Mayor announces new housing development underway
Mayor McClendon promises jobs and opportunity at groundbreaking ceremony
By DON WILBURN
news@theeveningtimes.com
On a sweltering Friday morning last week on the east end of the city, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon attended the groundbreaking ceremony on what is being touted as the city’s first major housing development in nearly 40 years.
Addressing the public and press in front of a nearly completed spacious three bedroom, two bathroom home – the first of six planned homes – the mayor had this to say: “Never forget where you come from. I played here every day on the corner. I walked past here on my way to school as well as my grandmother‘s and aunt‘s house on my way home. The Big River Landing Project West has been in the works for over 2 years and I never gave up on it. This is just the start as we continue to work with property owners to donate their land and recruit developers to build homes all over the city, empty lots will no longer be eyesores but will become a sight for sore eyes.”
When asked what he foresees will be the immediate socio-economic impact for the surrounding area the Mayor highlighted once again that the revitalization and rejuvenation of the area will not only combat urban blight but also bring even more jobs and opportunity to West Memphis.
The following are excerpts from the city’s official press release: “West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon and city officials are now one step closer to reality as they announce the start of construction on the city’s first housing development in over 40 years. Known as Big River Landing West, the mixed-use community will eventually offer over 60 new construction homes, retail, community space, and
See HOUSING, page A3
City officials gather at the side of the Big River Landing West housing development to break ground on the city’s first new homes project in nearly 40 years.
Photos by Donald Wilburn HOUSING
From page A1
outdoor public space. The amenities will include a carport, stained concrete oors, stainless steel GE appliances, vinyl windows, and hardy plank siding, to mention a few.
The City of West Memphis, Arkansas, has torn down over 120 homes, trailers, apartments, and dilapidated businesses with greening or other lot improvements as part of a strategy to revitalize the East Broadway communities. This effort is an essential piece of our city’s workforce housing strategy that will allow us to positively impact residents, businesses, and future growth that will spur investment in this area.
“I ran on a three-pronged promise to (1) make our city safer, (2) bring new jobs to our city, and (3) revitalize our neighborhoods by doing the things necessary to attract new home investments up and down the spectrum of affordability. I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made in two of those areas.
This announcement will bring that third prong to fruition by assuring that the people working in the jobs we have created during my _rst term will not only be able to work here, but they will be able to buy a home and raise their families here.
In less than three years, we have created nearly 2000 good-paying jobs, and that number continues to grow even as we work to come out of this pandemic.”
“This new neighborhood is being developed in one of the areas of our city that has been neglected for decades. Not only will this investment change the complexion of that whole part of our city, but it will make the American dream a reality for many deserving families,” said Mayor Mc-Clendon.”
