Comments Upset Campbell

Beck Campbell, the most outspoken Springdale resident against the proposed apartment/golf course development in her neighborhood, wanted her chance to respond to comments in the Aug. 6 Northwest Arkansas Business Journal regarding her actions.

The Springdale City Council voted 5-2 against the project although the Springdale Planning Commission had previously voted 7-1 in its favor. The 47-acre tract of land at the Luvene Avenue and 40th Street intersection is owned by George’s Inc. CEO Gary George. It would have been developed by Lindsey Construction Co. for a Lindsey managed apartment complex and nine-hole executive golf course.

Jim Lindsey, president of Lindsey & Associates Inc. in Fayetteville, and George each said they were “stunned” and “shocked” by the decision. George said he was “surprised that [the council] didn’t look at the facts more.” Lindsey questioned Campbell’s motivation. “I just hope the council wasn’t intimidated following that kind of mentality,” Lindsey said, responding to Campbell labeling people who rented as opposed to owning a home.

Campbell was particularly upset at the Business Journal’s headline insinuating that race may have played a factor in the people against the development.

“The issue of race was never spoken, not once,” Campbell said. “There was never an underlying current. Race was no motivation at all, not privately or publicly.

“The project simply did not fit the existing land-use map. Springdale decided to act responsible this time. We had a valid argument. The land-use map had given citizens certain assurances how that property would be developed. We’ve gotta have a plan and stick to it. Very few single-family housing developments in Springdale have not been encroached by high-density, multi-family residential housing or commercial property. The citizens opposed to the project presented 30 minutes of facts.”