HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Major changes are potentially on the way to downtown Hot Springs as it may soon receive millions in federal economic development funds.

Friday (6/23) the city Board of Directors approved applying for and accepting a grant they expect to receive from the federal government that would fund 65 percent of a three million dollar project improving walkability and the downtown experience.

City leaders say the federal money comes from decommitted funds through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

The city will put up $1.02 million for the project with the federal government funding the rest.

Street parking spots are at stake though and some people don’t want to see them go. 

The City has looked at other examples of downtown areas all across the country and state, including Little Rock’s Main Street area. They hope the changes drive up revenues and jobs.

The Owner of Kollective Coffee and Tea welcomes any change that might bring more people in the door.

Kevin Rogers said, “Getting the foot traffic down on this end of town is definitely needed.”

City Engineer Gary Carnahan explained that Hot Springs has a plan for five parts of downtown in front of various restaurants that would expand the areas in front of businesses. 

“We would have to provide a sidewalk on the outside of this treeline and streetlight line,” Carnahan pointed out in front of the Ohio Club, one of the restaurants that would see the improvements. “Put some tables, umbrellas, make it a real nice place for people to come and enjoy the afternoon.”

Everyone isn’t on board though because the project would eliminate 17 store front parking spots along Central Avenue.

While there are arguments for proximity of parking to businesses, some owners are more than happy to see the spaces go.

Rogers added, “The street parking doesn’t really accommodate many people when you look at the amount of stores versus the amount of parking spaces.”

Part of the project though would add another level and spots to an existing parking deck downtown on Exchange Street.

“Overall [supporters] feel like the change in the atmosphere, the dynamic, the vitality of downtown will way offset the loss of a few parking spaces on the side of the street.”

Supporters also try to add perspective questioning when the last time you went to a successful downtown area and didn’t have to or want to walk. 

The city says while extending sidewalk area is the most talked about the parking deck additions and changes are most expensive. That includes more direct access from Central Avenue and a smart system that you could access on your phone showing where available spots are. 

For an extended look at the conversation with the City’s Engineer Friday, click here for a web extra.