Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Comprehensive plan update and Future Fort Smith
The committee is digging into the top 10 goals for Fort Smith's Comprehensive Plan and how the revision process will unfold. This document guides how the city grows — zoning, infrastructure, parks and more — so the goals picked here ripple into everything.
Driveway paving limits on small cul-de-sac lots in PZD subdivisions
The city caps concrete in residential front yards at 40%, but this homeowner wants 50% so fire trucks can turn around on his property. It's a trade-off between neighborhood green space/appearance rules and emergency response practicality.
Sunday sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption
The board confirmed it cannot refer Sunday off-premises alcohol sales to the ballot itself — only a citizen petition with 3,120 signatures can do it. Residents are already organizing to gather signatures.
Vacation of North N Street and alley in Urbandale Addition
The city was set to give up unused street and alley rights-of-way near North 31st and 32nd Streets so neighboring owners can use the land. Utilities keep an easement in the alley, and nearby owners got notice with no objections reported.
Rezoning requests for North 32nd Street, Vicksburg Street, Kelley Highway, and Massard Road
Four zoning changes were lined up, two converting industrial land to apartment zoning and one turning a multifamily parcel on Massard Road into neighborhood commercial — shaping what gets built where in these corridors.
Boy Scouts property reverter clause at 1401 Old Greenwood Road
The city gave the Scouts land in 1962 that reverts to the city if it stops being used for scouting. The Scouts now want that clause gone so the property can be leased or sold, and the board weighed whether to keep a claim on the land or trade it for a first right of refusal and reimbursement.
Childcare family homes code update (Act 60)
The city was set to update its zoning code so licensed home-based childcare providers can operate as an accessory residential use, matching new state law. Pick-ups and drop-offs would have to happen on the driveway, not the street.
Harvest Time Tabernacle campus expansion
The church won approval for 97 more parking spaces, a new Grinnell Avenue driveway, and expanded directional signage. Neighbors at a meeting raised traffic and screening concerns but didn't object to the signs.