WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — After 40 years with no new developments in the area, West Memphis will soon begin construction of Big River Landing West, a new housing development with over 60 new homes.
West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon announced plans for the new construction Thursday.
The new development is part of a promise the Mayor made to the city, he said.
"I ran on a three-pronged promise to one make our city safer, two bring new jobs to our city, and three revitalize our neighborhoods by doing the things necessary to attract new home investments up and down the spectrum of affordability,” McClendon said. "I'm pleased with the progress we've made in two of those areas.”
The development will provide more housing space for workers in the area, the Mayor said, as he explained that nearly 2000 jobs have been created in less than three years.
"Our Big River West Landing, if you look at it, we're eliminating a lot of the blight and then we're bringing back affordable... and not just affordable but decent size houses that may cost low-medium range in prices. But we're trying to give this community something it has never had," he said Thursday.
New housing in the "neglected" area has been long needed, Mayor McClendon said. He said he believes the construction will improve the city in more ways than one.
"Not only will this investment change the complexion of that whole part of our city, but it will make the American dream a reality for many deserving families," Mayor McClendon said.