$1.2 million Deal for NLR Park to be Sold in the Works

The last thing Ginger Johnson wants to see is a bunch of pricey condominiums in the North Little Rock park where she trains for marathons.

"You've got to be kidding me? This is beautiful. It's perfect...we need to leave it that way," Johnson said as she was midway through her run at Emerald Park.

At issue--an Arkansas real estate developer wants to buy 45 acres of city land along the riverfront to develop an upscale residential project called The Bluffs.

Mayor Patrick Hays wants to see the $1.2 million deal approved.

Some of the folks who enjoy hiking, biking and jogging in the park are wondering why?

"Arkansas is known for its parks, so why would they want to get rid of it?" asked Kayla Guilliams, 20, of Conway.

She and three friends stopped by Emerald Park for the first time early Monday afternoon to get in a hike and do a little exploring.

Hays and the real estate developer who wants to buy the land, Byron McKimmey, could not be reached for comment.

North Little Rock City Council on Monday night is having a first read of a resolution introduced by Mayor Hays to sell the land.

The proposed deal needs to have a public hearing and clear the city's planning department before it can go back to council for a final vote.