CONCERNS:

Profits from poverty

Check-cashing outlets, pawn shops, and rent-to-own stores appear to be expanding in the area. Is their growing presence in our community a good or bad sign? Check out this page for more information.

Another exotic club opens in Fayetteville; prostitution ring busted

Information about the sex business in Northwest Arkansas. Goodbye Bedford Falls, hello Pottersville.

Cellular Communications Towers

Various links concerning the siting of these structures

SWEPCO vs. Anthony T. DePalma (No. CIV 94-892)

What transmission lines? Southwest Arkansas Utilities Corporation (a.k.a. SWEPCO) claimed in court documents that the overhead powerlines and substation located along Hwy. 265 (on Fayetteville's east side) had no effect on the value of adjacent property.

The City as a Growth Machine

Considered an "absolutely foundational article" and a "classic" in the field of urban growth management, this paper discusses the role of land as the source of power in community and local politics. Although written over 20 years ago by Harvey Molotch, this article provides valuable insight into the growth and development of NW Arkansas. (84K)

Uncertainty in Boomtown: Northwest Arkansas, Transportation, and Economic Growth

A survey of citizen's attitudes about the regional airport, environmental protection and economic growth.

The Three Myths of Growth

A critical look at the claims made in support of growth. Originally published in the Planning Commissioners Journal.

Changing Face of NWA Message Board 

A threaded WWW discussion forum about this region's rapid growth and development

Friends For Fayetteville

A citizen group dedicated to improving and promoting Fayetteville's beauty, economy, environmental quality, health, heritage, safety and sense of community

Sprawl Resource Guide

A comprehensive source of information on sprawl from the Planning Commssioners Journal.

Sierra Club Sprawl Page

A resource for those interested in combating sprawl

Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse

A resource center which provides information, advice, and referrals on issues related to sprawl and smart

$mart Growth Network

Creating national, regional, and local coalitions to encourage metropolitan development that is environmentally, fiscally, economically and socially smart.

Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development

Helping communities design and implement innovative strategies that enhance the local economy as well as the local environment and quality of life. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Note: Articles linked to the Northwest Arkansas Times' Web site are no longer accessible on-line. In addition, Morning News articles published before Jan. 1, 1999 may not be available.

Cities face budget cuts - Springdale, Rogers try to control spending

A decade of growth is taking a heavy toll on Springdale and Rogers. The new mayors of both cities say revenue is not keeping up with expense, and they are spending at a pace that threatens to put them in the red soon. Morning News, 2/17/99

The difference between being part of the solution rather than the problem

In the final installment of the Coming of Age series, Times senior reporter Michael Whiteley examines two future problems for Northwest Arkansas: what to do with waste water and governments working together for the quality of life on a regional basis. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 30, 1998

Wastewater is the next challenge

With its dreams realized for good water and new routes across the mountains and the sky, Northwest Arkansas' wastewater looms as the next major target for change. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 30, 1998

Sewer systems 10 times more costly than water

As cities, towns and the rural area continue to expand in Northwest Arkansas, the problems of transportation and water have, at least to some degree, been addressed. However, one monumental problem continues without much discussion - sanitary sewers. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 29, 1998

Rural growth will follow the water lines

As a $40.6 million project to bring potable water to much of rural Benton and Washington counties nears completion, some local leaders are predicting unprecedented numbers of people will follow. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 29, 1998

Getting 'here' from there a new reality

Like it or not, ribbons will get cut. Air Force One is expected to cruise the skies above Highfill. As surely as Ozarks pumpkins and turkeys are in for their annual carving later this fall, progress will slam into Northwest Arkansas with a capital "P." Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 29, 1998

Some of nation's wealthiest grease the wheels of progress

It took an Oklahoma turnpike to lift Northwest Arkansas' millionaires and billionaires above city rivalries bred from Friday night football. But once they combined their financial and political clout, the entrepreneurs of Bentonville, Fayetteville and Springdale found the sky was the limit. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 28, 1998

About the Northwest Arkansas Council

The council has 61 members, including Tyson Foods retired chairman Don Tyson and Wal-Mart heirs Alice and Rob Walton. With a combined worth of $23 billion, the three are listed on Forbes Magazine's 1998 ranking of the 400 richest people in the United States. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 28, 1998

Highway will bring Fort Smith closer to Northwest Arkansas

Dwain Wilson and his associates at Baird, Kurtz and Dobson by early spring had visualized the impact of Arkansas 540 barreling down the Northwest Arkansas business corridor. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 28, 1998

Cities begin to eye common futures

In many respects, the booming cities of Northwest Arkansas have struggled through the later half of the 20th century squabbling like competitive, adolescent siblings who are only now beginning to reconcile. Northwest Arkansas Times, 9/27/98

A full moon: Who needs it?

A series of unusual events in recent days only reinforces the belief that Northwest Arkansas has finally (and unfortunately) reached a point in its growth where the unusual has become the usual. Morning News, 1/22/98