Lonoke, Arkansas is in dire need to relocate the offices of the department of corrections and the department of corrections probation from both of their current downtown locations at 104 & 106 E Front Street. Currently located right in the middle of Lonoke's historic, downtown area.
Today, sex offenders, sellers of illegal drugs and others convicted of criminal activities are regularly "hanging out" in Lonoke's historic, downtown area waiting to meet with a department of corrections officer or a probation officer. This is affecting the businesses located in the historic section of town.
Local businesses suffer and are not able to help sustain the local economy when the environment is not inviting to local people, visitors or even tourists. New business owners do not want to invest into the area or establish new businesses in Lonoke's historic area because of the constant flow of traffic to and from the DOC and to the DOC probation department.
In order to secure an inviting and thriving core to the heart of Lonoke's community, certain types of businesses must be in a location that will not interfere with the economy, the growth of the city and livelihood that the city has to offer. When these types of businesses are located in the heart of the city, the city suffers and the city prevents itself from positive growth.
Funding for a new building has been secured. When the DOC and the DOC probation department agrees to the terms of the contract to build and relocate to new offices outside of Lonoke's historic, downtown area, the funding will be provided to construct the building.
Architectural plans have been developed. Plans including specific requirements by the DOC and the DOC probation department. These plans are stamped and ready for use, developed specifically for the DOC and DOC probation department with the intensions of constructing a new building for the DOC and the DOC probation department outside of Lonoke's downtown area.
Located not far from Lonoke's court house, a parcel of land has been secured for purchase. Enough land to accommodate the new building for both the DOC and the DOC probation department. This land parcel also includes a significant amount of parking for the DOC, the DOC probation department employees and for those who are required to regularly check in with the officers.
Your signature is needed to help grow Lonoke's economy in positive ways.
