Conway Residents Rally Against Proposed Parking Lot
In the picturesque town of Conway, where the trees sway gently and families flourish, a battle is brewing over a proposed parking lot that’s sparking quite a bit of concern among the locals. Residents of the lovely Laurel Street community are uniting their voices to oppose the plan put forth by Vaught Eye Associates, which aims to convert parts of their neighborhood into a parking lot.
Last Thursday, on September 5th, during a meeting with the Conway Planning Commission, hands were raised, and hearts were open as residents shared what their home means to them. Candace Klixbull, a devoted mom, described Laurel Street as a true family community—like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. Join the family affair, her two young sons, Gabriel, 11, and Lucas, 9, were right by her side expressing their disapproval of the plans. “I just think it’s a bad idea,” Gabriel stated bluntly, capturing the sentiments of many.
The uproar is centered around a request to change the zoning of several properties on Laurel Street from low-to-medium-density residential to professional. The planning commission found the voices of the community compelling, voting 7-0 in favor of recommending to the city council that the proposal be denied. The city council will make a final decision about the rezoning on September 16th, keeping many residents on the edge of their seats.
What’s The Deal?
So, what’s really going on in the cozy little corner of Conway? According to Thomas Holt, a project manager for G3 Engineering and Surveying, the eye surgery center at 1409 Main Street is simply looking to resolve an ongoing parking issue. They’ve purchased three homes and lots on Laurel Street, with plans to take a slice of land to make room for a linear parking lot capable of accommodating up to 25 vehicles.
Residents shared various concerns during the public hearing, voicing that the parking lot could {i}potentially reduce property values, increase noise levels, heighten traffic, lead to flooding, and even create light pollution{/i}. One resident even raised an alarm, asking, “Are we trying to be another Myrtle Beach?” and lamenting over the possibility of losing the scenic charm of their beloved neighborhood.
Residents Are Not Backing Down
The mural of noise and concern was unified; Angela Springer, another resident, proclaimed, “Downtown Conway is for small businesses appropriate for a residential neighborhood.” Lizzie Marlowe expressed worries about flooding, stating, “We’re in a fish bowl,” highlighting the environmental concerns that come with paving over natural land. Concerns about the future were common, with many residents fearing that approving this parking lot could be just the first step toward further encroachment of commercial development.
The stakes are high, and the community is not taking this matter lightly. Laurel Street resident Joe Chianese, echoed the fears of many, warning that if the zoning is approved, it’s just “an inch, and they’ll take a mile.” There’s a palpable fear hung in the air that this could set a precedent in the heart of their cozy enclave.
The Planning Commission’s Stance
With the current parking lot already maxed out and covering 30% of the land, it’s a tangled web of decisions ahead. Holt assured attendees that Dr. Vaught has no intentions of expanding or demolishing homes in the area, but the skepticism was clear. With past zoning changes in play, it’s a reality some residents aren’t willing to risk.
The situation is still pending, and with the city council set to take it on in just over a week, many Conway residents are hopeful that their concerns will pave the way to preserving their lovely Laurel Street. After all, changing the character of their neighborhood is not something they’re ready to relinquish just yet.
For now, all we can do is wait and see how this plays out. One thing’s for sure, the close-knit community of Conway will not go down without a fight!
