Residents urge council to reconsider sports‑complex plan for Whittemore Elementary site

Several residents used the Jan. 20 public‑comment period to urge the City of Conway to reconsider plans to place a sports complex at the former Whittemore Elementary site.

Tanya Robinson of 1403 7th Avenue said the site “was more than a school building” and carries generational meaning for local families; she said a tourism‑oriented sports complex would not align with the site’s historical role and suggested alternate uses — including community‑center programming for seniors, youth programming and workforce development — that would better honor the site’s legacy.

At the start of public input, the mayor called up a speaker listed on the sign‑in sheet as 'Miss Lizzie Marlowe.' The speaker identified herself in remarks as Lindsay Marlowe of 1516 Laurel Street and raised questions about a separate, long‑running buffer ordinance and inconsistent information she had received from county and city sources. Marlowe asked who is responsible for the city’s buffer policies and sought clarity and restitution where she believes property was improperly affected.

Councilors acknowledged the comments and several pledged to increase transparency and engagement on the Whittemore site, with one councilor saying he would continue outreach and dialogue with alumni and neighborhood leaders.