Planners review joint project

Architect Steve Elliot will have the large-scale development plan ready for a new administration building that will be shared by the school district and the city of Pea Ridge in time for the December Planning Commission meeting.

At a technical review Thursday, Elliot answered questions from members of the Pea Ridge Planning Commission and city department heads and promised to make minor changes to the plan.

The building will be on school owned property on Weston Street with three entrances, Elliot said. The school administration entrance will face the school, while the city hall entrance will face the community. A third entrance in the middle will open into a large common area that will be shared.

Sometime in the future, the district may build a new elementary school in the area, assistant superintendent Keith Martin said, and athletic fields may be located close to the administration building. Because of that possibility, school officials don't want an asphalt drive on their side of the building.

Elliot proposed a gravel road, but Nathan See, of the city's Street Department, warned them that gravel would require maintenance, including wetting it down to control dust. A chip seal road would be easier to maintain, but could still be removed if the space was needed for fields.

Drainage was another concern at the review session. Elliot told the group that a retention pond in the area will be expanded. Also, a swale to protect some backyards from possible flooding can be added.

The plans will be submitted in mid November for the Dec. 1 meeting of the Planning Commission.

General News on 11/04/2015