Board rejects tractor-train franchise for Whittington loop after neighborhood opposition

The Hot Springs Board of Directors unanimously rejected an ordinance to grant a non‑exclusive franchise to Queen City Train Rides LLC to operate a tractor‑drawn passenger train on a Whittington Avenue loop.

The proposal, presented by applicants Sherry and Jeff Steelman, would have allowed a tractor pulling passenger cars to run a route that exits the First Presbyterian Church parking lot, loops on Whittington, follows Woodfin Street and returns. City staff included the Whittington loop in the draft franchise, which would have allowed operation weekdays and Saturdays and set fares at $10 for adults and $5 for children under 15.

The proposal drew sustained opposition from neighborhood residents and the Whittington Valley Neighborhood Association, who said the route would be incompatible with the park’s character and raised safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. "I did not move to an amusement park," said Roxanna Wallace, a Whittington resident, arguing that the park is a natural refuge for walkers and runners. Mark Toth, president of the neighborhood association, said the group voted to oppose the application and noted an existing "No tractor trailers" sign at the park entrance.

The applicants described their safety practices. "We are safety centered," said Sherry Steelman, who said she and her husband would ride on the train, wear bright yellow vests and communicate by walkie‑talkie to manage passing vehicles. She said the operation had run successfully in other towns. The board and staff, including Police Department comments, questioned whether the train’s length (the Steelmans estimated about 56 feet) and slow speed would create hazardous conditions on narrow sections of Whittington, particularly near bumpouts, parked cars and heavy pedestrian use.

Director Dudley Webb read a police memo noting the train’s anticipated slow speed and the potential for motorists to attempt unsafe passing maneuvers. Several residents warned that concert nights and other high‑attendance events would further complicate the route. "This is a step too far," Webb said, summarizing neighborhood opposition.

After public comment and discussion, the board called the role; the vote failed with all members voting "no." The defeat bars the applicants from reapplying for the same location for 180 days; staff said they could submit a different route or location sooner.

The board did not adopt the franchise; no immediate alternative route was approved. The applicants said they would meet with neighborhood groups if they pursue other locations.