LR Tech Park public imput

Neighbors are getting a chance to weigh in on 4 potential sites for the Little Rock Technology Park.

The Little Rock Technology Park Authority Board is hosting public meetings to hear from concerned citizens about the proposed plans.

The 4 proposed locations are mostly industrial, vacant lots, and homeowners say they particularly like 2 of the sites; John Barrow Road and downtown on the Hanger Hill neighborhood. Many people are still worried the Authority Board won't choose any of the current location options, and go back to the drawing board.

The 4 potential sites up for consideration include the southeast corner of Asher and University, 701 Collins Street, between 6th and 8th Streets, in the Hanger Hill neighborhood. Homeowner Lawson Baker favors that option. "Downtown is already happening. You have the Clinton Center, Heifer International, and Axiom. These institutions already support the Tech Park and a large part of the community wants it to be at that location downtown too."

A third location for the Tech Park is in the Riverdale area in the current Verizon building. The fourth possibility is a large wooded area off John Barrow Road that is currently undeveloped, and another favorite option if area homeowners. Doris Wright is the City Director for Ward 6 and says John Barrow Road is the perfect location. "Easy access to Interstate 630 & 430, near Baptist Hospital and we have a library across the street. We have Park View High School and Henderson Middle School and just about everything else. It's also a very affordable area with some upscale homes."

The Authority Board plans to gather as much information from the public about the potential sites before making a final decision. Board Chairperson Mary Good says that final decision could come in December.

An engineering consulting firm evaluated all 4 sites and says additional research is required before making the final decision. The firm points out negative aspects of all 4 sites and suggests the Authority Board may want to explore alternate location options.

There is another public meeting Wednesday at 5pm at UALR's Jack Stephens Center.