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Mayor reports water-line work, new businesses and housing growth in state-of-the-city update
Summary
The mayor told the Lonoke city council the city completed extensive pipe work, issued nearly 120 permits and 193 business licenses last year, and expects several new housing and business openings as water-treatment and police-station improvements proceed.
The mayor opened the Lonoke city council meeting with a review of last year’s public works and development activity, saying the city installed substantial water and sewer pipe mains, cleared drainage ditches and processed nearly 120 permits and 193 business licenses.
The mayor reported specific capital work in the packet, including a new 12-inch water line that extends from the walking trail area and will support future development, and upgrades planned for the water-treatment plant that are expected to be completed in about a month when new paddle wheels and pond equipment arrive. He also noted construction activity in the McGee subdivision and other new housing starts that will add a range of home sizes to local inventory.
“The water line going through the woods got rid of that and it’s plenty of water for future building out there,” the mayor said, describing projects designed to support residential growth. He also encouraged support for recent downtown business openings—new retail, a drive-through coffee shop and a boutique—and urged residents to patronize them.
On public-safety facilities, the mayor said the long-awaited police station renovation is nearly finished after two years of delays. He added the city is applying for multiple grants to fund ongoing projects and said officials will keep seeking outside funding to support community improvements.
Why it matters: the water-line and treatment upgrades are intended to increase the city’s capacity for new residential and commercial development; grants and capital maintenance decisions this year will shape the pace and scope of that growth. The council did not take a separate vote on the mayor’s report; it served as an informational update to the public and to council members.
What’s next: the mayor said staff will continue pursuing grants and that additional development activity and utility improvements are expected to appear on future agendas.
