Opposition Group Highlights Technology Park Location Alternatives
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: June 16, 2012
The park could be built in a residential area, which could essentially lead to homes being demolished.
The opposition group, We Shall Not Be Moved, highlighted seven alternative spots. Originally proposing eight, however one location Bass Pro Shop announced Friday will be their new location.
The group is not opposed to the technology park, just hoping the board considers all the options available.
"It's a very disturbing emotional kind of feeling," said Donna Massey who purchased her home over a decade ago.
Massey said it made her feel safe and that she never imagined 13 years later she'd be fighting not to get forced out.
Signs cover her neighborhood, just one of three proposed areas for the future technology park, saying their homes are not for sale.
"The right thing to do is put this technology park in an area that does not have housing already," said Massey.
"We've identified almost two dozen alternate sites that we feel could easily accommodate what the technology park wants to do," said Rohn Muse.
The coalition gathered Saturday morning, loaded into a van and visited each of the seven possible sites, they believe, would be a better fit for the park.
"And they're available, affordable, and meet the criteria space wise for what the tech park wants to do," said Muse.
There's the warehouse area off Asher Avenue that used to be the Affiliated Food Headquarters.
Also just down the street an area behind Three Star Muffler, that We Shall Not Be Moved believes would be a perfect fit.
They want to be clear, their cause is not simply about saving their neighborhood.
"It's to not have the tech park, not only in our residential area," said Muse. "But any residential area of Little Rock."
Their asking for your help and suggest contacting the board if you too feel strongly about the issue.
The chair of the technology board Dr. Mary Good said about these suggestions, that once the study of the three proposed areas is complete, they're going to take suggestions on any possible alternatives.
Below is the list and information on the suggested alternatives visited on Saturday.


