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Yahoo
14-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Little Rock board discusses multi-million contract for I-30 deck park planning study
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock city leaders are preparing for an upcoming vote to work with an engineering firm on a multi-million dollar contract for a planning study about a deck park that will go over a part of Interstate 30 connecting two neighborhoods. For years, there's been discussion about a deck park over a portion of I-30 between 6th and 9th streets. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. says it's been a joint effort with many groups and people. 'The I-30 crossing deck park is a design and vision that encompasses a collaboration of the business community, particularly Fifty for the Future, the community at large, Coalition of Little Rock Neighborhoods, City of Little Rock Board of Directors, Senator Clark Tucker, and the Biden Administration on how do we truly connect neighborhoods that were divided by interstates,' the mayor said. Little Rock community groups support Interstate 30 park project, push for federal grant This week, the Little Rock Board of Directors spoke about a $2.5 million contract with the engineering firm Garver to work with on the deck park's planning study. The city notes Garver was the most qualified of four consultants. 'This can be an iconic deck park for our city, not just for our city but the entire state.' Scott Jr. notes, 'It's going to cost hundreds of millions to get the deck park done but that's why we want to emphasize this is a planning process.' In 2022, the board approved a resolution and support of the nonprofit Fifty for the Future grant application for the deck park study in the area. Later on in 2023, the city was awarded $2 million from the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to study the possibility of constructing that park. The city matched $500,000 to support the total cost of the project, the mayor says the money came from the public works budget. During the meeting, the discussion over the funds prompted board member Lance Hines to bring other issues. 'We face issues with our city streets and whether or not we spend $500,000 on our roads out of street funds to do this I get it but it's tough to have a conversation with our constituents on why we can't pave roads,' said Hines. Other members of the board mentioned how the project could touch on a deeper problem. 'We have seen so many times where interstates will cut off neighborhoods and one part our side grows and the other doesn't, so we're trying to make sure that doesn't happen again,' board member Virgil Miller said. 'It will right a lot of wrongs that have occurred in this city,' board member Dean Kumpuris noted The mayor added, 'We didn't want any further divisions, we wanted to connect neighborhoods.' US Dept. of Transportation awards Little Rock $2M grant for deck park over I-30 Some who live or work in the area said they're curious and excited about the possibility of the deck park. Britney Wyatt says, 'I would like to know what's going to be in the park.' While Susan Kyzer says, 'I think it's a good idea, anything that will beautify the city and give people a place to go and things to do is good in my book.' The mayor says the vote for the contract will happen next Tuesday. If approved, he says it will be several years of planning. Even after that, he states the deck park would most likely cost hundreds of millions of dollars to create, which is why he emphasized they're in the planning process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. calls for new weekend curfew hours
VIDEO: Teen brothers recount weekend chaos from gunfire in downtown Little Rock LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. is pushing for the city to implement new weekend curfew hours for those under 18 for the rest of the summer. According to a release from city officials, the mayor will call on the Little Rock Board of Directors to approve an ordinance extending the current weekday curfew hours to the weekends. New Arkansas State Fair rule requires kids under 18 to be escorted inside by an adult after 6 p.m. City officials said the new hours would be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 31 for those who are under 18 unless they are with a parent or guardian. Officials added that parents or guardians whose children violate the curfew could be subject to citations. 'Disruptive and illegal actions by groups of young people have negatively impacted businesses and individuals trying to enjoy their weekends,' Scott said. 'This isn't just a crime issue, it's also a quality-of-life issue, and we must take additional steps to keep our residents and guests safe.' LR officials noted that an existing 9 p.m. curfew in the city's entertainment districts and parks will be strictly enforced by the Little Rock Police Department Teen brothers recount chaos from gunfire in downtown Little Rock The city added that the LRPD will have an increased presence in the city's entertainment districts on weekend evenings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
