De Queen, Sevier County to take on community development projects

The city of De Queen will be partnering with Sevier County’s economic developer on a couple of upcoming community development projects, according to Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy.

Lisa Taylor reported recently that the city has been approved for a “walkshop” project by the Center for Community and Economic Development at the University of Central Arkansas.

Crafton Tull architects will conduct an interactive walkshop with community leaders to develop placemaking concepts and solutions for traffic circulation, parking, low-impact development concepts, beautification and community character improvement. The one-day event has a value of $1,000.

Community leaders and stakeholders will hear a presentation on the built environment and discuss best practices for site planning and focus on a three-block by three-block area in the community.

Leaders and stakeholders will be needed to participate in the process.

Taylor said Sevier County has been paired with Howard and Little River counties for a regional initiative called Create Bridges. The purpose is to build the capacity of rural regions to strengthen retail, accommodations, tourism and entertainment businesses.

Create Bridges is a partnership of development organizations in Arkansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma with funding through Walmart. The Arkansas sponsor is the Cooperative Extension Service’s Community and Economic Development program.