Recall history? Yes; but nix regulations

When I heard there was a plan in the works to form a historic district in my neighborhood in Fayetteville, I have to admit I was alarmed. Then I tried to learn about historic districts in Fayetteville and I was confused. There’s a lot of misinformation out there.

Did you know the Washington-Willow neighborhood is not a local historic district? There’s only one structure in town that qualifies as a local historic district, that being the building that houses the Arkansas Air and Military Museum at Drake Field. The Washington-Willow neighborhood’s residents chose not to form a historic district and instead chose to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a formal designation that doesn’t come with regulations.

Regulations are the essence of my concern. The organization proposing the designation of a historic district is called NWA Black Heritage. They are asking property owners in a portion of south Fayetteville to sign a petition that would give the Fayetteville Historic District Commission authority over any changes owners want to make to the exterior of their properties, including structures, walls, fences, porches, etc. The first step to getting a building permit in this neighborhood will be getting a “certificate of appropriateness” from the commission. With the already burgeoning housing costs, adding another layer in the approval process is certainly not prudent.

Another objective of the NWA Black Heritage in forming a historic district is to capture the story of this neighborhood, its residents, their struggles and accomplishments. Let me suggest two alternative approaches to accomplishing this.

A formal recognition of Spout Spring as a historic neighborhood would be the simplest solution and does not need to have any regulations attached. A resolution by the City Council is all it would take.

Another way would be to take an in-depth look at the history of this area, which is in the works through the city. The city of Fayetteville has received a $10,000 grant with the specific objective of uncovering the stories, structures and history of south Fayetteville. The grant research will be conducted by trained historians. It certainly makes sense to let this grant lead the way in our desire to learn more about this part of town and honor its people and history.

When we learn the story, we will have a better idea on how to proceed.

PENNY CARROLL Fayetteville