With this in mind, the city is making intentional decisions about land use and density. Stanton details, “We are looking at preserving areas along our main corridors and main nodes of intersections for commercial or mixed use development. We don’t want to just build this sprawling residential pattern where everybody has to get into a vehicle to go anywhere within Pea Ridge.” The plan encourages higher density around parks, schools, and the future downtown district, creating a “canvas for development.” HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE With such rapid growth, infrastructure has become one of the city’s highest priorities. Pea Ridge is investing close to $7.5 million over the next three to five years, and one of the largest ongoing projects is Carr Street.This $1.8 million investment will serve as the frontage road for the future community center and a nearly complete all inclusive playground funded in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation. Other projects include street improvements and sidewalk updates. Phy expands, “Those are with partnerships with ARDOT and Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning. We got TAP grants and CRP grants, and those total almost $700,000 for approximately 4300 linear feet of sidewalk.” The city’s water and sewer investments are even more substantial. Mayor See says, “We are fixing to do over $10 million of investment on the water and sewer side for a new water tower, transmission line, and upgrading some of our lift stations.” With regional sewer challenges affecting cities across Northwest Arkansas, Pea Ridge is determined to stay ahead of the curve, updating a sewer plant that was built in 2021, to meet current projections. “As far as infrastructure, we’re heading in the right direction to be proactive, rather than reactive to the growth,” he affirms. When it comes to housing, residential development has been strong, with a mix of single family and multifamily projects both completed and underway. The city has been meeting with multiple builders and is placing new emphasis on the missing middle, the range of housing options that help bridge the gap 136 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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