Texarkana · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Dilapidated and burned houses in Ward 2 / Carmichael Hill area
Director Harris pressed staff about burned and dilapidated houses on Burton, Prospect, and House streets that neighbors say are being used as drug houses, and asked when the city will clear them. She also asked about pursuing federal housing repair funds (H.B. 2606) and whether the regional council of governments could apply on the city's behalf.
City Manager Appointment and Housing Ordinance
In board commentary, Director Brewer asked about pursuing housing grants like the $2 million the Texas side obtained, whether a housing study is truly required, and about a Union Pacific meeting on the Seba Street underpass and Ninth Street crossing.
Federal housing funds and housing study
Roughly $200 million a year in new federal housing money may be available, and directors want the city to hire a housing coordinator and commission a housing study to compete for it.
Ward 4 constituent concerns raised by Director Brewer
Director Brewer aired a long list of unresolved Ward 4 issues — clogged ditches, flooding streets, missing park lights, housing needs, and a proposed grocery store incentive for College Hill — and said his ward's requests take too long to fix.
College Hill neighborhood convenience store
The Dudley Street rezoning will let the applicants open a convenience store in College Hill, which currently has no grocery or convenience store. Neighbors signed a petition in support.