Annexation for portion of Old Wire Road on hold

Annexing a portion of land on Old Wire Road into the city of Fayetteville was tabled at last night’s council meeting.

Residents who live in the area spoke against extending the city to this property, citing concerns that annexation would lead to development.

A development would be “way out of character for that neighborhood,” said Jeff Dangeau, a neighbor of the property in question.

“Everything else has a rural character,” Dangeau said.

The applicant was not able to be present at the meeting and asked that the item be tabled for the following council meeting, said Jeremy Pate, development services director. This ordinance is on its third reading.

When this issue came before the Planning Commission in September, the commission denied the request in a vote 5-4 based on concerns for development patterns and compatibility.

In other business, the council approved a five-year contract for Waste Management of Arkansas to haul and dispose of the city’s waste at a rate of $32.50 per ton. Cherokee Nation had provided solid waste services since 2006, but defaulted on the contract in late September of this year. Cherokee Nation’s rate had been $24.47 per ton.

Hauling and disposing waste for Fayetteville in 2010 is estimated to cost $1,755,000.

Also, the council unanimously approved a contract for $93,000 with Community Access Television, Inc. to operate through 2010. As a part of the franchise agreement with the city, Cox Communications provides three channels for Fayetteville, including CAT, or Channel 18.

Mary Robbins is a guest contributor for the Fayetteville Flyer. Mary declared Fayetteville as her hometown upon moving here for college. She is a Journalism graduate who enjoys live music, the outdoors and attending city council meetings. For more of Mary’s contributions, visit her author page.