Plan Bentonville Update: Shaping the Future of City Growth
In a pivotal special meeting on October 29, 2024, Bentonville’s Planning Commission advanced discussions surrounding “Plan Bentonville,” a strategic update set to guide the city’s growth while prioritizing community values, sustainability, and walkability. This extensive plan, which includes updates to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM), aims to create a community-centered growth model that aligns Bentonville’s zoning codes and land use practices with modern needs and resident input.
The Vision of Plan Bentonville
At its core, Plan Bentonville is designed to address the city's rapid growth while maintaining its unique character. Through community engagement phases and expert consultations, the initiative has sought to balance traditional Bentonville charm with the city’s expanding needs. As the FLUM undergoes revisions, Bentonville will introduce new land use categories like "Walkable Neighborhoods," "Neighborhood Centers," and "Urban Corridors." Each category reflects the community’s call for walkability, sustainability, and a welcoming, inclusive environment.
In particular, the emphasis on "Neighborhood Centers" signals a shift toward localized hubs where residents can conveniently access shops, parks, and cafes. Such centers aim to strengthen the sense of community by fostering spaces where people can gather and connect within walking distance from their homes.
Key Features and Updates to Code
Walkability and Block Perimeters: A primary focus of the plan is walkability, addressing the challenges posed by Bentonville’s current block standards. As it stands, Bentonville’s block perimeter limit is 1,500 feet, often requiring a one-mile walk around the full perimeter. The new proposal recommends shortening block lengths to a maximum of 2,000 feet to support pedestrian-friendly pathways, ensuring neighborhoods are accessible and convenient for those who prefer to walk or bike.
Codified Standards for Alleys and Blocks: The plan also emphasizes refining alleyway and block construction standards, allowing for better consistency in developments across the city. By standardizing alley construction and setting guidelines proportionate to community needs, Bentonville aims to ensure safe and functional access in residential and commercial areas.
Zoning Transitions and Height Adjustments: To maintain harmony between neighborhoods and mixed-use areas, the plan proposes height transition policies. Under these policies, zoning districts with taller buildings will have clear height step-downs near residential zones, helping preserve the character of smaller-scale neighborhoods. This addition is in response to resident feedback and aims to make height and development transitions predictable and visually appealing.
A Collaborative Effort for Community-Centered Growth
Throughout each phase, the Planning Commission has made public engagement a cornerstone of the Plan Bentonville initiative. Community feedback directly shaped revisions in the FLUM and zoning adjustments. Several meetings have been dedicated to ensuring Bentonville’s growth reflects the values and aspirations of its residents, including transparent public hearings and town hall discussions.
“We want Bentonville to grow in a way that serves everyone,” said [City Official’s Name], a member of the Planning Commission. “The community’s input has been essential in guiding us, from defining what growth looks like to where it should happen.”
Looking Ahead: Final Review and Adoption
Plan Bentonville is entering the final phase of public review, with residents encouraged to provide feedback on the updated FLUM and proposed zoning codes before the plan’s anticipated adoption later this year. This final phase allows for last-minute community insights and adjustments before the city implements these new policies. As Bentonville takes steps to shape its future, the Planning Commission remains committed to creating a city that balances its expanding infrastructure needs with the community’s desire for livability and connectivity
