[Bail_Khan]

Ok Fort Smith is getting the Marshals museum that is great.
Does the city have anything else going for it these days. In 2006 we could have gotten floating casino but our mayor (and some other people) ran it out of town. Come on we have a casino 50 feet outside of city limits anyways. I won't attempt an exact estimate but I will garantee that the majority of people in Fort Smith has visited this casino.
Have you drove around the Northside of Fort Smith lately? Rascism is alive and well on the Southside of Fort Smith.
Even a lot of the over 50 people I know are frustrated with Fort Smith. I have heard some of them joke that the "city plan" is to line Rogers ave. with carwashes.
I grew up in Fort Smith, I hate to see it go nowhere fast. I looks like I'm going to have to abandon ship after college though. I'm looking at OKC or maybe NWA.

[RTTNFAM]

I love Fort Smith! I pretty much grew up there, though I didn't live there. People from my dad's side of the family always lived there or around there, so we visited very often. Even now it it my choice for a weekend get-a-way. I used to say that if I ever moved anywhere in Arkansas, it would be to Fort Smith...I have changed my mind on that one for family reasons, but I still love it! Yeah, it's gotten more crowded and traffic tends to back up, but you get that in most cities.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by Bail_Khan

I have heard some of them joke that the "city plan" is to line Rogers ave. with carwashes.

As long as it keeps them out of the small towns with no "development" around here, that works.

[bchris02]

Fort Smith has a severe lack of vision. It's run by old-timers who resist any kind of change. UAFS was a huge step in the right direction but most graduates leave town because such little opportunity exists in Fort Smith. That's not even taking into account the fact FS doesn't offer a lot for young people. When I attended UAFS most people would go to Fayetteville to spend their weekends. I left Fort Smith and everytime I go back to visit I remember why I left. I agree the place does have some charm but it comes with too much baggage for my taste. I agree OKC would be a good choice if you want an urban environment and F'ville is nice for college graduates as well. Good luck.

[Stormcrow73]

I think Russellville is going to overtake Ft. Smith within about 5 years.

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by Stormcrow73

I think Russellville is going to overtake Ft. Smith within about 5 years.

I predict one of two futures for FS. Either a retirement town like Hot Springs, but without the tourism, or it will go the way of Pine Bluff and lose all positive signifficance to the state. Either way, the city has sealed it's fate by re-electing Ray Baker as mayor time and time again.

[Stormcrow73]

Originally Posted by bchris02

I predict one of two futures for FS. Either a retirement town like Hot Springs, but without the tourism, or it will go the way of Pine Bluff and lose all positive signifficance to the state. Either way, the city has sealed it's fate by re-electing Ray Baker as mayor time and time again.

Since most retirees really want something nearby to do, I think your latter scenario will be most likley.

EDIT: I don't think the fate of Ft. Smith is at all sealed, however. Good activism on the part of concerned citizens could moderate the city back into a mode of growth.

[Bail_Khan]

I actually wouldn't mind seeing the place shrink if the people here would just loosen up a little, maybe even let someone else be the mayor. It seems like all the decisions here are made by a small group of people.
I wouldn't give a hoot if Russelville did overtake Fort Smith if I felt the people in charge cared about what I thought. Right now I don't feel that they do so I'm leaving and I'm taking my education with me.