Future of the Bryant’s Building lot and BCEDC request for land purchase discussed by Committee members ahead of Monday’s December City Council meeting
WARREN, Ark. – In the City of Warren’s Economic Development Committee meeting held at the Warren Municipal Building on Wednesday afternoon, City of Warren officials discussed key projects and potential initiatives aimed at fostering growth within the community.
Top photo: from left to right: Committe Chairman Angela Marshall, Alderman Memory Burks Frazer, and Alderman Dorothy Henderson in attendance at Wednesday’s Committee.
Chaired by Alderman Angela Marshall and attended by Memory Burks Frazer and Dorothy Henderson, the meeting saw Mayor Reep providing updates on the progress of two major projects focusing on poultry and wood products prospects. Mayor Reep emphasized that both projects were advancing positively.
One central point of discussion revolved around the city property on Main Street, known as the Bryant’s Building lot. Council members acknowledged numerous suggestions have come in from local residents, but highlighted the city’s limitations in delving into private business. Many ideas submitted to-date would require the property to be sold to a private business or individual to be enacted. Several other ideas, including the a food truck lot, a stage area, a splash pad, or even a simple increase in downtown parking were discussed, but nothing concrete at this time.
A topic of interest was the potential installation of a fence on the west side of the property. Mayor Reep revealed that a survey of the property, conducted by Bracy Young, is soon to be underway. He emphasized his opinion that while not opposed to a fence, he believes the City needs to have a general idea for the lot in place before making a move on the installation of a fence, just to make sure the fence does not interfere with any potential future project. Chairman Marshall expressed her desire that if a fence is to be built, she thinks it would be best to see a permanent fence to conceal the back alley behind the lot, adding that specific ideas, including a potential stage area, were still in the early stages of consideration.
The Bradley County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) submitted a request for the City of Warren to acquire an additional 110 acres of land on the east side of town. The proposed land, adjacent to the current Griggs property, comes with a price tag of $1.1 million from the private owner. Mayor Reep clarified that he would only support the purchase if the City retained ownership until a suitable private industrial buyer or user was secured. The possibility of a loan from the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) was discussed, with Mayor Reep suggesting a meeting with ADFA representatives to explore available options.
The meeting also touched on the old street department building, albeit briefly, signaling potential future discussions on that structure.
As the discussions concluded, the Committee adjourned.