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North Little Rock mayor highlights new fire stations, crime center and solar project in state-of-city remarks
Summary
Mayor Hartwick outlined public-safety upgrades (three new fire stations and a new Central Fire Station), a Real Time Crime Center for police, a 7-megawatt solar partnership, parks improvements and $80 million-plus in downtown construction planned for 2025.
Mayor Hartwick used a state-of-the-city style address to outline investments in public safety, renewable energy and economic development across North Little Rock City, saying the city is "proud" of its recent gains and optimistic about 2025.
The mayor credited a half-cent sales tax renewal voted by residents with funding three new fire stations and other infrastructure. He said the new Central Fire Station in Mid City will replace a 1962-era facility and include community services such as a 24-hour baby drop.
Officer Cobb of the North Little Rock Police Department said the December 2021 Justice Center centralized departments and that the department's Real Time Crime Center gives officers "live data" from multiple sources so "it allows the officers to get in front of crime and not be reactive." He also said the department prioritized a cold-case squad to pursue unsolved crimes and that an unsheltered liaison has been restored to connect people to housing and rehab resources.
On energy, Ryan (role not specified in the transcript) described the city's long-standing emphasis on local hydroelectric power and a 2024 solar partnership with Today's Power that added 7 megawatts at a site the city expects will "power roughly 1,200 homes" annually. Ryan said the move supports the city's stated mission to provide "affordable and reliable energy" and to attract developers that value renewable power.
Speakers representing local businesses credited continued private investment in downtown Argenta and Midtown, saying recent projects and the mayor's efforts made North Little Rock an attractive place to invest. An investor identified as Cal recalled the mayor's vision for a conference center and cited the new North Rock Conference Center (described in the address as 31,000 square feet and adjacent to Zimmons Arena) as an anchor for future development.
Parks upgrades highlighted in the remarks include an expanded ranger program, an accessible playground at Lehman Plaza, a new pump track and improvements to Old Mill Park. Local recreation leaders said the city has hosted tournaments that bring additional visitors.
In closing, Mayor Hartwick summarized 2024 openings and projects — the Blaze Fire Station, the Real Time Crime Center, a new Baptist Health clinic called Rose City and the conference center unveiling — and said he was "proud to be your mayor and excited about 2025 and the next 4 years." The address emphasized capital projects already under way and upcoming downtown construction estimated at more than $80 million.
The remarks were a presentation of municipal accomplishments and plans; no formal votes or new ordinances were recorded in the transcript.
