Rogers passes unified development code in attempt to help local businesses

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A new unified code in the city of Rogers could be helping out local businesses by bringing even more growth to the city.

The city aims to do that by expanding current sidewalks, slimming down roadways, and building spaces for local businesses.

“I’ve lived in Rogers my entire life. I’m 21 years old, so I’ve been here just about when there was nothing. There was no Top Golf. The mall was barely a thing. There was just open grass like maybe five stoplights,” said Alex Rodriguez of Rogers.

Alex Rodriguez has seen the changes firsthand in the city of Rogers. He said that he sees people moving to the city every day. “In a sense, it makes me feel like we’re moving to more of a metropolitan style.” said Rodriguez.

“It’s not just a set of rules to tell people what they can’t do. It shows people what we want them to do,” said Joseph Rexwinkle with the city of Rogers.

The city has been working on the UDC plan for a few years now, and Rexwinkle thinks it will help facilitate redevelopment.

“We really expected the code to have been adopted a few months ago, and it just so happened the tornado happened. And, this was in between the time we thought we’d get it adopted”. said Rexwinkle. “The real work is really just beginning,” said Rexwinkle.

“It’s great to see change come through because it is going to happen no matter what,” Rodriguez said.

More information on the Unified Development Code can be found here .

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