A Springdale real estate investor has proposed a primitive campground for bicyclists close to the Fitzgerald Mountain trails, but neighbors are opposed to the idea, a report said.
Arkansas‘ Springdale City Council will hear a case regarding the camping area at its meeting on Tuesday. Zach Brothers will bring his plan to the council to appeal to the Planning Commission’s denial from September 7.
Brothers, representing Brothers Rentals, owns 6 acres at 1851 Bitter Lane, about a quarter-mile to the north of the mountain’s parking lot and trailhead on Dodd Avenue.
According to Taylor Samples, senior deputy city attorney, if the council rejects the request, it could be appealed before the circuit court. If the commission approves of the idea, Brothers may carry on with his plans.
Brothers propose three primitive campsites and six parking spots for RVs with a maximum length of 30 feet in the proposed Fitzgerald Mountain Camp. The parking spaces won’t have hookups.
The campsite’s use would be restricted to 20 persons at a time.
Campers can sign up and pay for campsites on hipcamp.com, which is a site that Brothers described as an Airbnb for camping sites.
Neighbors spoke at the Planning Commission meeting and sent letters against the campground. They have concerns about trespassers, trash, noise, and property values.
Brothers stated that the campground would not have on-site management or supervision. However, the campground must fulfill certain conditions to be included on Hipcamp, he explained. He also would depend on campers’ reviews on the website and would work to fix the problems mentioned.
The letters directed to the Planning Department also noted neighbors concerned that the campground would not have restrooms. Brothers propose that campers take a hike quarter-mile south along the trail and use toilets at Bayyari Park. His proposal said campers could also “pack it out” as required for all waste.
The campground will not provide power, water, and there will be no trash service. The site will alert prospective campers of these restrictions and other conditions, Brothers said.