Church's property goes to city in deal
As settlement of a condemnation lawsuit against a church, the city has agreed to receive property owned by the defendants while releasing all liens and waiving any penalties and fees involved.
The City Council voted in 2012 and 2015 to condemn certain properties owned by Cedrick Hayes, Gloryland Baptist Church Inc. and Gloryland Family Fellowship Church after declaring the properties' conditions to be public nuisances.
The city then filed a lawsuit against all three on May 5 after adequate progress wasn't made to correct the problems. The lawsuit requested that the structures be razed and removed and that the city be awarded damages, civil penalties and attorney fees.
Under the negotiated settlement, the city will accept the transfer of property for the defendants and assume responsibility for the property. The settlement has been been filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court.
The City Council is to consider a resolution at its meeting Monday to approve the settlement conditions.
Historic-home tours aim of new measure
The city wants to allow public tours of owner-occupied historic homes, according to legislation to go before the City Council on Monday.
The legislation says homes that have been placed on the National Register of Historic places are "historically important" and that opening them for public tours will "enhance the growth of visitors to the city."
Such tours are to be restricted to owner-occupied homes, according to stipulations in the legislation. With that provision, the legislation adds that the city will "avoid the establishment of commercial tour operations in residential areas."
Sale set as benefit for animal shelter
A rummage sale fundraiser is set for the weekend of Sept. 23-24 to benefit the North Little Rock Animal Shelter.
The event at 4001 Lakeshore Drive will start at noon Sept. 23 and resume at 7 a.m. Sept. 24.
All proceeds are to benefit the shelter's spay and neuter program. The fundraiser is sponsored by the North Little Rock Friends of Animals, which supports the shelter.
The shelter is on Championship Drive inside Burns Park.
Allotment lined up for garden license
The city is proposing to award a $1,750 grant to the Salvation Army to continue its community garden license for a site at 1505 W. 18th St.
The city's Fit 2 Live program accepts applications for city funds from community organizations and churches to provide community garden sites for use by the public.
The Salvation Army has twice before been awarded funds for a community garden at the site. The application is for a renewal.
Funds are available through the Fit 2 Live Department's 2016 budget, part of the city's general fund.
Metro on 09/11/2016