The Pine Bluff City Council meeting on Tuesday saw a number of major decisions, most notably the adoption of a resolution opposing the proposed Southeast Estates Senior Cottages development and the final approval of a contract for the Fire and Emergency Services Department’s new training facility.
The most contentious item of the evening was a resolution formally opposing the proposed 60-unit affordable senior housing project at 1701 West 73rd St. The resolution, which was adopted by a majority of the council, cited “unresolved wastewater collection capacity constraints, site-specific infrastructure concerns, questions of compatibility with surrounding land uses, and the need for additional community engagement.”
During the discussion, one resident, Jesse Turner, spoke against the project, arguing that the land — the former site of Southeast High School — held important history. Turner urged the council to find another location.
“I just hope that some other place can be found for the 73rd project if that’s the will of this council,” Turner stated. “But think about our history. This school was built because you couldn’t go to Pine Bluff High School. That ground is important.”
Turner pleaded for the land to be preserved for a historical museum.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The Southeast Panther Historical Society is committed to preserving the legacy and history of our region, especially African American students … The ground where Southeast High School once stood was never just a ground. It was a statement in the 1950s,” he said. “Today, this land emerges as a powerful symbol of perseverance in the face of segregation. That’s where a Black school was … That ground is important.”
Council discussions revealed a commitment to supporting resident concerns. Council member Steven Mays offered a firm statement to the citizens in attendance.
“I support you all 100%. Stay strong because some of these developers try to bully the citizens, but you’ve got a City Council behind you all,” he said. “I got your back.”
Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers also addressed the city’s overall development stance, emphasizing that their opposition was site-specific and procedural.
“I have been very clear that we are not a city that is opposed to development. We support development. We also want to do it decently and in order,” Flowers said, adding, “With this much concern and conflict about where we are about the infrastructure, about the communication … our ward leadership from the affected ward is stating that the project should move forward elsewhere.”
The resolution requests that the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development refrain from releasing federal funds for construction until all capacity constraints are resolved.
The resolution outlines several critical issues driving the opposition, primarily based on resident feedback and a utility assessment.
The Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, through its consulting engineer, identified existing gravity sewer capacity constraints, which pose “risks of surcharge, inadequate velocities, and potential sanitary sewer overflows.” The utility advised that no construction activities should proceed until capacity limitations are resolved and final design solutions are coordinated.
Residents expressed strong concerns regarding the suitability of the proposed site, citing issues related to traffic circulation, emergency response access and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
The resolution follows public comments from residents who highlighted the project’s location on land historically significant to the Black community.
During the discussion, the resolution’s methodology was questioned, but overwhelming support for the residents’ concerns prevailed.
Council member Bruce Lockett expressed reservations about the process.
“I don’t have a problem with the contents of the resolution, but the methodology is what I’m having problems with … It doesn’t give any leeway for any kind of discussion,” he said.
Flowers provided context on the city’s prior engagement, noting the process was driven by resident opposition.
The resolution was adopted by a majority vote, concluding with several council members signing on as co-sponsors.
In a unanimous vote, the council adopted a resolution authorizing a contract with KO Trucking, Asphalt and Pavement Inc. for work on the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department burn building training facility.
The contract amount is $315,422.
Before the vote, council member Lanette Frazier moved to amend the resolution to clarify the funding source, as required by city law.
“I move that we amend to add that the $315,422.95 will be coming from carryover,” she said, ensuring the legislation was compliant.
The work is expected to begin in the early spring, weather permitting, as the training building itself is anticipated to arrive around that time.
The meeting also included the first reading of an ordinance to restructure the Pine Bluff Police Department’s personnel classification.
The proposed changes are intended “for the betterment of the department.”
The key adjustments outlined in the ordinance include:
Adding two assistant chief positions, increasing the total from one to three.
Eliminating two deputy chief positions.
Reducing the number of sergeant positions from 20 to 19.
Reducing the number of lieutenant positions from 11 to 10, effective April 30, 2026.
Council member Glen Brown Jr. delivered the Public Safety Committee report, which included positive news on crime statistics and updates on community programs.
Analyst Telicia Brown reported that overall crime in the city is down 13% since the same time last year.
The Gun Violence Initiative group is currently monitoring 100 cases, with 20 involving gun charges for juveniles between 12 and 18.
The Fire Department announced its next payment for the new training facility is due on January 16th, and the damaged ladder truck will be repaired in Texas.