Groundbreaking for New Subdivision in Newport, Arkansas

The sound of heavy equipment and dust in the air on August 12 signaled the start of construction on a new subdivision in Newport, Arkansas. Located on Commerce Boulevard, the new development has the potential for approximately 100 new homes. The construction will happen in five phases, with current work starting on Phase 1. Mark Morris Construction from Jonesboro, Arkansas has been selected as the developer for the project. The company brings vast experience of developing subdivisions and building quality homes in northeast Arkansas.

A collaborative project, the effort started with leaders from the City of Newport, Jackson County, the Newport School District, the Newport Economic Development Commission and ASU-Newport developing a plan to address Newport’s housing shortage. Jackson County experiences an inbound commuter population of approximately 4,000 people per day. These individuals drive into the county for work and return home to adjacent counties. Studies and surveys indicate that housing is a major factor that prevents employees from relocating in the area.

The project is being facilitated by land provided by the Newport School District. A site of approximately 42 acres owned by the school district is being sold to the developer in increments over the five different phases. The Newport Economic Development Commission is providing a $250,000 incentive to be used on the wastewater system upgrades for the new housing area. The City of Newport and Jackson County are also working to help make the development process proceed as smoothly as possible.

“New housing in the area is vital to the Newport School District,” states Jon Bradley, Newport School District Superintendent. “The development will bring more students to the area and provide housing options for teachers and administrators hired by the district in the future.”

The City of Newport conducted a housing survey over a decade ago and has been searching for ways to address the issue. “We welcome this development because housing growth is vital to Newport’s growth,” stated Newport Mayor Derrick Ratliffe. “Without investments made in housing the city’s growth will be limited.”

Housing is also an economic development issue. Newport Economic Development Director Jon Chadwell shared, “When we create jobs in Jackson County, and watch people who get those jobs take their paychecks back to a surrounding county, then we are losing the economic development potential of those new positions.”

Infrastructure construction has started on the site. Lots and houses can be reserved and purchased immediately, or they can be purchased after the houses are constructed. Buyers can get in early, choose their lot and their house plans or they can wait until spec houses are constructed and select one. Phase 1 will have between 24 and 28 lots available. Mark Morris Construction will begin building houses immediately upon the completion of the infrastructure development.

For more information feel free to contact:

Newport School District

Jon Bradley, Superintendent

870-523-1311

jbradley@newportschools.org

City of Newport

Mayor Derrick Ratliffe

870-523-6568

newportmayor@newportarkansas.gov

Newport Economic Development Commission

Jon Chadwell, CEcD, Director of Economic Development

870-523-1009