, reinforcing the city’s commitment to responsible growth.
Takeaway: A Public-Driven Planning Process
The unanimous votes and revised land use decisions highlight the Planning Commission’s willingness to listen to residents and incorporate feedback into long-term planning efforts. While Bentonville continues to expand, the city is working to balance growth with community needs, infrastructure capabilities, and neighborhood preservation.
For residents, this meeting demonstrated that community input plays a vital role in shaping Bentonville’s future—one where growth and livability go hand in hand.
