43 replies to this topic

[RemusCal]

I just wanted to point out some of the major developments and events that happened this year that really has catapulted NWA to being a metropolitan area.  We are on the verge of being a major market!  It is truly amazing how much we have been blessed.

1.   Light Rail has been introduced.
2.   Millions of dollars was approved for highways, including many that need work in our area.
3.   Bentonville/Fayetteville downtowns are becoming main streets.
4.   Pinnacle Hills has become the premier shopping, dining, office, and living area in the region.
5.   Billions of dollars are being invested in Pinnacle Hills.
6.   A proposed Minor League team in Springdale.
7.   Many mixed use developments planned.
8.   Dozens of new schools built.
9.   XNA surpasses its last years numbers again.
10. Technology companies make a landmark in Fayetteville.
11. Crystal Bridges Museum is introduced to Bentonville.
12. The Hispanic population becomes much larger.
13. Beaver Lake water becomes a problem of insufficiency for the area.
14. The highest condo towers for any building in the region becomes a reality in Eastern Rogers on Beaver Lake.

These are a few.  Hope everyone had a great 2005 and has a wonderful 2006.  It's going to be an even more exciting year than 05.

[mcheiss]

Another reality is the entire growth of West Rogers. There's well over 1 Billion in Construction along 4 miles of Interstate in Rogers.

[mcheiss]

Also, the proposal for Benton County to be wet is another big one for NWA.

[Mith242]

It has been an interesting year that's for certain.  Although I would like to point out that the Grandview Heights are still facing opposition and everything isn't a done deal just yet.  And even if the initial plan still goes forward it will still be a 15 story at first.  I've also been wondering about the hispanic growth.  Granted my city isn't the greatest place to get an accurate feel for that.  While I'm not surprised there's still more hispanic growth I guess I didn't necessarily think that there was as much growth this year as the previous number of years.  Anyone have any comments on this?

[mcheiss]

There wasn't a big Hispanic boom this year.

At least not in Rogers to might knowledge. I'm not sure why, if it deals with jobs or better economic conditions in other cities.

[tim2462]

I am excited to see what all opens up there this year...since there's so much almost finished.

[Mith242]

tim2462, on Dec 31 2005, 06:53 PM, said:

I am excited to see what all opens up there this year...since there's so much almost finished.

Yeah 2006 should be a big year for NWA.  I can't wait to see what the area will be like a year from now.

[tim2462]

There probably won't be any condos started on Beaver Lake...it will probbaly take longer than a year to even get started...who knows how long this court battle will drag on.

[Mith242]

tim2462, on Dec 31 2005, 07:16 PM, said:

There probably won't be any condos started on Beaver Lake...it will probbaly take longer than a year to even get started...who knows how long this court battle will drag on.

Yeah I'm not sure how long all that is going to get dragged out.  Even when they get the one building going who knows when they'll be able to get the others going or what's going to happen with them.  If they'll be able to get the others as 25 story as originally intended or if they'll have to settle for 15 on those also.

[tim2462]

Yeah, it's going to be a big mess.  A lot of people are saying that they are building those in anticipation of the new Disney park(s) being built lol.

[Mith242]

tim2462, on Dec 31 2005, 07:31 PM, said:

Yeah, it's going to be a big mess.  A lot of people are saying that they are building those in anticipation of the new Disney park(s) being built lol.

Yeah I don't know if I believe that.  I think they had that planned out well before Disney was buying any land in the area.  I just think it makes sense already.  You have one of the fastest growing areas in the country and you have a nice lake not too far away with very little development on it.  Seems natural to me that all the development would start happening over on the lake too.

[tim2462]

Yes, that does seem natural...but not to stupid people like steve and judy lewis...they don't understand that a high-rise will have a lot less impact on the environment than a bunch of sprawled out houses...a lot more trees are saved by the high-rise.  They are just worried about looking out and seeing the high-rise...what idiots.

[Mith242]

tim2462, on Dec 31 2005, 07:44 PM, said:

Yes, that does seem natural...but not to stupid people like steve and judy lewis...they don't understand that a high-rise will have a lot less impact on the environment than a bunch of sprawled out houses...a lot more trees are saved by the high-rise.  They are just worried about looking out and seeing the high-rise...what idiots.

Yeah I can't say I understand their thinking a lot either.  Part of my problem is that there were plenty of other people who probably didn't want development coming up on their land either all around NWA.  But you either have to deal with it or make a lot of money by selling your land and moving further away from the metro.  I guess I just find it hard to believe that these people didn't realize that with all the growth going on that it wouldn't eventually head that direction.  But I certainly agree with you on the impact of the development.  I also would much rather see more building up than building out.  They even had an official at the discussions tell the homeowners that this development would have less of an impact than putting in a huge house subdivision.

[tim2462]

Yeah, I heard that...but all they are concerned with is that they're going to look out their window and see a huge building...whoopty freakin do! lol they need to get a life or move.

[Mith242]

Well not sure if everyone will see this but anyway a Happy New Year to everyone.  

[tim2462]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May we build it so they will continue to come.

[mcheiss]

tim2462, on Dec 31 2005, 08:05 PM, said:

Yeah, I heard that...but all they are concerned with is that they're going to look out their window and see a huge building...whoopty freakin do! lol they need to get a life or move.

Tell that to the Coose Hollow Residents!

[tim2462]

LOL I did...I had a nice little argument session with Steve Lewis via email.

[mcheiss]

tim2462, on Dec 31 2005, 10:53 PM, said:

LOL I did...I had a nice little argument session with Steve Lewis via email.

Was he one of the extreme anti-condo people that was always in the papers?

[tim2462]

Yes, and he got on my every last nerve, and I live in Little Rock!