FARMINGTON -- Making improvements to Creekside Park in Farmington, such as additional parking, is considered a priority by the city's Economic Development Committee, meeting last week with new chairwoman Diane Bryant, also a new member of Farmington City Council.
The committee held a luncheon meeting at Mandalay Asian Cuisine restaurant in Farmington. Committee members are Judy Horne, Tommy Cornwell, Howard Carter, Pat Davenport, who was absent. Alderwoman Patsy Pike also attended the meeting.
The committee discussed positives of Farmington. These include quality schools, public library facility, senior center, a growing population, proximity to University of Arkansas and I-49, 18-hole golf course, cooperation among city leaders, a city park and sports complex, accessibility to businesses and community facilities and the city's rural climate.
Weaknesses in Farmington listed by committee members included the appearance of some buildings along Main Street, lack of a motel or hotel, vacancies in commercial buildings and lack of a hub or central area for the community.
Cornwell, who is a member of Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said one of the comments he hears the most as a chamber member is that businesses are not allowed to serve or sell alcohol in the city limits.
"The lack of alcohol sales is one of the biggest complaints we receive," Cornwell told the committee. "This continually comes up."
He pointed out that 30 seconds from Farmington city limits, people can purchase alcohol at a Fayetteville business.
"Cars turn right to go into Farmington (from the business) and our tax money turns left (to Fayetteville)," Cornwell said. "I just think at some point that this needs to come to a point to let the people vote."
Other members agreed Farmington is losing tax money because businesses cannot sell alcohol.
Pike said she does not drink alcohol but has decided "we should get the money rather than someone else."
Horne added, "It's draining money out of Farmington."
After discussing positives and negatives about Farmington, Cornwell wondered about the next step. Bryant said she would email the information to committee members and they could list priorities for the city as far as economic development.
Most agreed improving Creekside Park should be the first priority and the city already is taking a step in that direction. It has advertised for proposals from design consultants to develop a new master plan for the park.
Bryant said she thinks another priority should be creating a town center or hub in Farmington. Using the area around Farmington Post Office as a downtown square has been discussed many times in the past and Bryant said she would like for the Economic Development Committee to work toward a plan to create a community hub.
Horne held up a book she is reading called "Rural by Design" and she said the author recommends creating focal points for a community. A downtown square would be a focal point in Farmington, she said.
"I'm a newbie in Farmington. I've only lived here 15 years," Horne said. "I lived in Fayetteville all my life and I wouldn't move back for anything. I love Farmington."
The committee's next meeting will be April 23 at Mandalay restaurant.
General News on 04/01/2015