By Ray King
When the Go Forward Pine Bluff program was being presented to residents several years ago, one of its main goals was the creation of a downtown plaza that would draw residents to the area.
That program is one step closer to being a reality as the Pine Bluff City Council, during its meeting Monday, voted 5-2 on a resolution supporting the creation of the plaza at 6th Avenue and Main Street.
On Thursday, Ryan Watley, the CEO of Go Forward Pine Bluff appeared on the Oldies 101.3 morning show and was asked about the idea.
The plaza would include land currently used by Simmons Bank for a drive-thru bank and Watley said Go Forward is currently in negotiations with the bank about acquiring the property.
He also predicted that if were built, the plaza would be a success.
Asked about how the plaza would be paid for, Watley said money from the five-eighth cent sales tax approved by voters has been set aside in the city budget to help but private donors are also being actively sought. Go Forward has already raised nearly $2 million of the $3 million goals.
Asked who would do the construction work, Watley said there will be a major effort to use local contractors and sub-contractors.
