Key developments for Little Rock and Pulaski County homelessness projects won approval Tuesday at the Little Rock Board of Directors meeting.
First, directors gave the OK for about 3 acres of land off of Roosevelt Road in Little Rock for the city’s micro-home project. The land will be purchased from the owner, Dale McGinnis, for $200,000.
The land is made up of two neighboring lots that fall between Magnolia Retirement Center and La’Changes Restaurant and Lounge. The land is also near a different homelessness assistance organization, the Little Rock Compassion Center. The Pulaski County Jail is also down the street.
Brian ChilsonTHREE ACRES would be used for the micro home and emergency shelter development.
Proposed construction plans of the Little Rock project include small homes surrounding a community center, with communal restrooms and eating areas. The homes are expected to help unsheltered individuals get footing with temporary housing while they work with a case manager to find a permanent solution.
More than 150 people are expected to be able to stay on the property once it’s completed. Security would be on-site. Next steps for the project include administering a bid for construction and a request for proposals for a nonprofit to manage the village. Organizers estimate units could be built in six to eight months.
City of Little RockCONCEPT: The layout of the Little Rock homeless village includes a community center, areas for pets and green areas.
The money for the land purchase will come from previously allocated pandemic relief funds.
Next, the city board approved a resolution for sewer services to be provided to the Pulaski County homeless village development without annexation. County Judge Barry Hyde was available Tuesday to answer questions, and he said that getting sewer at the site was necessary to move forward with the planning process.
The price for tapping onto the city’s sewer service was not included in the drafted resolution.
Hyde is modeling the county’s Community Village project after a similar one outside of Austin, Texas. The county secured 150 acres in Mabelvale, on the cusp of Pulaski County and Saline County.
Mary HenniganCLEARING THE LAND for the site of the future Pulaski County homelessness project.
Unlike the city project, this village would require rental payments with a focus on long-term housing solutions for unsheltered individuals. Future residents would be referred by a local organization and approved after an interview process. On-site jobs, health care services and community building opportunities are expected. Rock Region METRO would also provide transportation from the village to the city of Little Rock.
Hyde said that a nonprofit organization would be chosen to manage this homelessness village.
Two directors, BJ Wyrick and Joan Adcock, opposed providing sewer services.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. thanked members Tuesday and said that the projects are “great critical pathways” to end homelessness.
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