Sixth Street/MLK - Farmington Area

[Mith242]

Okay, let's keep things on topic here. If everyone can't be civil I'll close this topic off.

[Shantytown Architect]

I agree with andrewjensen's analysis. An institution is, in fact, being racist when it is not being anti-racist. There's no such thing as a 'post-racial' institution. The U o A has historically failed to uphold an anti-racist credo and is currently pricing lower-income individuals out of education. The fact that there's more middle class white folk from Texas than Black folk from south Arkansas is demonstrative of this.

But back to MLK, Jr. Blvd. I really hope the city doesn't 'master plan' this area. The master plans for southside Fayetteville are just codewords for making historically Black and working class neighborhoods "comfortable" for white middle and upper class folks... by pushing poor white and Black folk out of the neighborhood! I would like to see an ordinance that states every public dollar spent on the development of condos must be matched with funds set aside for the development of low-to-middle income, mid-density, multi-story housing on the southside.

[CentralArkansas]

I agree with andrewjensen's analysis. An institution is, in fact, being racist when it is not being anti-racist. There's no such thing as a 'post-racial' institution. The U o A has historically failed to uphold an anti-racist credo and is currently pricing lower-income individuals out of education. The fact that there's more middle class white folk from Texas than Black folk from south Arkansas is demonstrative of this.

There are less than 500,000 "black folk" in the entire state of Arkansas. There are about six MILLION simply in the city of Dallas, which is just as close to Fayetteville as many of those "black folk." I'm sure that has NOTHING to do with it.

What do you want the UA to do, give free tuition to all blacks and punish the rest with even higher tuition? You sound like the racist to me.

But back to MLK, Jr. Blvd. I really hope the city doesn't 'master plan' this area. The master plans for southside Fayetteville are just codewords for making historically Black and working class neighborhoods "comfortable" for white middle and upper class folks... by pushing poor white and Black folk out of the neighborhood! I would like to see an ordinance that states every public dollar spent on the development of condos must be matched with funds set aside for the development of low-to-middle income, mid-density, multi-story housing on the southside.

....and it sounds like you should vote for your buddy Putin/Chavez/Castro in your next election.

[Snaple4]

Well, this topic has made some extensions to the matter at hand....

I would like to state a few of my "opinions."

First, if you must look at it one way or another then it is logical to see an organization as being racist if it is not being anti-racist. This is assuming that racism is a dominate force in everyone and a neutral organization will naturally deviate toward racism because of the people within. So take that how you will.

Next, we have the naming of a major street within Fayetteville. One that has been known as 6th street for how long? This street has had an overwhelmingly large number of BUSINESSES sign a petition against. This is more important than having the same number of people sign. Why, because a business is what fuels our economy. A business, indirectly or directly, gives the public its resources to have infrastructure, education, parks

[jllive]

I think the word racist has been thrown around too easily in this thread. I don't think any of the comments have been racist. Racially/Culturally insensitive? Yes. A counter example would be, "Hey, did you here Sixth Street is going to be renamed President George W Bush Blvd. Great, now everyone is going to think Fayetteville is run by a bunch of ignorant rednecks." Personally, I don't think renaming Sixth Street is much of a gesture, but I could be wrong. It may speak volumes to others and help continue to move Fayetteville in the right direction. I hope this is the case. I love the progressive direction that Fayetteville is taking and it would be moving much faster if it weren't for our horrific economy. And, I think that if some of our neighbor cities would look at progress in the same manner as Fayetteville it would go a long way for helping to culturally and racially diversify our region. Once that happens, I think we will finally lose that stigma that has made our city government make an insecure gesture like the one we are discussing.

[zman9810]

But back to MLK, Jr. Blvd. I really hope the city doesn't 'master plan' this area. The master plans for southside Fayetteville are just codewords for making historically Black and working class neighborhoods "comfortable" for white middle and upper class folks... by pushing poor white and Black folk out of the neighborhood! I would like to see an ordinance that states every public dollar spent on the development of condos must be matched with funds set aside for the development of low-to-middle income, mid-density, multi-story housing on the southside.

The master plans for the Walker Park and Fayette Junction areas were largely created from the suggestions of the people living in those neighborhoods. They are meant to preserve and improve the areas- not change their demographics. Most of the busnesses and housing being developed along Sixth/MLK is to serve the university students- not to shove anyone else out. The plans are for the Research Park in south Fayetteville to play a large part in any Green business development that comes to the city.

[andrewjensen]

You connect just as many dots as I do.

Sure, I think Chris Rock thinks black on black crime is funny. Right....

I heard Chris Rock fine. I know that its funny only because its true (and ironic, dontcha think?) And people don't avoid MLK and Malcom X Blvd in Dallas because they're racist. The avoid it because its notorious for crime. The same way they used to avoid Harry Hines Blvd, but I digress.

For someone who gets paid (a little) to be an observer without ever really doing anything, you sure aren't very good at inference in this matter.

You think it was a great thing. Great. If you do, you do in spite of the very real connotations the name carries for probably the majority of Americans. It sure as heck isn't neutral. Its potentially negative with little to no upside for business, and thats not a risk the city should have taken to appease some random activist.

Well, since you're an observer and not a doer, you don't really have anything riding on it, do you? Funny how easy it is when you never have to actually do anything but make a few phone calls and fill up a few columns of fishwrap about topics with which you have no experience.

You shouldn't be the one to opine about someone else talking about of their butt. You said everything was fine for Barber a few months back, I see. so much for your opinions...

And what exactly do you do? At least I put my name on my opinions. I didn't attack you personally in my first post, only your argument, yet you seem to want make this all about me. You've called me naive, quaint, assumed to infer where I've lived or been and twisted my words into an accusation of racism that was never there just because I disagree with you.

You really expect people to eat up your position that renaming the street will be bad for business when all it is based on is a stand up comedy routine, the unfortunate circumstances in larger cities and your assumption you know what "most" Americans think? Get a freaking clue, man.

[hogwash]

You know I'm pretty sure the exits at 6th St. are labeled as US 62 and also say Univ. of Ark. I think everybody is kind of making a mountain out of a mole hill.

[Shantytown Architect]

What do you want the UA to do, give free tuition to all blacks and punish the rest with even higher tuition? You sound like the racist to me.

Actually, I think we should have free tuition for anyone under a certain income. Fighting the white power structure isn't racist, preserving it is.

....and it sounds like you should vote for your buddy Putin/Chavez/Castro in your next election.

I support the democratic & socialist nature of Venezuela and Cuba. Putin isn't a leftist, he's the newest face for the rich oligarchs.

[Mith242]

You know I'm pretty sure the exits at 6th St. are labeled as US 62 and also say Univ. of Ark. I think everybody is kind of making a mountain out of a mole hill.

I have to agree. I just don't see renaming the street that big of a deal. I can see where people are coming from to a certain degree. But in the end I just don't think renaming it will end up making that big of a deal. I don't think the street is run down at all. If there's a run down street in Fayetteville it's College Ave with all the empty stores and such. I think MLK/6th St will do okay in part because it's a major thoroughfare that many people take to get to the university.

[marmot]

Actually, I think we should have free tuition for anyone under a certain income.

We do. They're called scholarships, and they're available to anyone of any color.

I support the democratic & socialist nature of Venezuela and Cuba.

Do you live in America? If so, why?

[CentralArkansas]

I support the democratic & socialist nature of Venezuela and Cuba. Putin isn't a leftist, he's the newest face for the rich oligarchs.

All I needed to know to ensure I don't waste my time reading your posts from now on.

Carry on...

[aerotive]

I'm against the renaming, though not because of any kind of perceived negative associations with Dr. King or of other roads named after him. I simply don't like the idea of renaming an old, important, well-known street. It causes needless confusion and expense.

A better solution would've been to name a major new road or public building after Dr. King.

[Shantytown Architect]

Do you live in America? If so, why?

All I needed to know to ensure I don't waste my time reading your posts from now on.

I was born in Fayetteville, raised in Oklahoma 7 years and lived in NWA since then. I love America. That's why I'm looking forward to a democratic & socialist America. But this isn't a politics forum. I'm willing to discuss the intricacies of left-wing governments and leftism but this isn't the place. Now, I am willing to argue with on ordinance related issues, the local economy, etc.

[Snaple4]

We do. They're called scholarships, and they're available to anyone of any color.

Actually, that is semi-incorrect. Minority Scholarships are not available to me.... Just thought I would be an ass. Carry on with the bickering and such. I find it amusing.

[zman9810]

I'm against the renaming, though not because of any kind of perceived negative associations with Dr. King or of other roads named after him. I simply don't like the idea of renaming an old, important, well-known street. It causes needless confusion and expense.

A better solution would've been to name a major new road or public building after Dr. King.

I agree- when the name change was originally discussed years ago those were the common sense arguments against it. When the businesses along Sixth St. made their point that it was a needless expense and burden for them the city should have listened and made it a point to honor Dr. King in another way. Naming the new Boys Club after him would have been a great idea....or even the elementary school next to it.

Now that the decision has been made and implemented it can be looked at as a way to improve the image that Fayetteville in particular and NWA in general has. I wonder if the state will change the freeway signs to reflect the name change?

[marmot]

I'm against the renaming, though not because of any kind of perceived negative associations with Dr. King or of other roads named after him. I simply don't like the idea of renaming an old, important, well-known street. It causes needless confusion and expense.

A better solution would've been to name a major new road or public building after Dr. King.

Agreed.

[Snaple4]

Agree as well. So the general idea then would be to restart the conversation from what it is now (the renaming and such) to what kind of development there is on it. Such as the UofA trying to buy land along/near, the building projected to go up just behind the gas station on razorback and 6th. Or how about the new commercial building near Wal-Mart.

[bubba72704]

Couldn't find a thread for Farmington ... Anyone know what projects are going in around hwy 62 and double springs? Seem to be two or three projects going in just past the high school.

[Snaple4]

I asked my brother about that earlier and he said its a pizza place. Not sure where he heard that though. With their high tax rate I'm surprised anything builds there.

[comreguy]

Couldn't find a thread for Farmington ... Anyone know what projects are going in around hwy 62 and double springs? Seem to be two or three projects going in just past the high school.

 

Casey's General Store purchased the SWC of Double Springs and Hwy 62, just west of IGA. Is this what you are referring to?

[bubba72704]

Yes -- thanks....  There's also quite a few survey stakes and flags in the field to the west of the Casey's site.  Probably too early to tell what's going on there... (?)

[Snaple4]

Went through Prairie Grove The other day and noticed that they are making good headway on the bypass. Sadly it doesn't look like it is going to be interstate quality like I thought it was suppose to be.

[JamesE]

Went through Prairie Grove The other day and noticed that they are making good headway on the bypass. Sadly it doesn't look like it is going to be interstate quality like I thought it was suppose to be.

 

I-540 wasn't orginally built to interstate standards either, if my memory is correct; upgrade to interstate standards came later.  I expect Prairie Grove will see something similar if/when a western corridor is built and growth moves west.

[bubba72704]

Just saw this on the Washington County Enterprise Leader's Facebook page:

 

BREAKING NEWS....
Walmart submitted its Large Scale Development plans today for a new 32,849 square foot Neighborhood Market in Farmington. The new store will be located at the corner of Grace Lane and Main Street, right across from Farmington City Hall. The plans will go to technical review on Dec. 3 and to the Planning Commission later in December. More details will be in the Nov. 27 issue of the Enterprise-Leader.