Businesses Crowd Sidewalk

Signs Impeding Pedestrians

PRAIRIE GROVE — The city of Prairie Grove allows downtown businesses to use the sidewalks to attract customers but some stores are taking a little bit too much of the public walkway.

“Some days they do pretty good and other days, you can't walk by,” said Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works. “Our biggest concern is that it has to be handicapped accessible.”

Mayor Sonny Hudson said the city wants the downtown businesses to be able to display merchandise outside their stores but sometimes “they crowd the sidewalk and leave very little room, especially for a wheelchair.”

He added, “It's an attention getter but we have to protect the pedestrians.”

The Prairie Grove City Council discussed concerns about downtown businesses impeding pedestrians at its Aug. 20 meeting. Council members asked City Attorney Steve Parker to look at drafting language in the ordinance that clearly defines what impedes pedestrian traffic.

The current ordinance states that businesses cannot impede or block traffic on public sidewalks but does not give specific measurements or specific details.

Oelich said he sends out an annual letter reminding businesses of the city ordinance and that they are not allowed to obstruct the sidewalks with their merchandise and goods. City officials also have talked to businesses about the ordinance.

Oelrich said some stores on both sides of Buchanan Street have blocked traffic with their merchandise but he added that the shops on the north side of the road tend to impede traffic more than shops on the other side of the street.

“We may have to be more restrictive if they can't police themselves,” Hudson said.

In other action at its Aug. 20 meeting, the council accepted a low bid of $ 599,248 from J. Johnson Construction Co., of Rogers for the Viney Grove drainage project. The project is designed to alleviate flooding on Viney Grove Road and includes widening and enlarging a one- half mile ditch on the road that empties into the Muddy Fork of the Illinois River.

The council also approved the final plat for Highland Green subdivision, which is located in Valley View. The Rauch Coleman subdivision will have 40 lots for single family residences that range in size from .16 acre to .25 acre. Phase 1 of Highland Green will connect Richard and Giles roads. A second phase will provide another 30 lots.

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER The Prairie Grove City Council discussed concerns at its last meeting that downtown businesses are encroaching on sidewalks and impeding pedestrian traffic. Mainly, city officials want the public walkways to be handicapped accessible. A wheelchair...