The Pine Bluff City Council’s Tuesday meeting was marked by the unanimous approval of a key contract for the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County and a public hearing.
The most anticipated item of the evening was the resolution authorizing a performance contract with the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County, which passed. Several young people who benefit from the club spoke, sharing heartfelt testimonies.
One student read a note saying, “I really love our community center because it’s fun and and it makes me feel safe. I go there to play and learn new things and spend time with my friends. The people there are super nice and always help me when I need something.”
Other notes expressed similar sentiments, stating, “I really appreciate our community center because it’s like a second home to me. It’s a place where I feel safe, supported, and connected with others.”
Tavante Calhoun, the club’s executive director, expressed profound gratitude to the council.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The youth spoke their own words. They spoke from their heart today and I’m thankful that they were already able to articulate themselves far better than what I could on their behalf. This will make a difference.”
Calhoun highlighted the critical need for funding amidst national cuts to after-school programs.
Council members also shared their personal connections and support. Frazier, a proud board member and Lockett, an alumnus and past board president, both lauded the club’s impact and expansion efforts. Clerk Janice Roberts, a former executive director of the club, enthusiastically encouraged the continued growth.
A public hearing on a denied request to rezone property in the 2900 block of Ohio Street from R2 (residential single family) to R3 (residential multifamily) was also held. Ward 2 Council member Glen Brown Jr. moved to overturn the planning commission’s denial, seconded by Ward 3’s Lanette Frazier and Ward 4’s Bruce Lockett. The motion passed unanimously.
Candace Woodruff, representing People First Partners, spoke passionately in favor of the rezoning, emphasizing the critical need for affordable housing in Pine Bluff.
“I believe everyone’s aware of the challenges with housing in this wonderful city of Pine Bluff,” Woodruff stated. She explained their collaboration with the New St. Hurricane Church to provide housing for both community and church members.
Addressing concerns raised previously about narrow streets, Woodruff countered, “Whoever developed the city of Pine Bluff wanted us to stay in buggies and horses forever, right? Nobody expanded the roads and did the things. So, we understand the challenges that are with that, but that shouldn’t stop us from making this place a great place to live.”
Council member LaTisha Brunson echoed Woodruff’s sentiments, highlighting the city’s housing crisis.
“I work for a nonprofit and housing is our biggest issue,” Brunson said. “When I say biggest, I literally just got out of a meeting with the Department of Human Services and the challenges that we have with trying to find affordable housing in the city is heartbreaking. We have so many people who need to find a place and don’t have it. So, I am for you all trying to build and develop housing in the city.”
Frazier suggested a one-way street solution for the narrow roads, a sentiment supported by Council Member William Fells. When asked about potential flooding issues in a portion of the property, Woodruff clarified that they would not build on the lowland flood area and were investigating the cause of the flooding.