Developer, city official and parents urge PCSSD to fund $140,000 emergency access ramp to Crystal Hill Elementary

A developer and a North Little Rock elected official told the Pulaski County Special School District board on March 10 that Crystal Hill Elementary lacks adequate emergency vehicle access and urged the district to fund a $140,000 ramp from Cooks Landing Road.

Jean Feifer, developer of Northshore Business Park, read excerpts of a fire marshal’s warning and said a single‑access route could prevent fire, EMS or police vehicles from quickly reaching the school if congestion blocked the normal entrance. "A ramp from Crystal Hill Elementary to Cooks Landing Road is needed," Feifer said, and he told the board the project—design and construction included—has an estimated price of $140,000.

Feifer said a traffic study commissioned by the city of North Little Rock reached similar conclusions and that district staff had worked to design a route. North Little Rock Councilman Ron Harris, who represents the area, told the board he is raising the issue on behalf of parents, the city and the Arkansas Department of Transportation and urged cooperation among stakeholders to avoid a serious problem as new nearby development increases traffic.

No board vote was taken on the funding request at the meeting; Feifer’s comments were entered into the record and board members said they would consider next steps. Board members and administration later discussed procedures for handling requests about facilities funding.

What’s next: the request was entered into the meeting record and speakers said they will provide supporting documentation; the board did not approve funding at the March 10 meeting.