Oak Grove neighbors' petition will be heard Dec. 11; state preservation office voiced support

Staff announced that the Historic District Commission will consider a petition from Oak Grove neighbors to create a local historic district at a public hearing on Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The petition was forwarded by the Planning Commission, and staff said the Arkansas preservation office sent a letter of support.

"The state preservation office has considered this. They have sent a letter with their hearty approval and support," the staff member said. Staff described Oak Grove as the neighborhood northwest of Washington Elementary and said neighbors have quietly worked on the petition for about a year and a half and collected signatures for the petition map.

Staff explained the Historic District Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, which could accept, deny or return the petition for further work; staff said the petition could reach the council as early as January but that timing is not guaranteed. The staff member also said this is believed to be the first instance in Arkansas of a local historic district petition advanced by property owners rather than a government-initiated nomination; the speaker framed that as a process milestone.

The announcement included an invitation for commissioners and the public to attend the Dec. 11 hearing in person or via Zoom; staff offered assistance to register for the meeting when the agenda is published.