[Dariusb]

Thanks for your reply Sam. I know the school is a major contributor to Russellville's growth but could it also be attributed to being the largest town between Conway and Ft Smith? Is it projected to experience big growth in the future?

[Sam I Am]

I honestly don't see it growing tremendously unless the college just exploded, and they'd have to do something pretty spectacular to experience that. There's nothing in the works that I'm aware of for Nuclear One. Tyson's, Dow, Firestone and ConAgra seem to be fairly static as well - but I will admit that since our professions aren't tied up in any of those that I may be behind the times. I'll step out and say I think the liquor laws may have a lot to do with R'ville not growing more than it has or will in the future. The churches rule. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, and there are a number of restaurants that have liquor permits here. Still, I think it does hamper growth to some degree. The people that live here really wouldn't have it any other way, though. I don't see R'ville becoming wet anytime in the foreseeable future.

It IS the largest thing between Conway and Ft. Smith. Conway has experienced such exponential growth that it's just amazing. I think the reason we are seeing expansion of Walgreen's, Walmart, etc., is simply demand. There was another Kroger in town on the Dardanelle side - it was closed and now there is ONE. Good grief. It's a total madhouse (but not as crazy as Walmart).

It's a good little town - Main Street Russellville has done a good job of revitalizing and pulling people downtown more - still, I see a lot of strip mall sprawl. IMHO, it ain't attractive.

[Dutchman01]

I have spent over 20 years of my life here. I like it. I graduated from tech, so did my son. It's nice here.

[Dariusb]

Cool!

[Luvvarkansas]

Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I'll step out and say I think the liquor laws may have a lot to do with R'ville not growing more than it has or will in the future. I find it hard to believe that would be hampering growth....surely there are not that many people in the world whose lives are so tied up in drinking liquor that they would choose where they live based on that factor?

The people that live here really wouldn't have it any other way, though. Well, there you have it.

.

[Sam I Am]

No, of course not - but it DOES hamper a lot of new business coming in. We don't tend to draw the higher end chain restaurants, and that's part of the reason. Whether anyone likes it or not, alcohol is hugely profitable for restaurants. It could also be hugely profitable for the city and county since this town eats out as much as any I've ever seen. All we have is a work-around system now. There are a number of restaurants who have liquor licenses, it's just simply a dry county and if you can afford it, you "work around" it if you are a business owner.

I understand the people not wanting it. I understand all their arguments. I wasn't saying otherwise, I was making a statement of my opinion. Coming from someone who can't stand the taste of alcohol, it's not like I'm busting on anyone because I'm disgruntled. I'm just making a point....a point which has nothing to do with Walmart, Walgreen's, or whatever else we were talking about to begin with.

[Luvvarkansas]

Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I'm just making a point....a point which has nothing to do with Walmart, Walgreen's, or whatever else we were talking about to begin with.

Yes, I suppose we did get a bit off-topic, didn't we?