Bentonville Seeks Public Input For Long-Term Planning

Two planning projects, one for the city of Bentonville as a whole and one for downtown Bentonville, are in the works and have sought input from residents and business leaders.

The City of Bentonville, along with the Bentonville/Bella Vista Area Chamber of Commerce, has launched an effort to create the “Bentonville Blueprint,” with help from Boyette Strategic Advisors of Little Rock. 

The study leading up to the plan consists of two public meetings in November, interviews with key players in the community and a public survey, available until the end of the year at http://boyette-sa.bentonville.sgizmo.com/s3/.

In January, a steering committee will be formed and Boyette plans to roll out the findings from its research, along with a long-term plan for the city sometime in March, said Tracy Sharp, senior project manager and chief operating officer at Boyette.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. has launched a similar campaign with help from the city to determine the future of approximately 300 acres southeast of the square. Two public planning meetings took place Dec. 18, and Downtown Bentonville is continually seeking input from residents.

The plan includes the creation of two districts:  the arts district and the market district. “The vision for these two districts is to create unique urban living and working environments while promoting economic activity,” said David Deggs, executive director of Downtown Bentonville. “Downtown Bentonville is excited about the creation of these two districts in the downtown area that will further enhance the quality of life for residents and create opportunities for businesses.”