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Henderson details housing, safety and infrastructure investments for Inner City
Summary
At a Feb. 5 work session, Mayor Bradley S. Staton outlined public-safety measures, a five-year Habitat partnership totaling $1 million, a $50,000 small-business incentive package, a $4 million water project and other infrastructure and community-support programs tied to the 2026 ICIP.
Mayor Bradley S. Staton used the Feb. 5 called work session to summarize recent and proposed investments intended for Henderson’s Inner City, including public-safety technology, housing partnerships, economic incentives and infrastructure projects.
On public safety, Staton outlined plans to install 7–12 Flock camera systems to assist the Police Department and noted a police doorbell camera giveaway that distributed about 25 units with the option to purchase more. He also described a H.E.R.O. Project proposal to provide up to two years of rent and utility assistance for a resident police officer intended to strengthen neighborhood engagement, and cited recent installations of safety poles in East End Park and Dr. Anthony Brooks Park plus continuing alley lighting improvements.
On housing and blight reduction, Staton presented a proposed five-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity that would pair a $50,000 annual City contribution with a $100,000 annual Habitat match to generate $200,000 per year and $1,000,000 total over five years focused on blight removal and affordable housing, along with enhanced neighborhood renovation initiatives.
On economic development, the work session covered a Small Business Incentive Package pending commission approval with a $50,000 allocation: $30,000 for forgivable startup/expansion loans (loans up to $10,000 each) and $20,000 for façade matching grants (up to $5,000 per grant). Officials also described an Empowering Neighbors Initiative funded through AKZ, targeted business attraction efforts (medical, dental and other providers that accept Medicaid), continued property acquisition along Letcher Street for redevelopment, and a planned public–private small business hub in the corridor.
Infrastructure priorities included a $4 million water infrastructure project in partnership with Henderson Water Utility to stabilize water pressure, road resurfacing corrections after sewer work, sidewalk improvements near South Heights, and pursuit of a State Land and Water Conservation grant that would require a $500,000 local match for improvements at Dr. Anthony Brooks Park (groundbreaking anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027).
Officials also noted community-support programs: a utility-assistance fund (initially funded with about $25,000 from Henderson Water Utility, with roughly $30,000 remaining available), planned QPR mental-health training in partnership with AKZ, and proposed cooking and nutrition classes with nonprofit partners.
The meeting was informational; no formal votes on these projects were taken during the session. Mayor Staton moved to adjourn and Commissioner Kelsey Hargis seconded; the roll call recorded Staton and Hargis as voting 'Aye' and three commissioners absent, and the session ended at approximately 7:13 p.m.
