[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6037733,"mediaKeyId","3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6","parentId",3858341,"title","Little Rock board approves Holy Souls parking lot after hours of testimony; opponents cite trees, drainage and historic homes","audioSeconds",5541,"startMs",4412905,"endMs",9954240,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6&start=4412&end=9954","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6/thumbnail_4412905.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6037733/Little-Rock-City/Pulaski-County/Arkansas/Little-Rock-board-approves-Holy-Souls-parking-lot-after-hours-of-testimony-opponents-cite-trees-drainage-and-historic-homes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037733-f7786e2e650816669bfd7ed27ddbee3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206210&Signature=NMZ5TkRxL92~BgrDsHQGujFmhSRSCOQrLnOAACEwBLpaGn52SN~bh4I1DvYp8SbaRSkhR0pvMjv0RjWKaxG-7o8wCHcyQ~p543tvdbq5lW1LH1uwldpDOIfUtjmg7rj35DVHPvM93z9jBccZNy0hQrhYijpsMhqytmOoYnkUrvltpD~3t9Th~tSlX69aCE02SDklghd89DHbjFF7XFPygQcPfPe~E28xPo-~PAyTBiJkkS~CdTtCNQKZUN5zJY54~9w4hYoDjI-MrSEjuZ5S0zZfUzeCcwadPwyzrUkO09HQx1VtG0WXMb-LMq~PWya2lJlaVak9elxiB3wFUbzwfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Little Rock","date","2025-05-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Little Rock City Board of Directors voted 6-3 on May 6 to approve a plan development commercial (PDC) allowing Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church to demolish two houses and build a surface parking lot on property at North Harrison and Jay Street.

The vote came after more than three hours of public testimony, with parishioners and parents saying the lot is needed for safety and handicapped access and neighborhood groups and preservation advocates saying the plan would remove mature trees, add impervious surface and destroy two historic houses that could be preserved.

The churches’ representative, Gary Smith, identified himself as a member of Holy Souls Parish and described long-standing parking shortages at weekend Masses and church events. Smith said the parish had reduced the proposed parking from 66 spaces to 58, would phase construction and “has no plans to build beyond our contiguous physical plant,” and asked the board to approve the site plan as modified.

Architect Greg Peckham, of Peckham Smith Architects, presented site details and preliminary drainage information shared by Thomas Engineering. Peckham said the site contains about 31 major trees, that the parish would retain 12 perimeter trees and three large interior trees, and that the plan anticipates replanting shade and understory trees in the lot. He also relayed a preliminary runoff comparison for a 25-year storm drawn by the engineers: 2.78 cubic feet per second (cfs) for a comparable residential build-out versus 4.73 cfs for the proposed parking surface, an increase of about 1.95 cfs (roughly 70 percent). Peckham said the parish planned a subgrade detention system to regulate discharge so the church’s outflow would not exceed existing conditions.

Opponents included Trisha Bean, executive director of the Quapaw Quarters Association, who urged the board to deny the rezoning and cited the Hillcrest design overlay district rules, the R-2 zoning of the lots and a lack of a parking study. Bean said the two houses are “restorable homes and architecturally significant” and warned that relocation funding suggested by the applicant would not cover realistic moving and rebuilding costs. She told the board the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program had determined the houses could be contributing properties if the Hillcrest National Register boundary is expanded.

Residents who live near the site described the green space as an informal community gathering place and an outdoor classroom used by Holy Souls School. Several speakers who identified themselves as parents and parishioners said street parking imposes safety risks for children and older parishioners and that on-site parking would reduce unsafe street crossings.

Other residents, engineers and longtime Hillcrest advocates raised separate concerns: that the lot would raise local temperatures by removing canopy, increase runoff onto North Taylor and adjacent parcels that already experience flooding, and set a precedent for removing houses for institutional parking. A number of speakers asked the board to require a comprehensive parking study, shared-parking agreements with other nearby institutions and more detailed engineered drainage plans before approving demolition.

Planning staff recommended approval and a majority of the Planning Commission supported the PCD, but the item drew strong neighborhood opposition at the commission level as well. During the board’s roll call the clerk recorded the motion as passing 6-3; one director was recorded absent for the vote.

The board’s approval allows the PCD as presented; the parish said it would build in phases and intends to include landscaping and stormwater controls in detailed construction plans. Opponents said they will consider next steps available under the city’s historic-preservation review process and other legal paths.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke at the May 6, 2025 Little Rock City Board meeting and include parishioners, architects, neighborhood association representatives and other residents who identified themselves in the public hearing record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Little Rock City Board of Directors voted 6-3 on May 6 to approve a planned commercial development allowing Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church to demolish two houses and construct a surface parking lot, after hours of testimony from parishioners and neighborhood residents.","taxTitle","Little Rock City, Pulaski County, Arkansas","taxId",3741,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037724,"Little Rock proclaims May 2025 National Tennis Month; parks commission highlights 2024 improvements and summer programs",96,821595,918480,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6&start=821&end=918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6/thumbnail_821595.jpg","/articles/6037724/Little-Rock-City/Pulaski-County/Arkansas/Little-Rock-proclaims-May-2025-National-Tennis-Month-parks-commission-highlights-2024-improvements-and-summer-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037724-e1434f1890f0f9f4d62b57687ce3d908/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206210&Signature=HowYM61fKTZeg9Yk-bO7MzMinOVfC1eBxPVHR7wICiqj-m6P2GOa2fHYBIPLwHg1gxb4KV2gRE1bA5B2VSSCD2KSXk-M5KL04WI4xf0u2Hd29QjhI94zYa6nI~v5klWtbWe42pN0NE9hUAnq~Zss3trh7Jmx1rlpmQ6JAt7TQnBGM4VROhxreW7uk-imLbsiKP~gih8Fs3zZFyY490ANv3QBr5aqTLuoPrx-QsfTu8agaGHVdt8g-El8eLrg67g4WWY7UsXL4CRV3s26Bq2snCLDY0unU55Cn0JXGnurSGAtpr3NRtYjF1jtiZHhjdGvkQjoQfwWZ3fpsFk0NeYOYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Frank Scott Jr. opened the May 6 Little Rock City Board meeting with a ceremonial proclamation naming May 2025 National Tennis Month and asked Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers to comment on local tennis programs and facilities.

“Now therefore, I’m Frank Scott Jr., mayor of the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as National Tennis Month,” the mayor said as he read the proclamation and invited Leland Couch and other parks staff to provide a brief update on tennis amenities in city parks.

Leland Couch (parks director title not formally read on the record) and Susan Altrue, who identified herself as a member of the Arkansas Tennis Association board, described recent improvements. Couch noted lighting upgrades at the Rebsman Tennis Courts (Musco lighting) and that the city maintains more than 25 neighborhood courts using grants and resurfacing programs. Altrue said public courts provide affordable entry points to the sport and related her personal experience learning tennis through a six-week city class at Rebsman.

Ben France, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, presented the commission’s 2024 year-in-review, listing completed projects such as new basketball courts at Canis, HVAC work at Jim Daley, new playgrounds and trails at Pankey and Boyle Parks, a new exhibit at Margaret Clark, and a Kiwanis playground. France said the commission has three active subcommittees — master plan, marketing/outreach and parks conservancy — and meets on the second Wednesday of each month. He highlighted the summer playground program, which he said offers an eight-week program for youth for $100 and serves participants through the department’s community centers.

Board members praised the Parks and Recreation Commission and tied recent maintenance and improvements to the 2022 bond program and to American Rescue Plan Act funds that supported a renovation and expansion plan for a senior resident facility at University Park. Director comments emphasized that the bond and ARPA funding had enabled recent upgrades and that staff plan further work in 2025.

The presentation concluded with a brief public acknowledgement of commissioners in the audience and an invitation for residents to attend commission meetings.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke at the May 6, 2025 Little Rock City Board meeting and are identified in the public meeting record.","Mayor Frank Scott Jr. proclaimed May 2025 as National Tennis Month and Parks and Recreation Commission chair Ben France reviewed 2024 accomplishments including court resurfacing, new playgrounds and low-cost summer playground programs for youth.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037729,"Madison Heights residents urge city help after foreclosure notice, cite elderly tenants and billing concerns",254,1793445,2047549,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6&start=1793&end=2047","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3858341-978b4c0e5dd0912da1454958f252b6a6/thumbnail_1793445.jpg","/articles/6037729/Little-Rock-City/Pulaski-County/Arkansas/Madison-Heights-residents-urge-city-help-after-foreclosure-notice-cite-elderly-tenants-and-billing-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037729-6038367c68146eacebe9861b4b307c18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206210&Signature=czLshNik5I7s8FdO3pfLG~GM~8j98zLot23-6T4XAjFD2TxxvzUpayEVNnquaFHegzZ5-z83BmlfBL2CfhOShD2M0thSKZ0dhxkBblq0PZG33~Z87v205mSTuHnBhaZ2VVCZ0vUYLFoVEhD3G6nzRRGuZoDDVKNCm4djNqfzv2JL5vHcqpvt~YCWvWeSBWm3lAdbL-5giYn~4Mfd74hdW5J-XP8hdiUlm9QFdBf-gjXvNmmN3mJMBjCZA3DCdBE~pDUr8Gg7a4~3OprVLsV0rDkGECKsyttIasB7efWYlYiOqZBVWiy42AV7X1h-D5id1rtG2nFxMdvmqSVojMSfMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents of Madison Heights Apartments told the Little Rock City Board of Directors during Citizens Communication on May 6 that they had received notices about foreclosure or confusing notices about water billing and asked the city for help and clear information.

Several residents, including Megan Mangrum and Willetta Dove, said they and many neighbors are elderly or low-income and are worried about losing homes or facing bills that are not in residents’ names. Mangrum, who identified herself as a Madison Heights resident, said, “I’m asking you today to please save our home,” and described the complex as a community where many residents have long ties.

Willetta Dove said residents received a notice but had also been told not to worry; she said that message had not reassured tenants and that some residents had been made responsible for a water bill that was not in their names. Several others at the podium, including Selena Williams and Linda Faye Bumblebee Williams, outlined the long history of the property and the social ties among residents.

Board members asked staff to connect residents with city personnel. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. and staff directed resident Tyrone Davis to meet with Public Works staff member John Honeywell (named in the meeting) for follow-up on a completed public-works final walkthrough cited by the resident; the mayor asked staff to have John Honeywell meet with Davis after the meeting.

The board did not take a formal vote on the matter; staff follow-up was the only action recorded on the public record during Citizens Communication.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke at the May 6, 2025 Little Rock City Board meeting and are identified in the public hearing record.","Multiple Madison Heights residents told the Little Rock board they received foreclosure notices and unclear billing messages and asked for help and clarity. City staff agreed to connect residents with Public Works and other staff to follow up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Little Rock board approves Holy Souls parking lot after hours of testimony; opponents cite trees, drainage and historic homes

Little Rock proclaims May 2025 National Tennis Month; parks commission highlights 2024 improvements and summer programs

Madison Heights residents urge city help after foreclosure notice, cite elderly tenants and billing concerns