Site work largely complete for community center; city coordinates with MHA to clear encampments and secure properties

City staff told the Board of Directors on July 29 that site grading and utility installation for the planned community center are roughly 60% to 70% complete and that construction of the center will follow the current site work. The site contractor, Redstone, is performing grading and drainage work; staff said a change order addresses additional drainage and sewer requirements imposed by the water authority.

Why it matters: completion of site prep is a major step toward building the community center; staff said additional work is required on street frontage because the roadway is owned by the state highway department and requires coordination with state agencies. Staff also described concurrent outreach to clear encampments at a nearby site owned by a housing authority and to offer services to unsheltered individuals.

Staff said day-to-day engagement with unsheltered individuals is being conducted by the city—s homeless engagement specialists in coordination with Little Rock Police Department and the housing authority (MHA). Actions at the MHA site include clearing brush to improve sight lines, installing no-trespass signage and fencing, and working with individuals daily to provide services and relocate them from the site. Board members asked for updates and asked staff to explain enforcement and support steps used during the removals.

Separately, staff presented an update tied to a micro-home village presentation and said the city is moving from site selection to construction. No formal votes were taken on these informational updates at the agenda meeting.