07/07/15  Demolition Project Delayed for Pine Bluff

A demolition project for Pine Bluff that would target 600 houses has been delayed for a time. The Ark-Democrat-Gazette reports that Dina Tyler, deputy director at the Arkansas Department of Community  Correction says hiring a supervisor for the project has taken longer than anticipated, and that has set back taking bids for equipment needed for the project. Tyler says the department hopes to begin the demolition project within the next 60 days.

 The Arkansas Department of Community Correction has received a grant for 830 thousand dollars from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for the pilot project, which could spread to other cities in the future. With about 600 houses in Pine Bluff scheduled for demolition, city leaders say the task would take years without assistance. Mayor Debe Hollingsworth says the demolition will primarily take place in high crime neighborhoods.