LR Directors Reject Proposed Ordinance Limiting Tech Park Spending
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: May 29, 2012
Little Rock's board of directors voted against putting an ordinance on next week's agenda that would prevent sales tax money from being used to kick people out of their homes for the Technology Park.
Back in September, Little Rock voters approved a sales tax increase that included $22 million for the technology park. According to the city attorney, the resolution includes the term "land acquisition", but not "eminent domain" and some people are trying to make sure the money can't be used to force people out.
Homeowner William Riles says his home of more than 20 years is more than a piece of property.
"I raised my family, I buried my wife out this house, so it has sentimental value to me," he said.
The true value of his home and community are at the heart of the battle between the Technology Park Authority and the people who live in the area where it could be placed. Many homeowners have posted signs showing their opposition.
"This property we have in this neighborhood is not for sale," said Riles. "It's not right for us to have to pay our taxes just like other people and then get this type of treatment."
Little Rock City Director Ken Richardson is trying to change that. At Tuesday's agenda-setting meeting he introduced a draft of an ordinance that would stop the city from allowing it's $22 million gift to the Technology Park be used to force people out through eminent domain.
"We have to be sensitive to the needs of the community to all of the community and we don't favor one to the detriment of the other," said Richardson.
City attorney Tom Carpenter says the board pushed for the sales tax with the intent to use the money for the Technology Park and while they can legally change their minds about exactly how the funds will be used for the project, so far they have not.
After some debate Tuesday, none of the other directors would second Richardson's motion to add his ordinance to the agenda.
Richardson says he's not giving up, much like people the he serves in the threatened communities.
"I'll keep pushing, I think it's a good policy," said Richardson.
"I applaud Richardson for doing what he's doing but I hope it's not too little too late," said Riles.
Tuesday afternoon the Technology Park Authority announced they're forming a new committee for community members to address housing concerns related to the project.
Back in September, Little Rock voters approved a sales tax increase that included $22 million for the technology park. According to the city attorney, the resolution includes the term "land acquisition", but not "eminent domain" and some people are trying to make sure the money can't be used to force people out.
Homeowner William Riles says his home of more than 20 years is more than a piece of property.
"I raised my family, I buried my wife out this house, so it has sentimental value to me," he said.
The true value of his home and community are at the heart of the battle between the Technology Park Authority and the people who live in the area where it could be placed. Many homeowners have posted signs showing their opposition.
"This property we have in this neighborhood is not for sale," said Riles. "It's not right for us to have to pay our taxes just like other people and then get this type of treatment."
Little Rock City Director Ken Richardson is trying to change that. At Tuesday's agenda-setting meeting he introduced a draft of an ordinance that would stop the city from allowing it's $22 million gift to the Technology Park be used to force people out through eminent domain.
"We have to be sensitive to the needs of the community to all of the community and we don't favor one to the detriment of the other," said Richardson.
City attorney Tom Carpenter says the board pushed for the sales tax with the intent to use the money for the Technology Park and while they can legally change their minds about exactly how the funds will be used for the project, so far they have not.
After some debate Tuesday, none of the other directors would second Richardson's motion to add his ordinance to the agenda.
Richardson says he's not giving up, much like people the he serves in the threatened communities.
"I'll keep pushing, I think it's a good policy," said Richardson.
"I applaud Richardson for doing what he's doing but I hope it's not too little too late," said Riles.
Tuesday afternoon the Technology Park Authority announced they're forming a new committee for community members to address housing concerns related to the project.
