May 2026 Meeting Minutes

General Meeting Minutes – May 7, 2026

Location: Historic Curran Hall

Date: May 7, 2026

Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

Call to Order & Introductions

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m.

Membership Update

DNA currently has 53 dues-paying members. Quorum was met.

Committee Reports

Executive Committee

Financial Update

• Arvest Balance is $960.68

• PayPal Balance is $854.45

Outreach & Events

Brittany Nichols made a motion to use $50 from the budget for supplies and materials for the 2nd Friday Art Night outreach efforts. John Hendrick seconded the motion. Motion passed.

The committee also discussed adding a “How did you hear about us?” question to the membership sign-up form.

Potential future DNA meeting and event locations discussed included:

• Firehouse Museum

• The Nest

• New Deal Studio

• Rock Town side room

• SoMa Flats

A SoMa Flats block/pool party is planned for later in May.

Downtown Master Plan / Deck Park Updates

No updates were available regarding the Deck Park project. Brittany Nichols expressed concern about the lack of communication from the official project team. Three design options were expected to be released in April, but no public updates have been shared. DNA plans to follow up.

Discussion also included the $35 million BUILD Grant connected to the I-30 bridge project and Phase 0 work.

A related meeting is scheduled for May 11 at 3:30 p.m.

Jazz in the Park was a huge success and is expected to resume in September.

Historic Preservation Committee

Replat & Zoning Concerns

The recent replat proposal failed before the Planning Commission.

Discussion followed regarding AR-4 zoning and concerns that the Five Points Infill Group should revisit efforts to revise the R-4 definition.

Morgan from the Quapaw Quarter Association explained that both the Central High and Dunbar historic districts are at risk of losing historic district protections. Overlay design standards within the district were also discussed and how it could help these areas, but it’s difficult to put in place.

Safe & Clean Streets Committee

The next Safe & Clean Streets meeting will be held May 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Moody Brews Meeting Space. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month.

The recent neighborhood cleanup was considered successful, and another cleanup is tentatively planned for June, possibly in the Chester Street area. The committee is working with the City to obtain a free dumpster.

Additional updates included:

• Chloe discussed the ADU Design Competition.

• West Ninth - Bike lane markings need repainting, creating opportunities for future community paint days.

• DNA has officially adopted a section of Rock Street.

Outreach Committee

Outreach committee will be face painting at the Second Friday Art Nights this summer.

4th of July Brunch & Children’s Parade Update - DNA traditionally receives a donation from Community Bakery. Members discussed finalizing sponsor lists and creating a promotional flyer.

Additional upcoming activities include:

• Parasol parade decoration day

Old Business

Love Your Block Grant

DNA did not receive the Love Your Block grant award.

However, a business owner in the W 9th St area has agreed to allow placement of the interpretive sign on private property.

New Business

Issue 3 Ballot Initiative

Members discussed Issue 3 and its potential impact on economic development. An educational session may be organized in the future.

Public Announcements & Upcoming Events

Community Events

• Movie night planned for a Thursday evening before Juneteenth.

• SoMa Pride scheduled for June 13.

• SoMa Mile and 501Fest scheduled for June 5.

• Third Tuesday movie nights continue at MacArthur Park.

• Fridays on the Lawn and a Saturday concert at Riverfront Park were announced.

Environmental & Community Initiatives

• “Bringing Nature Back to the Backyard” event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on the 5th floor.

• George from the Sierra Club of Arkansas discussed concerns surrounding hyperscale data centers in Pulaski County, including the Google Avaio data center near Wrightsville.

• A grassroots education group is forming, with a discussion meeting scheduled Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

• A white paper regarding data centers is expected from Central Arkansas Water, the Arkansas Reclamation Authority, and Entergy.

Neighborhood & Housing Updates

Judge Virgil Miller discussed the Little Rock Public Housing Authority being taken over by HUD, including questions about:

• How residents can voice concerns

• Benchmarks for restoring local control

• Whether current staff positions will remain

Additional Announcements

• The Cornbread Festival is expected to return in November.

• West Little Rock Farmers Market takes place Saturdays from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at Breckenridge.

• A bicycle rodeo event is planned at the Dee Brown Library.