A recent Pine Bluff City Council meeting concerned a variety of items with two resulting in lengthy discussions — one about the Choice Neighborhood Grant and the other about an ordinance concerning financing for the Convention Center Hotel.
Before those discussions, however, the council approved a $100,000 budget adjustment for code enforcement to cover lot clearance.
Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington expressed the need for an additional $100,000 to be allocated to the Pine Bluff Code Enforcement Department’s budget, specifically for lot clearance. The extra funding is warranted due to the department’s undertaking of unanticipated large projects, such as clearing the remains of a church on Laurel Street and Sixth Avenue after a fire. Furthermore, Washington highlighted the necessity of clearing overgrown grass and weeds that have accumulated due to storms and have obstructed roadways.
“Once we get the bids back on the church demolition and clearing … it’s going to be expensive,” said Washington. “That building has a basement and the basement has two levels to it all. The roof has caved into the building and part has caved into the basement right now so they have to get all that wood out, then we have to do an asbestos testing.”
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Washington also wanted to clarify the agenda item from a prior city council meeting discussing the Choice Neighborhoods planning grant. The objective is to improve development in and around the St. John apartment complex. Donald Sampson spoke on behalf of the planning grant discussing the potential benefits of the grant as well as the costs associated with applying for and implementing the grant.
According to Sampson, the grant is designed to leverage public and private dollars to support the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods. If awarded, the planning grant would provide $500,000 over 30 months, allowing the city to create a transformation plan.
If successful, the city could then apply for a larger implementation grant of up to $50 million. The planning process would involve community input to determine the types of activities that would go into the revitalization plan. These activities could include public improvements, such as street and drainage improvements, new housing construction and human capital development programs. Council Member Glen Brown Sr. asked for clarification on how much public and private funding would be involved in the project.
Sampson explained that the amount of private dollars would not be known until the planning process is complete and a project implementation plan is developed.
“This is an opportunity that communities don’t get very often and we definitely wanted Pine Bluff to take advantage and to benefit from this opportunity,” said Washington, who said the owners of the apartments are in favor of the improvements.
Council members raised questions about the grant process, allowed expenditures and required matching funds. Sampson clarified that the planning grant covers planning costs and that matching funds are not required at this stage. He emphasized the importance of community input in developing the plan, which will guide decisions about necessary services and the overall transformation strategy.
The discussion concluded with Sampson providing information on other communities that have successfully utilized the Choice Neighborhoods program.
The council also discussed Ordinance 6837, which involves amending a previous ordinance to align with USDA regulations for the Convention Center Hotel project loan. The amendment is crucial to secure a favorable interest rate and facilitate the acquisition of necessary tangible personal property for the hotel on the former Convention Center Hotel site.
Council members raised concerns about the project timeline, interest accrual and potential cost overruns. A financial representative clarified that the loan would be guaranteed by the USDA and a guaranteed maximum price construction contract would mitigate the risk of exceeding the budget.
Council Member Bruce Lockett expressed reservations about supporting the ordinance, citing concerns about ongoing financing needs and potential cost increases due to the fluctuating construction market. The financial representative reassured him that the guaranteed maximum price contract would lock in the construction cost, preventing further financial burden on the city.
After addressing the council’s questions and concerns, the ordinance was approved, with all members voting in favor except for council members Lockett, Steven Mays and Brown Sr. The amendment will enable the city to proceed with the hotel project while adhering to USDA regulations and safeguarding the city’s financial interests.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. due to Labor Day on Monday.