Hundreds of responses fly in for new Bentonville draft future land use plan – Northwest Arkansas

Community Engagement Soars for Bentonville’s Future Land Use Plan

As the city of Bentonville embarks on a comprehensive update to its land use plan, hundreds of responses pour in from residents eager to shape the community’s growth trajectory. The plan, dubbed Plan Bentonville, is centered on fostering a harmonious balance between growth and the preservation of the city’s character.

Recent weeks have seen a flurry of community events and opportunities for input, including open houses, office hours, and pop-ups scattered across the city. These sessions have been designed to elicit feedback on the plan’s core concept: “place types.” This innovative approach categorizes areas based on their unique look, feel, and functionality rather than traditional land use designations.

‘Place Types’ Redefine Urban Planning

The ‘place types’ classification system aims to capture the essence of each area by blending land use, transportation amenities, and building forms. It moves beyond conventional land use categories, reflecting residents’ desires for a more diverse and attractive urban environment. The system is built on community input from February’s ‘Design Week,’ which focused on balancing growth with financial accountability, land preservation, and community connection.

With ‘place types’ assigned to every parcel of land in the city, a draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) has been created to visualize the vision for the next 25 years. This map serves as a guide for future development decisions, ensuring that the city’s growth aligns with its long-term objectives.

Resident Engagement Crucial to Successful Planning

Through various community engagement initiatives, residents have been encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposed ‘place types’ and the draft FLUM. Input opportunities include online portals, in-person office hours, and community meetings, catering to diverse preferences and availability. As the city continues to solicit feedback, the importance of resident involvement in shaping Bentonville’s future cannot be overstated.

  • July 29: Open House, Bentonville Fire Station, 4:00-6:00 PM
  • July 29: Office Hours, City Hall Council Chambers, 8:00-10:00 AM
  • August 2: Office Hours, City Hall Council Chambers, 8:00-10:00 AM

The city remains committed to hearing the voices of its residents as Plan Bentonville takes shape, reflecting the community’s aspirations for a thriving, harmonious, and sustainable future.

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