Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Lincoln Council Approves Rezoning
LINCOLN — City Council approved a rezoning ordinance for a tract of land owned by Manuel and Clarice Whitmore during its March 20 meeting.
The council changed the zoning from A-1 (Agricultural) to B2/ZC (Business District/Conditional Use).
Council member Johnny Stowers inquired what property was being rezoned and Council member Troy Myers advised the property is one parcel past the southern border of South Park on the west side of Mitchell Avenue.
Doug Hutchens, also a member of the Council, reviewed comments received at a public hearing on the proposal to put in an athletic training center.
“At the public hearing there were a couple of concerns,” Hutchens said, outlining three topics: view of the building, light pollution and excessive traffic.
According to Hutchens each of these concerns were addressed. Trees and shrubs can help shield the building, use of low-impact lighting reduces light pollution and Mitchell Avenue is on the short list to get repaved.
Mayor Rob Hulse said he and his sons have been to the old All-Star Sports Arena in Springdale, now renamed Next Level Achievements, which according to its website is a 501 c (3) that offers affordable athletic programming to student athletes grades 1-12. The complex contains basketball/volleyball courts, indoor soccer fields, batting cages, training areas, a running track, computer lab and concessions area.
Programs such as Next Level Achievements endeavor to promote student athletes’ success through mentoring, training, education and competition in a positive environment, the website states. The vision is to present these types of opportunities to as many young athletes as possible.
“There is a lot of interest,” Hulse said. “There are a lot of opportunities for the town.”
Hulse said if the project goes through there is a lot of potential.
Hutchens, who has announced his plans to run for mayor in November, thinks the facility might increase Lincoln’s chances of winning bids to host post-season competition.
“The extra little bit of gym capacity puts us a little farther up the list for hosting district tournaments,” Hutchens said.