Public Workshops to be held for the Conway Historic Preservation Plan

The City of Conway announces plans for two public workshops for input on development of the city’s Historic Preservation Plan on February 4th and February 6th. The first meeting will be held February 4th, at the Conway Chamber building, starting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will focus on providing progress updates on the project and soliciting input from workshop attendees.

According to Conway Planning Director, James Walden, the city’s consultants have been hard at work conducting background research for the project and need public input to help chart a path forward for the plan. “The consultants are seeking input on which parts of the community are in most need of historic preservation and ways the city’s historic preservation program can help these areas,” Walden said. “We are seeking ideas on ways to incent historic preservation and encourage infill development in our historic neighborhoods like Old Conway.”

Walden said, “The meeting will feature a presentation followed by facilitated discussion with those in attendance.” He added, “We want to hear input from everyone. It’s critical that the voice of residents, developers, and community stakeholders is included in this plan.”

A second meeting will be held two days later, February 6th, at the Conway Chamber building, starting at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will feature a presentation from the city’s consultants on draft concepts for the plan and represent a summary of their recommendations for the city.

The city began working on the plan last fall after receiving a grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and National Park Service. An Historic Preservation Plan has never been developed for the Conway community. The plan will help direct and guide the future changes to the city’s development regulation for Conway’s historic neighborhoods and define priorities for projects that promote education and awareness of Conway’s rich historic past.

The final document will propose ideas to guide the city’s preservation program over the next 10 to 20 years. It will affect a broad cross section of residents, business owners, and developers. For this reason, local officials stress the importance of involving as many area people in the process as possible. City officials encourage all community stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and developers, to attend the workshops and take part in guiding the area’s future through preserving its past. Further information about the workshop and all aspects of the project can obtained by contacting the Conway Planning and Development Department at (501) 450-6105.

Contact

James Walden, AICP
Planning Director – City of Conway
Phone: (501) 450-6105
E-Mail: james.walden@conwayarkansas.gov