Don't forget next week's Comprehensive Master Plan Kick-off presentation with representatives of  Crafton Tull and DPZ  on  Monday, October 23, at 5 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center. This presentation will be engaging and interactive, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from the project team. 

The kick-off will focus on the value of a comprehensive master plan and its expected end result. This is Hot Springs Village's first comprehensive master plan. Comparable plans have helped numerous other communities increase their property values and grow in a sustainable fashion. Other kinds of plans that have been created in the past for Hot Springs Village will be brought together and used in this plan, in addition to timely analysis of Hot Springs Village's unique circumstances and goals for future development. 

Why were Crafton Tull and DPZ chosen to help us create a comprehensive master plan, rather than using residents of the Village who have worked as consultants in various fields? 

Crafton-Tull, which has offices in Arkansas and Oklahoma, was chosen because it brings together national and international technical expertise with local experience and knowledge. Crafton Tull won a nationally recognized award in 2014 from the American Planning Association for the comprehensive master plan it crafted for Maumelle, Arkansas--a planned bedroom community similar to Hot Springs Village. 

DPZ is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in progressive design of sustainable, economically viable, neighborhood-oriented communities and has proven expertise in the interactive design process known as a "charrette." Communities which DPZ has assisted have successfully enticed buyers to purchase homes at much higher premiums within those communities as compared to surrounding areas, such as $30,000-$40,000 in Kentlands, Maryland. Seaside, FL has seen property appreciation of 40% per year over the last 20 years, and medium-sized sites in Habersham, SC increased from $280,000 to $450,000 in the first five years.  

Do you have questions or want to learn more about next steps?  The next Ad Hoc Comprehensive Master Plan Steering Committee meeting will be held Thursday, October 26, at 2 p.m. at the Ponce de Leon Center.  All are invited to attend. 

Thank you for reading this message to stay informed about the status of this important project. We will continue to provide updates each week and look forward to receiving your input during the public charrette scheduled for the weeks of November 27 and December 4.