JONESBORO — The old Hoops and Fitness building on Tara Boulevard, which has been vacant for more than a decade, will be developed into retail space and a warehouse to store exhibition equipment.
At its meeting Monday, Sept. 16, the Jonesboro City Council approved a conditional use permit for the property located at 8557 Tara Blvd.
Prior to the vote, Councilman Alfred Dixon took to the floor to seek permission until October to get further community input, but the council voted against the motion.
The permit was then approved unanimously.
At the public hearing for the permit, several residents spoke about the proposal, with their main concern being that the land should be developed to provide something for young people.
Mayor Donya Sartor said the church proposed using the site for a youth center about three years ago, but the city council rejected the plan.
“Partnerships sometimes emerge from companies that are doing well in our city,” Sartor said, adding that companies partner with the city for events such as concerts.
“I’m really excited about the renovations,” she said. “I’m excited about the business, but I feel like we can come together as a community and support this business in the community. He (business owner Von Finn) is excited about the business and feels that we can come together as a community to support this business in the community. They are watching over us to support us.”
Sartor added that the renovations “will be a catalyst for future development.”
The front portion of the renovated site will be designed as eight retail spaces, while the rear will be used to store exhibition equipment.
