Variances are bad for community
The Bella Vista City Council and Planning Commission never met a tax-revenue-generating business proposal they did not like, whether or not it was compatible with adjoining businesses or nearby residential neighborhoods. A gas station or auto body shop next to a church or bank? Sure.
If the city leaders are trying to make Bella Vista's scenic byways as ugly as the U.S. 412 business corridor east of I-49 in Springdale, they have made a good start. Just keep approving variances each time you are presented with a new business proposal.
I urge the Planning Commission and City Council to adhere to the zoning guidelines established by their predecessors. More important, identify a block of appropriate sites more suitable for these types of businesses. Consider finding a way to easily and affordably equip the sites with utilities to make them attractive to potential business owners. Now that's an initiative I'd support.
Incidentally, I supported the Planning Commission's and council's decision to allow Walmart to build a Neighborhood Market on U.S. 71. Sadly, my fellow Bella Vistans did not agree with the council or me. One of the primary arguments was that a Neighborhood Market across from Allen's would be its death knell. Unlike many Bella Vistans, I sat in morning traffic on U.S. 71 each weekday while I was working.
The Neighborhood Market's clientele would have been the many Missourians and Bella Vistans on their way to work, who stopped to buy a cup of coffee and donut.
Karen Wenzel
Bella Vista
Editorial on 09/23/2015