BENTONVILLE (KFSM) -- A Bentonville alderman started a petition to begin a conversation with the community about protecting historical homes after one of them was demolished and another is set to be.
The two homes were located on West Central Avenue and were both built in the 1880s, according to a local historian.
Protesters stood outside the homes for several days arguing the properties are part of Bentonville's historic charm, but according to the city there are no ordinances in place to keep private owners from demolishing historic homes.
Alderman James Smith started an online petition on the issue. He said he wants to see how much public interest there is in having the city protect other historic homes in the future.
"I thought the best way to measure the number of people who are like-minded," Smith said. "Just to see how many people really think it's important to save these properties or at least form a commission to evaluate what properties we should save."
To sign the petition, click here.
Smith is also organizing a public meeting on the matter at 6 p.m. on May 23 at the Bentonville Community Center.
*In our broadcast on May 17, we stated the homes were on Center Street. That was incorrect. The homes are located on Central Avenue.