Cluttered displays around some local businesses -- and what can be done to remedy it -- was the topic of discussion during Tuesday's meeting of the Blytheville Code Enforcement Committee.
Councilwoman Missy Langston expressed concern to the committee about businesses putting merchandise out on their sidewalks and parking lots on a regular basis. She said she understands why some businesses display seasonal items, such as lawn mowers or plants, and doesn't see that as problematic. However, Langston said when shops display non-seasonal merchandise it looks "cluttered," and may be in violation of a city ordinance.
"I understand seasonal items, but when we're talking about furniture and clothing items, that's what I believe this ordinance (City Ordinance 1577) should address," she said.
Ordinance 1577 regulates the display of merchandise, exhibits or any other objects on sidewalks and other public property. The ordinance states that merchandise can be displayed openly as long as it is unboxed and displayed in an orderly fashion allowing 5 feet of clear space between the display and any building and street.
Langston told fellow committee members that the ordinance held certain ambiguities, namely the aspect of being "orderly." She made reference to an unnamed business at the corner of Ash Street and Division, which she said regularly has items on display across its parking lot. Langston claimed the lot looked messy and cluttered and suggested looking into changing the ordinance.
"What would our town look like if every business put their merchandise out on the sidewalk?" Langston asked. "What are we headed to?"
Not all of the committee members agreed with Langston's assessment of the store lot.
Councilman John Musgraves said, "When I drive by, I'm looking and it looks like they've got their stuff lined up and neat."
Councilman Monte Hodges agreed, adding, "I don't think it looks bad at all."
Assistant police chief Marvin Crawford asked Langston how many of these businesses she had a problem with, and Langston avoided the question, restating her personal opinion on the appearance of such stores.
Musgraves said these businesses are bringing in money and the owners are working hard to make a living, and unless the displayed goods look bad, he doesn't have a problem with it.
Langston offered to check with the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce and local business owners to see if they had had similar complaints. The committee took no action.
Code Enforcement officer Rick Ash spoke to the board about deciding and recommending penalties for noncompliant property owners who don't keep up their properties. Ash said there have been guidelines for people building houses, but until the Council started looking to adopt the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, there were no regulations for upkeep of such properties. The IPMC would set out guidelines for property owners, but does not establish any sort of penalty.
The committee requested that Ash speak with city attorney Mike Bearden before any decisions were made.
In similar vane, the committee discussed the importance of the property owners' responsibility to keep all areas of their property, including by street and in alleyways, clean and uncluttered from debris, grass and weeds, and any other hazardous items.
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com