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Jonesboro mayor: Justice Complex needs short-term structural work; Citizens Bank corner lot appraised at $307,000; children’s museum asks to be considered
Summary
City officials say engineers recommend reinforcing wooden beams at the downtown Justice Complex to extend short-term use; an appraisal values the adjacent Citizens Bank corner lot at $307,000. A local nonprofit seeking a downtown site for a children’s museum asked to be included in discussions.
Mayor reported that structural engineers advised wooden beams in the downtown Justice Complex need steel reinforcement, a repair the engineers said would make the building safe for occupancy for about two to three years but would not be a long-term solution.
The mayor said an insurance adjuster determined the damage was not weather-related and therefore would not be covered by the city’s insurance. The city will present options for the building, including temporary relocation of employees now housed there, by the end of the week and return the proposals to council for further direction.
The mayor also said the city received an appraisal for the lot that formerly held the Citizens Bank building; the appraisal covered the corner lot only and came in at $307,000. City leaders said they are “exploring next steps” for redeveloping that parcel and will report back to council.
At public comment, Jordan Carlo, founder of the NEA Children’s Museum, asked the council to consider the Justice Complex or 410 Washington as potential downtown locations for a children’s museum. Carlo said the nonprofit completed a feasibility study with city and AMP Commission support, has a master plan funded by Jonesboro Unlimited, has an architect, and is ready to begin a capital campaign and apply for capital grants if a site is secured.
The mayor noted broader downtown activity that could affect redevelopment planning, including the recent sale of Turtle Creek Mall and ongoing interest in downtown events and investments.
Discussion only; council took no formal vote on repairs or disposition during the meeting. Staff were directed to prepare options for council review by the end of the week.
