While Bella Vista's developer, Cooper Communities Inc., is always considering ways to improve both sides of Town Center, there are no definite plans for the location, according to Neff Basore, senior vice president of CCI.
Town Center encompasses the shopping centers located on either side of U.S. 71, where it intersects with Arkansas Highway 340/Lancashire Drive.
"Now we're just talking to tenants and getting a feel for what's needed in that location," he said. Leases are being renewed on a month-to-month basis to keep all options open. He pointed out that until the city moves, most of the west side of Town Center is full.
Speculation about the center may have been fed by the city's decision to move its Community Development Services offices from Town Center West to Village Center, which is farther west on Lancashire Boulevard. The move is being made because of space needs, city officials have said.
The Architectural Control Committee office, which is in the same location as the Community Development Services offices, may also move. Mayor Peter Christie told the City Council that CCI is considering moving the nonprofit to make the permitting process easier for residents. Both Community Development Services and the ACC are involved in permitting.
Basore confirmed that the CCI is interested in moving the ACC.
"We don't want a citizen to have to drive across town to get both permits," he said. "So we're trying to make sure that we provide the best possible service to the members."
Although it is an independent entity, the ACC serves the POA membership, he explained.
The Town Center buildings are 40 to 50 years old, Basore said. They were built long before the American with Disabilities Act was written. Because of the hilly terrain, conforming with ADA guidelines is a challenge. In spite of additions to the parking spaces over the years, there's still not enough parking.
At different times CCI has considered many scenarios including selling the complex or razing the buildings and starting over, Basore said. There have even been plans drawn up in the past, he said.
But, while nothing is really off the table, no definitive plans have been made, either.
"But that could change quickly," he warned. "These things could move fast under the right circumstances."
General News on 10/07/2015