Bentonville Roundup: Street Closures Approved for Race Series and Hiking Weekend; Council to Weigh Infrastructure Spending
The Traffic Safety and Signage Committee approved street closures for the Run Bentonville Race Series and the Ozarks Hiking Weekend at its July 6 meeting, the only body in the past two weeks with published minutes confirming decisions.
Traffic Safety and Signage Committee — July 6
The committee took four votes, all unanimous:
- **Approved** the Run Bentonville Race Series street closures.
- **Approved** the Ozarks Hiking Weekend, contingent on coordination with library parking.
- **Tabled** the Spooky Sprint half marathon event pending a revised route.
- **Supported** moving forward with the Life Time Big Sugar alternate route, which will return for formal consideration in August.
City Council and Finance Committee — July 14
The Bentonville City Council and Finance Committee met July 14, but minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed. The agendas listed several items with dollar amounts:
- $550,000.00 increase to the Milestone IDIQ contract for sidewalks and concrete work.
- $741,058.00 bid award to Sandridge Construction for the McCollum Sidepath Phase 2.
- $30,000.00 Walton Family Foundation grant for John Deshields Blvd crosswalks.
- $30,000.00 contribution from Runway for pedestrian infrastructure.
- $100,000.00 repayment of unused Walton Family Foundation grant funds.
- $50,000.00 commitment for HWY 71 B Corridor Transit Oriented Development Planning.
- $200,000.00 bid to All Around MFG for a 2026 Bucket Truck.
- $78,568.00 amendment for SW Nutmeg Drainage Improvements.
- Rezoning of 1201 and 1203 SW I St from T2.1 Rural to T5.2 Town Center High.
These items were on the agenda; the record does not yet show whether they passed.
Planning Commission — July 7
The Planning Commission agenda included public hearings on four rezoning requests and one planned unit development amendment:
- Michael Koenitz-Hudac — 1201 and 1203 SW I St (RZ26-0030).
- Gocio — 716 Jefferson St (RZ26-0031).
- SNUG Properties — 1108 Royal Dr (RZ26-0032).
- J & M Capital Ventures — 4001-4104 SW Pawhuska St (RZ26-0033).
- Laurel Canyon PUD Amendment at 902-1002 SE 3rd St (PUD25-0002).
New business included the Plaza Surgery Center Large Scale Development at 701 SE Plaza Avenue (LSD26-0010) and an extension request for Applejack II Townhomes at 908 East Central (LSD25-0026). The consent agenda listed a property line adjustment at 4201 SW 2nd Street (PLA26-0014). Minutes are not yet published.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board — July 6
The board's agenda called for approval of a public art statue honoring Dr. Compton, plus financial and program evaluations for the Run Bentonville Half Marathon and the Square to Square event. The 2027 recreation program fee schedule was also listed for discussion. Minutes are not yet published.
Tree & Landscape Advisory Board — July 16
The board discussed an update to the Native and Pollinator Landscape Ordinance, including enforcement and staffing considerations. Members received an update on the Fall Tree Giveaway planned for October 10, 2026, and reviewed five landscape award nominations. Minutes are not yet published.
Public Art Advisory Board — July 16
The board conducted a site tour of potential display locations at 1802 Associates Drive and adjourned. No minutes are available.
Coming Up
- **July 21 — Utility Board:** Will consider a proposed $792,230.00 contract with Halff Associates, Inc. for engineering services on the Vaughn/Old Farm Lift Station, Force Main, and Gravity Sewer project.
- **July 21 — Planning Commission:** Will review the Downtown Bentonville Mixed Use project (The Hart on Main) at 212 N. Main St., the AWE Maintenance Facility at 1119 NE J St., and rezoning requests from STEM Lands, LLC (RZ26-0018) and SNUG Properties, LLC (RZ26-0032).