01/07/2026
I was involved in a recent interaction with the Benton County Planning committee and the Plannings Board of Appeals. Roth Homes, a local housing developer, proposed a major subdivision just outside Springtown. The town residents and adjacent landowners oppose this development for many reasons, including lack of infrastructure (specifically roads), traffic flow and environmental impact.
The Planning Commission heard from the developer and impacted residents of the county at their November 19th meeting. The proposal was denied approval with a vote of 5-0 with one abstention. The developer appealed this decision to the Appeals Board, which heard the case at a Jan 5th meeting.
Again, the developer, this time with legal counsel presenting the case, requested project approval. Roth’s representative stated they had done the minimum required by law to meet the standards for such a development. They did not alter the original plans or adequately address the previously presented concerns:
The roads inside the subdivision will be adequate for large vehicles, including emergency vehicles but not the dirt road from Highway 12 to entrance of the subdivision.
The developers estimate of daily traffic determined an additional 300 vehicles will use this narrow dirt road to access Hwy 12 at the Fairmount Road and Roy Jech Road intersection. Entering the highway from either direction is a dangerous endeavor. Neither developer or county has plans to improve the roads to/from the subdivision.
The 29 septic systems have been approved by the Department of Health, but no environmental assessment has been performed to gauge the impact on ground water or nearby Flint Creek, a major contributor to the Illinois River Watershed.
Again, residents, landowners, and organizations such as the NWA Land Trust and IRWP, expressed their concerns with the subdivision. Members of the Planning Committee also addressed the Appeals Board, presenting the various valid reasons for denial.
A member of the quorum court from a different district spoke in support of the developer. Some members of the Appeal Board made no comments and declined to engage in the discussion. The Appeal Board meets only when necessary, perhaps1-2 times per year.
While it is clear to many the subdivision is incompatible with the area, the Board of Appeals granted approval by a 5-2 vote, overriding the decision made by the Planning Commission. It appears the only compatibility is with that of the developers’ wallet, and not Benton County property owners, Flint Creek or Springtown.
