Local lawmakers and city council speak on Bentonville affordable housing on hold

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Local lawmaker and Bentonville city council member discuss their thoughts after the Bentonville School District’s affordable housing proposal for teachers is now on hold after the city council voted on two rezoning proposals related to the plan.

“I was extremely surprised and disappointed,” said William Buckart, city council member for Ward 3, Position 2, who voted yes. Bentonville Schools plans affordable housing for teachers, but he was in the minority.

The plan is now on pause after four council members voted no and another abstained. Burckart says he now wants more community feedback.

“There’s a lot that needs to be done to have our city be obtainable for everybody,” said Burckart.

Items related to affordable housing for teachers fail at Bentonville City Council vote

With 4 no votes and three yes votes, one council member abstained. State Senator Joshua Bryant and Burckart say Bentonville schools will have to wait another year to seek approval.

“I think it gives time for the citizens, maybe even the city council, to have this an open debate and discussion,” said Bryant.

Bryant says with more time, he feels Bentonville Schools can gain more input from the community.

“I was glad to see a little bit of a delay because I’d hate for the city to do all that work and then have an issue with clear conveyance of title,” said Bryant. “I would encourage the City of Bentonville and other cities that are having affordable housing to step back and look at the regulations and zoning and their setbacks,” said Bryant.

Bentonville Schools released a statement saying,

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