Music Lover Looks To Bring Amphitheater To Northwest Arkansas
Planning Board Approves Concept Again
Last updated Tuesday, June 17, 2008 8:45 PM CDT in News
By Scarlet Sims
The Morning News
BENTONVILLE - The concept of a 16,000-seat amphitheater on about 858 acres in rural Benton County is compatible with surrounding farmlands, planning board members said Tuesday.
The board again approved Osage Creek Performing Arts Pavilion on Logan Cave Road without much discussion. The proposal was contested in 2004, when the board originally approved it, but property owner Gregory Smith of Fort Smith put the project on hold for his family, he said.
Now, roads have been paved, and Smith said he is ready to move forward with his dream.
"I love live music," Smith said. "I love live performances."
Smith currently operates farming businesses on the property, which is about 7 miles from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. He said he sees an amphitheater in a rustic setting that will draw large crowds for concerts, revivals and plays. The amphitheater will have 7,500 fixed seats, a grassy area for more than 8,000 people and a reservation pavilion. The site will also have a vendors area, concession stands and fixed restrooms, according to the architectural sketch by Johnson Troillett.
Northwest Arkansas needs an entertainment venue besides the Walton Arts Center, Smith said. The amphitheater will be similar to Red Rocks or Hollywood Bowl amphitheaters, Smith said.
"This is for the biggest bands and the biggest stuff - Jimmy Buffett, the Rolling Stones," Smith said. "It's going to be wonderful."
Smith said the project will cost between $12 million and $14 million, which will be offset by corporate sponsors.
In 2004, farmers worried noise and traffic would impede agriculture production. At that time, the board added stipulations the theater would not be exempt from future noise ordinances. Those stipulations to protect agriculture remain.
Smith must also coordinate with the road department to improve roads and bridges, notify landowners and notify the board if agriculture suffers. Only one person wrote to the planning board before Tuesday's meeting to oppose the development. Another neighbor, who did not speak during public comment, said he doubts the amphitheater will get built because of the economic downturn.
The board approved Smith's use and basic configuration, but he must still bring construction plans to the board, Chairman Tim Sorey said. The board will look at health and safety issues, he said.
Smith said he hopes to begin construction this year.
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razorcane wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:20 AM:
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