A notice declaring the George Howard Jr., Federal Building and Courthouse as suitable for use by the homeless was issued by the General Services Administration July 1, according to a copy of the notice received by the City of Pine Bluff.
The notice says the property consists of 2.4 acres of land, more or less, improved with a six-story office building and a post office located at 100 E. 8th Ave., in Pine Bluff.
The notice goes on to say that “since no further Federal requirement exists, the subject property has been made available for homeless use by the General Services Administration.”
Public bodies and eligible nonprofit organizations dealing with the homeless may apply to lease Government property determined to be suitable for the homeless by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and States and their political subdivisions (such as cities) may apply to acquire the property for homeless use by deed.
The use of occupied properties is subject to the current occupants vacating the property and other restrictions apply.
Questions about the decision and a timeline for current occupants vacating were sent to the GSA Office of Real Property Disposition in Texas and a public affairs officer replied that he was looking into the situation and would try to provide more information later.
