The Jonesboro Capital Improvement Bonds Task Force convened for a special meeting on September 30, 2025, to discuss the future of city property and potential developments. The meeting focused on the utilization of downtown property, particularly the site on Washington Avenue, and the implications of selling it versus retaining it for community use.

Council members expressed strong opinions regarding the downtown property. One councilman emphasized the importance of maintaining access to the parking lot adjacent to the current justice building, which is frequently used for community events such as the barbecue festival and Winterfest. He argued that selling the property could result in a loss of approximately 130 parking spots, which would negatively impact downtown activities. The estimated sale price for the property ranged from $650,000 to $2 million, but he cautioned that the financial benefits of selling might be outweighed by the loss of community space.

Another committee member highlighted the potential economic benefits of developing the property into a museum or mixed-use complex, suggesting that such a project could attract more visitors and generate additional tax revenue for the city. He noted that consolidating city services at a central location, such as Caraway Road, would improve efficiency and accessibility for residents.

Concerns were raised about the costs associated with drainage improvements at the Washington site, which could significantly impact the overall budget for the project. The discussion also touched on the perceived safety of police response times, with members agreeing that the location of the police station would not significantly affect emergency response capabilities.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that maintaining both the downtown property and the Caraway Road site would serve the best interests of Jonesboro. The task force plans to continue evaluating the financial and community impacts of their decisions as they move forward with the planning process.