BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Rogers and Bentonville are still working to clean up and remove the damage that tornadoes left exactly six months ago.
At meetings on Nov. 26, the Rogers City Council ordered the demolition of Popeye's on Walnut Street, and Bentonville approved an agreement to repair trails at Park Springs Park.
Rogers
The Rogers City Council declared a structure, which was severely damaged by the May storms, a nuisance and ordered its removal.
Two structures were on the agenda — Java Dudes at 718 N 2nd St. and Popeye's at 2325 W Walnut St. However, the council tabled the ordinance regarding the Java Dudes building.
According to documents, both property owners were alerted of several violations and given 14 days to correct them.
After inspections on Nov. 26, the city found violations were still present, leaving it to the city council to decide whether to order the buildings' removals or not.
Council members decided the building that once housed Popeye's was considered unsafe and ordered its removal.
If the property owner does not demolish the building within 30 days, a representative or the mayor will make arrangements to have the building demolished. A lien will then be imposed on the property for the costs of the demolition.
Bentonville
The Bentonville City Council authorized a $267,788.85 agreement with Progressive Trail Design for trail repair work at Park Springs Park.
"Park Springs Park received significant damage during the May 26 storm both to the main park area and the stream and trail system," Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Josh Stacey said in his filing.
According to Stacey, sections of the trail, including a 50-foot spanning bridge, still need repair and replacement.
Progressive Trail Design is a trail building and repair company that has reportedly built parts of the Park Springs Park trail system. Their repair work is expected to take two to three months.
The city will need to make a budget adjustment from the general fund reserves for the new agreement. However, a request will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for an anticipated 75% reimbursement.
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