Hot Springs, Arkansas - Hwy 70 East - Bypass
|
Hot Springs, Arkansas - Hwy 70 East - Bypass
|
|
SCENIC/ ENTERTAINMENT CORRIDOR MINUTES re Meeting on April 18, 2002 Gideon’s Restaurant, Hot Springs, AR. 11:00 a.m. – 1:10 p.m.
The initial meeting of the Scenic/Entertainment Corridor Steering Committee began approximately 11:30 a.m., following lunch. Those present were: Anita Barrett; Vickie Berni; David Campbell; Cliff Caughman and his son-in-law; Jay Chessir; Lynn Cole; David French’s representative; Leonard Hall; Carl Hughes; Tom Lucek; Ted Mullenix’s two representatives; Kent Myers; Ken Wheatley; Bob Wheeler; Gerald Wheeler; and Larry Williams’ representative.
Following welcome greetings and introductions, supportive comments were presented by Bob Wheeler, H. S. City Board of Directors. The Scenic/ Entertainment Corridor purpose and objectives were presented by Lynn Cole, Coordinator and Facilitator.
Kent Myers, Hot Springs City Manager, gave a Summary Report on the University of Arkansas Community Design Center’s 2000/2001 Study on the Scenic Corridor (S/C). He highlighted the four parts of the Study:
safety problems)…
Kent reminded Steering Committee members that the S/C runs from the Quality Inn east three miles to the proposed new Expressway near Cutter Morning Star School. He reviewed the cost of Study ($57,000) shared by Fifty for the Future, the City of Hot Springs and GCEDC.
Kent also mentioned the various meetings held with S/C property owners and their concerns re the issue of "right of imminent domain" which they feared would force them to sell their land at undervalue or under-market prices. According to Kent, since the last property owners’ meeting in April 2001, no action was taken re this S/C Study until a presentation was made to the Hot Springs City Board of Directors by Lynn Cole on March 18, 2002. Discussion by the Board led to a vote to further pursue the S/C concept using the UoA’s Study guidelines, recommendations, and ideas. Lynn agreed to pull together and coordinate a Steering Committee for the S/C.
The meeting was turned back to Lynn Cole who facilitated a discussion on the ‘Vision of a Scenic Corridor.’ Cliff Caughman, Caughman Siding, took the floor and express his concerns and objections to a relatively new law (titled:--_________________________ referred hereafter as the ‘Law’) passed by our State Legislator allowing cities to form districts in certain areas. Cities could then exercise a provision referred to as the "right of imminent domain" which might result in a property being valued and the owner forced to sell their property at a price below their desired asking price. Cliff wants to let the free enterprise system work naturally, over time.
A lively, and lengthy, interaction re this issue brought up several positions and opinions between members on the possibilities of this occurring in the proposed S/C area. Gerald Wheeler, The Cabinet Door Shop, stated he felt this could turn out to be a ‘cuss fight’ or a ‘win-win’ situation and that we should ‘get it all out and find out’ exactly where we stand. He also stated he had plans to build a manufacturing facility in the S/C which is scheduled to begin this Summer; however, he would be willing to relocate it elsewhere & sell his prime property. He wanted to hear Kent Myers’ efforts to pull it (aspects of the S/C ) together.
Kent Myers firmly stated that the "right of imminent domain" could only be exercised if the Hot Springs City Board of Directors voted in this new State Law for H.S. He stated there are no current plans to do so…there is no Board support for this action…no ‘district’ labeling/zoning is planned for the S/C area. Bob Wheeler agreed and supported Kent’s comments.
Tom Mullenix, Music Mountain Jamboree, sent a letter for us to read in his absence. Lynn read the letter wherein Ted stated he has invested $4 million in his entertainment business (in G.C.) over the past 20 years. He expressed his feelings and opinions re lack of support from the A&P and others in G. C. for local entertainment/tourism businesses. He feels the A&P concentrates mainly on the convention business and does not expend effort or dollars toward drawing the group/bus tour business (which is the bread and butter of his and other small business operators); and, A&P should consider paying for lodging & meals of tourists so they will patronize entertainment venues. Ted feels Hot Springs/G.C. will not be successful in appealing to and/or attracting new private enterprise and entertainment businesses unless we can prove there will be a group/bus tour built-in clientele.
Tom Lucek, H. S. Transit, shared with the members the proactive attitude and plans re public transportation to this area in the future. Starting this summer there will be buses and/or trolleys to Music Mountain Jamboree and Magic Springs during peak operating times. This service will start at the new area adjacent to the Transportation Depot and will be free to riders. Also, when the S/C Corridor opens, they will expand their services to meet the needs and demands of theaters, restaurants, shopping and lodging guests.
Kent expressed it is more important for this group to discuss and concentrate on the positives re the S/C, such as: A potential train that is under discussion that will serve/connect the d.t. and S/C; trolleys/buses that will be servicing and moving people; theaters that we need to be addressing, etc. He suggested we ‘agree not to talk about the negatives…but to focus on the positives.’ This drew a mixed reaction from the members.
A representative from Music Mountain Jamboree asked about researching this Law to protect the S/C: have it revised or our Board of Directors vote to exclude the S/C from being affected by this Law (ie, the ‘right of imminent domain).
There was further discussion re TIF (Tax Increment Financing) which involves ‘overlay districts’ and signage regs, architectural standards and zoning changes (ready to be upgraded). It was stated that the S/C is a long-term challenge. Also, zoning will keep ‘un-acceptables’ out and give investors a tax break.
Kent further expressed "there is no hidden agenda…no plans to adopt this Law." Further, he stated there are Little Rock districts filing with the State to repeal this Law. Thus, we do not need to focus on problems (re the Law); because, they will not become an issue. If something arises in the future that becomes an issue/problem, we can deal with it then. Most of the members agreed at this point to drop their concern and put aside their fears about losing their property unfairly…thus, allowing the Steering Committee to move ahead.
Carl Hughes, Cutter Morning Star School District, stated he felt it vital we have some (guidelines/ structure) control over the S/C development…(to insure quality and appropriate businesses become part of this). He mentioned that approximately half the area is outside the city. Cliff Caughman stated the zoning laws would take care of that (issue).
David Campbell, H. S. Planning Commission, said the zones are there now; and, if someone wants to build something in these zones, they must get approval. He expressed his desire to have the people and businesses come together on this. Also, he noted that land can be rezoned.
Vicki Berni, Magic Springs, stated that S/C won’t benefit Magic Springs as the sole purpose of the S/C; but, Magic Springs will benefit indirectly. She recalled her reactions driving into H. S. for the first time (a year+ ago); and, how the closer she got to d.t. on 70E, the "scenery wasn’t as nice." She also felt property values will change with demand (in the S/C area); and, stated "we all may have to give up something; but, we’ll all gain" (a lot in the long run).
Kent reminded us about the new Embassy Suites being built near the S/C area (and how much business that will bring).
Lynn presented to the members the challenge of "what is the next step?" To facilitate members in deciding, Lynn shared more information: reviewed the proposed Branson Blitz, plus another meeting in the near future with the S/C Property Owners. After some discussion, it was decided that we should do the Branson Blitz on May 7/8, 2002…with the purpose/agenda :
what works vs does not work…
Estimated Costs pp: Lodging / Meals / Shows Transportation: vans & drivers provided by City (seating capacity: ___)
Following the trip, we will meet to discuss our findings, opinions and decisions, and to pull together our ‘plan of action.’ Proposed date for this significant meeting is May 21st at 11: a.m. & lunch at the KOA Kampground. (Please mark your calendars to be presentJ ) {Also: Committee sign up sheets were passed. 1. Branson Blitz…2. Environmental/Codes/Legal…3. Financing Resources… 4. P.R./Marketing…5. S/C Property Owners (future: Entertainment + +)}
Kent proposed a meeting w/ property owners in the ‘Scenic Corridor’ (after our Blitz & plan development) to: Review the ‘vision/concept’ and enlist property owners’ support in making this happen for the overall enrichment of Hot Springs and all citizens (i.e., increased tourism; appeal to more high-profile convention/meeting business & tour groups; tax base development/increased revenues. We discussed what areas & property owners of the S/C would be invited to this meeting (i.e., which areas of the S/C property are actually involved in first phase of development). Choices were: all; only frontal properties; + possibly those further back. No decision was made; we tabled this until after our Branson Blitz and our review/planning meeting. There was a general consensus only property owners in the S/C area be invited to meetings where proposals, reviews, decisions, etc. are made re the S/C property.
There was a general discussion re possibility of forming a POA in the S/C. This issue has come up before. Some owners were concerned about being one entity or organization the City could make demands upon or sue/force into the ‘right of imminent domain’ situation through this Law. (Several members responded re their experience with a POA; and, the Law could not be enforced against a group…that each individual property owner would be a separate entity.)
Gerald suggested we get a State representative to our (property owner and/or Steering Committee) meeting in the near future to explain the Law. It was generally agreed this would be a logical move.
Anita referred to models from Chicago, Portland and other areas re POA’s and developments. Lynn mentioned two POA’s of which she is a member and that liability is protected by insurance.
We also decided to take pictures in Branson so show the S/C property owners so they could see the positives and negatives of an entertainment area…perhaps encouraging owners and adding excitement to the prospect of a S/C. We also discussed going to Pigeon Forge on a blitz as it is smaller and more similar to our proposed S/C. We considered: going to PF instead of Branson…going only to Branson…going to both…having two separate teams go to one. There was a general consensus we might go to both and that all Steering Committee members should see both so we all have the knowledge and impressions from which to make educated decisions. However, the Branson Blitz is a ‘go.’
In closing, many members expressed their excitement, support, enthusiasm and general ‘good feelings’ re the progress we made in our first meeting and the S/C proposal as a real possibility and future endeavor. We agreed that the timing is important and ‘now is the future’ as relates to taking necessary steps, one at a time, to move ahead with this proposal. We adjourned at approx. 1:10 p.m. A special thanks to all who attended and were so willing to work through issues. Respectfully submitted by,
Lynn Cole, Coordinator 106 Gareth Ct. Hot Springs, AR. 71913 767.6225 P.S. I would very much appreciate one of our Steering Committee members helping me take notes during meetings…thus, insuring accuracy and all discussion recorded. Please call me if you are so movedJ Thanks, Lynn |
|
|
