Marijuana Policy Project

A rezoning request that would allow apartments in the Walker Park neighborhood was denied Tuesday by the Fayetteville City Council.

The vote was 1-7, with Alderman Robert Ferrell the only one in favor.

"The neighbors have spoken," Alderman Shirley Lucas said.

About a dozen neighbors spoke against the rezoning, requested by Steve and Michelle Winkler. The Winklers bought the property in 1995 and have two rental houses there. The zoning at the time would have allowed multiple units, but the area was rezoned last year as part of the Walker Park Neighborhood Plan.

Fayetteville doesn't have enough single-family houses, Alderman Adella Gray said.

"I'd like to see a couple of Craftsman-size houses there; that's what we don't have enough of," Gray said.

The council also passed a resolution directing city administration to consider a strategy for using social media, and a process for reviewing that strategy annually for changing trends.

Alderman Matthew Petty, who proposed the resolution, emphasized the city would continue current means of communication, such as through the newspaper. This would only enhance efforts, if administration so desires.

Not all residents embraced the idea, such as Fran Alexander.

"You all have computer screens in front of you, and I wish I could see your eyes. It's disturbing that technology has taken us to such a level that we really don't know if we're engaging each other," Alexander said.

Aldermen did express concern that the measure would take city staff time and be expensive, but were satisfied that Mayor Lioneld Jordan can set expectations himself.

"It won't stop our current means of communication; the intent is expanding that," Sarah Lewis said. "Whatever's in the paper is also on Twitter, is also on Facebook. There is a large population of young people who've been apathetic, and the new technology is stimulating interest in that population — and I like that."

Lucas said social media is already being used. She had a concern that residents are limited in the length of comments they can make at the podium during council meetings, but someone on Twitter could send unlimited messages, which is unfair, Lucas said.

Petty said efforts will get information to more, not fewer, residents.

"We can't reach every citizen, all we can do is make a good-faith effort. Restricting ourselves to traditional methods doesn't constitute a goodfaith effort anymore," Petty said.

Aldermen with a 1-7 vote did not pass an ordinance also proposed by Petty to create a Marijuana Policy Review Panel. The panel would oversee enforcement of an initiative passed in November making prosecution of marijuana offenses a low priority in the city.

Police Chief Greg Tabor spoke against the measure.

"Our enforcement was a low priority then; nothing has changed, other than we do have some discussions to make sure we're following the law," Tabor said.