PINE BLUFF -- A new community center is to open early next year in White Hall, thanks to voters who passed a $4.5 million bond measure in May of 2013.
But just a few miles away in Pine Bluff, residents are still awaiting construction of a proposed multipurpose center, even though voters passed a bond issue to fund the building more than three years ago.
The juxtaposition has left some in Pine Bluff wondering why they aren't seeing immediate results of their bond measure like their neighbors to the north.
Pine Bluff officials said it boils down to priorities. The five-eighths percent sales tax Pine Bluff voters approved in 2011 has already funded several bond initiatives that the city deemed more urgent than the multipurpose center, said Pine Bluff Community Development Director Larry Matthews, who is overseeing bond projects for the city.
This includes construction of a fire station, city equipment upgrades and drainage improvements.
Matthews said a committee has been formed to work with architects and engineers on the design phase of the new multipurpose center at 10th Avenue and Tennessee Street that will include a state-of-the-art aquatics center.
The building will be constructed in phases, Matthews said, as the $4 million bond isn't enough to "complete the total vision we have for this project."
Matthews said the aquatics portion of the center will be the first to open. Construction is expected to begin sometime next year.
Pine Bluff resident James Coleman and many others have scolded city leaders for the delay. Coleman said the multipurpose center "is vital for our youths here in Pine Bluff, and I can't understand what they are waiting on here."
Coleman said he understands the need to prioritize projects, but he would like to see better organization.
Travis Macon agreed.
"We need something we can show our kids, something that shows them we care about them," Macon said. "Look around town at all these old nasty buildings. Let's put up a new one. It's time now."
In White Hall, Mayor Noel Foster said he can hardly wait until his city's new community center opens. The first phase of the project, a $2.7 million water park dubbed "Crenshaw Springs," opened this summer and hosted more than 20,000 guests, Foster said.
The park and the community center at the intersection of Dollarway and Hodley roads were funded by the $4.5 million bond issue, which will be paid for by a 2 percent tax placed on prepared food from 2007.
Earlier this month, the Arkansas Business City of Distinction Awards gave White Hall its Tourism Development award for cities with populations between 5,000 and 20,000 residents.
According to the 2010 census, White Hall has a population of 5,307. Foster credited the water park, along with other city parks and the White Hall Museum, for getting the recognition.
"White Hall has become a destination," Foster said. "We are progressive, we have been good stewards with our money, and folks can come here from the surrounding areas and have a good day-long visit with what we have to offer. It really makes me proud to see this community blossoming."
State Desk on 10/27/2014