JONESBORO — Jonesboro leaders recently voted to reconstitute the city’s Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA), restoring a governing board that can oversee redevelopment financing and projects in blighted areas after the previous structure became unable to function. During a July 16 special called meeting, council members unanimously approved a seven-member URA board consisting of four elected officials and three private citizens. The URA serves as a financing tool for redevelopment efforts throughout the city, city attorney LaTonya Wiley explained. “You all decide the plan — like the priorities that the URA is supposed to adhere to,” Wiley said. “You still retain all those powers. The URA is just a tool to do financing, unique financing that cities can’t do. “The law does not allow you to delegate those powers. Those powers remain with this body.” The city council will continue to retain authority over the URA’s redevelopment map and work plan. The agency’s current map includes only the Broad Street corridor, but city leaders plan to expand it to include additional blighted areas through the public hearing process. According to the agenda packet, reconstituting the URA carries a “sense of urgency.” “The URA is the record owner of 103 West Mill Street and must address the lease with Nouveau Bar & Grill, LLC,” the agenda packet stated. “The URA must also address the Firehouse financing structure and negotiate new lease terms. Additionally, there are existing projects with Habitat…
*This content (including text, artwork, graphics, photography, and video) was provided by the third party(ies) as referenced above. Any rights or other content questions or inquiries should be directed to such third-party provider(s).
