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Friends,
Almost exactly one year ago, on March 31, 2023, a high-end EF-3 tornado tore through part of Little Rock, destroying property and upending lives. The powerful storm impacted almost 3,000 structures, both residences and businesses alike, and caused more than $100 million in damage. By the grace of God, there was no loss of life.
A year later, we remain on the long path toward recovery. We are humbled and grateful for the continued outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, volunteers and those from around the world who donated their time and money to support rebuilding efforts. Through it all, we have shown resiliency and strength.
We invite tornado survivors, volunteers who have assisted with the recovery efforts and all Little Rock residents to join us Saturday, March 30, as we commemorate the tornado's first anniversary. We will convene at 9 a.m. at the community park in the Walnut Valley neighborhood (near the intersection of Shackleford Road and Breckenridge Drive) to reflect on the anniversary and celebrate the community spirit that made us Little Rock Strong.
During Saturday's commemoration event, we intend to plant a seedling given to the City by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The seedling is from the "Survivor Tree" recovered from the rubble at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Each year, the 9/11 memorial offers seedlings to communities that demonstrated resilience in tragedy. Little Rock's seedling from the Survivor Tree will be entrusted to the care of Walnut Valley's neighborhood association, which has graciously agreed to place the tree in its community park.
Leading up to this first anniversary of the storm, I have been speaking to several local media outlets about our recovery progress. Throughout the year, we have seen significant results as we build our neighborhoods back better than ever; yet, we know that long-term recovery from such a devastating storm is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here is how your City government is bringing results to our tornado-impacted communities:
- We have waived fees on nearly 2,300 building permits within the tornado zone. That has saved tornado survivors $876,150.68 as of March 15.
- Through your generosity in giving to our Little Rock Cares fund, we distributed close to $625,000 in direct relief to survivors and to nonprofits who assisted in response efforts. Through Little Rock Cares, we provided individual grants to 258 tornado survivors.
- We have cleaned up and repaired Murray Park, which is completely reopened. Restoration of Reservoir Park - hardest hit by the tornado - is ongoing. After a public meeting on Feb. 29, we are moving forward with plans to rebuild. At Rock Creek Park, trail cleanup is in progress.
- Design and architectural services are ongoing for Fire Station 9, with construction expected soon.
- In April, an AmeriCorps service team will be in Little Rock to plant trees and help rebuild the extensive tree canopy that was lost in the storm.
As we move into year two of recovery, our planning and code enforcement teams will focus on ensuring property owners are making progress on clearing debris and on reconstruction. While we understand dealing with insurance and making long-term plans takes some time, property owners are responsible for complying with city code. Doing so ensures the safety and strength of our neighborhoods, and it is an important step in returning to normalcy.
We appreciate our first responders, our volunteers and the neighbors from across the city and around the world who have helped us since March 31, 2023. Let us pause on this anniversary to commemorate the tornado, then continue growing forward in a spirit of unity and strength.
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Elopak Groundbreaking
Elopak, an international liquid foods packaging firm, recently had a ceremonial groundbreaking on its first-ever U.S. production plant, located at the Port of Little Rock. Elopak is investing more than $70 million in our City on its state-of-the-art facility that will produce Pure-Pak cartons for liquid dairy products, juices, plant-based products and liquid eggs.
Elopak expects to employ about 100 workers when it's operational early next year. It is currently in the process of hiring press operators, machine operators and materials handlers.
We are excited to welcome a company that puts sustainability at the forefront and that recognizes the strength of the local workforce and the logistical advantages offered at the Port. Elopak selected Little Rock over 25 other sites, despite the fact that we were the smallest city considered by the company.
During the site selection process, a company executive remarked that we had "the biggest dreams" of any City that was considered. Those "biggest dreams" that unite us for success are shared by Little Rock business leaders and local economic development officials like the Little Rock Regional Chamber.
We have demonstrated that our dreams pay off, with the creation of about 11,000 new jobs and generation of an additional $1.8 billion in capital investment over the last five years. As a City, continuing to achieve our dreams to grow and strengthen our economy will require renewed investment in the Port and economic development.
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Public Safety Commission Kicks Off
The newly-created Public Safety Commission met for the first time last week. I had the privilege to speak to commission members at their inaugural meeting to focus on the goals we hope to set as we launch this advisory group intended to provide recommendations on how we can make our neighborhoods safer and stronger for residents.
The Little Rock Board of Directors voted to establish the Public Safety Commission late last year, following a recommendation from my HOPE Advisory Council. That council recommended a permanent commission that will support our holistic violence reduction strategies by offering advice and solutions.
The Public Safety Commission is made up of victim advocates, community leaders, specialists in violence reduction and others who are committed to reducing crime in our state's capital city. They share a common goal of making life better for our residents and visitors.
I expect this commission to help us build on our successes in recent months to reduce crime through our multi-tiered strategy of law enforcement innovation and investment in prevention and intervention programs. This year, our violent crime rate is down 9 percent compared to the same time in 2023.
I appreciate the volunteers willing to serve on the new Public Safety Commission, and I expect to see the results of their work soon.
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RSVP for Eclipse Watch Parties
We are now just two weeks away from a total solar eclipse, and we are inviting residents to join us as we celebrate this "Total Eclipse of the Rock" with watch parties at all our Little Rock community centers. There's no better opportunity to witness this rare celestial event than with your friends and neighbors. Learn more on our eclipse web page about all the exciting activities occurring between now and April 8.
On Monday, April 8, Little Rock will be in the path of totality for the eclipse. The moon will partially obstruct the sun starting at about 12:30 p.m., with the total solar eclipse at around 1:51 p.m. The City will go completely dark for a little over two minutes.
Our community centers will provide eclipse glasses, treats and crafts for families on eclipse day. Events are also taking place at the Little Rock Zoo, MacArthur Park and across the region. Check out our website for more details, or visit the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau's comprehensive list of activities and events hosted by organizations around Little Rock.
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, March 26, at 4 p.m. at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. On Tuesday, the Board will set the agenda for its next regular meeting. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock's Facebook and YouTube pages.
- The City's Public Works Department will host a public meeting today (Monday, March 25) at 5:30 p.m. at Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St. The Public Works team will seek feedback on three planned infrastructure projects in Ward 1: Improvements to West 10th and West 13th streets and drainage improvements on East 38th St.
- On Thursday, March 28, the Public Works Department will be in Ward 3 for a public meeting at Christ Little Rock Church, 315 S. Hughes St., to discuss drainage improvements to West Fourth Street. That meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
- The Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs Department hosts its Citizens Academy starting Thursday, March 28. The five-week program is intended for residents to learn more about the Code Enforcement Division and the team members who serve Little Rock residents. The first Citizens Academy meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.
- In preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse, residents are invited to participate in "Over the Moon" Paint 'n Sip at the West Central Community Center on Friday, March 29. Talented artists will be on hand to help residents craft their own masterpieces during an evening of creativity and camaraderie. No previous painting experience is required. The cost is $10. West Central is located at 8616 Colonel Glenn Road.
- The quarterly Little Rock Recycles Day is Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Little Rock Zoo’s east parking lot. Residents can safely dispose of electronic waste, glass, plastic bags and documents for shredding at the event hosted by the Little Rock Sustainability Office, the Little Rock Zoo and Keep Little Rock Beautiful.
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As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @citylittlerock. You can also email me at mayorscott@littlerock.gov or call my office at 501.371.4744.
I appreciate you!
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