The Arkansas Leader published "2007 Year in Review". Sherwood and it's politics were listed in the top 10 stories for the year in the area. To read the article in detail, click here:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-looking-back-on-2007.html
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Sherwood not suffering from national new construction slow down.
Sherwood surpasses surrounding communities in construction permits issued August - October 2007.
After reading through yet another excellent article published by The Leader, it appears that Sherwood has surpassed surrounding communities in the number and amount of new construction permits issued August - October 31, 2007.
In August Sherwood issued 52 new permits worth $2.91 million, September 40 permits worth $2.73 million, and October 30 permits worth $3.37 million. Although the October numbers are below the October 2006 benchmark of $4.9 million, Sherwood has issued through October 2007 an astounding $66.5 million in construction permits. This reflects an increase of $25 million over 2006 permit numbers.
In August, Jacksonville issued 23 permits valued at $4.55 million, September 19 permits valued at $1.02 million and October 30 permits values at $835,000. Cabot issued in August 28 permits valued at $3.52 million, September 21 permits valued at $1.89 million, October 21 permits valued at $2.55 million.
After reading through yet another excellent article published by The Leader, it appears that Sherwood has surpassed surrounding communities in the number and amount of new construction permits issued August - October 31, 2007.
In August Sherwood issued 52 new permits worth $2.91 million, September 40 permits worth $2.73 million, and October 30 permits worth $3.37 million. Although the October numbers are below the October 2006 benchmark of $4.9 million, Sherwood has issued through October 2007 an astounding $66.5 million in construction permits. This reflects an increase of $25 million over 2006 permit numbers.
In August, Jacksonville issued 23 permits valued at $4.55 million, September 19 permits valued at $1.02 million and October 30 permits values at $835,000. Cabot issued in August 28 permits valued at $3.52 million, September 21 permits valued at $1.89 million, October 21 permits valued at $2.55 million.
Gravel Ridge will offer cities resources, growth
The Leader published an additional story Wednesday December 26 regarding the Gravel Ridge Annexation. The information in this article is excellent and gives great demographic and census information regarding Gravel Ridge. To read the full article click on the following link:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-gravel-ridge-will-offer.html
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-gravel-ridge-will-offer.html
Residents not happy with Walmart store
The Leader wrote a story Wednesday December 26th regarding residents still being upset about the New Wal-Mart Store. To read the full article click on the following link:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-residents-not-happy-with.html
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-residents-not-happy-with.html
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Neighborhood Watch - Austin Lakes
Sherwood neighborhood offers beauty, convenience
By Nancy Elizabeth Goodman Advertising feature writer
Posted with permission of Nancy Elizabeth Goodman, Writer, Specialty Projects & Marketing, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sherwood’s Austin Lakes area was conceived by the Randy Wiggins Company in 2003. The entire development was named after his father, Austin Wiggins, who passed away in 1994.
The neighborhood was developed in numerous phases called Austin Pointe, Austin Lakes, Austin Lakes on the Bay and Forest Lakes. “The different sections of the neighborhood are named for where they are located,” Randy Wiggins said. There are approximately 350 homes in the entire development. The homes on the lake range from approximately 2,500 to 2,800 in square footage. But there are quite a few that are over 4,000 square feet, Wiggins said. Homes not on the lake range from approximately 1,800 to 2,400 square feet.
“The neighborhood has been well developed with distinctive home plans and styles, so all homes do not look like they came out of the same book,” said Maria Carpenter, a Realtor with Excel Realty, Sherwood. The lake in the neighborhood is stocked with catfish and crappie and serves as a popular place for fishing. The lake is part of Indianhead Lake Estates and if a homeowner would like to dock a boat at the Indianhead dock, the fee is $40 a year for homeowners under the age of 65 and $30 a year for those over 65.
A common area, known as Austin Lakes Park, is a popular place for families to gather by the lake. The park has a paved walking trail, two pavilions, a large playground and a creek running through the middle. Doris Anderson, homeowner and president of the Austin Lakes/West Lake voluntary property owners association, and her husband moved into Austin Lakes in 1995. Anderson started the voluntary POA shortly after she moved into Austin Lakes. The dues are $10 a year and they have meetings once or twice during the year.
“There’s always someone out walking their dog, taking a stroll or just hanging out with their kids,” Anderson said. “We are all very close and get along very well. We think of our neighborhood as one big family.” The homeowners in Austin Lakes range from young professionals to retired adults. Since it is convenient to the Jacksonville military base, many military families choose to reside in Austin Lakes, Anderson said. “The area has a good feel to it. It’s a comfortable place to walk at night and feel safe,” Anderson said.
Another big plus is the neighborhood’s close proximity to the interstate, shopping malls and restaurants. “We are within five minutes of everything,” Anderson said.
Neighborhood Watch is a weekly feature of the Homes Arkansas section of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Central Arkansas neighborhoods are selected at random. Please e-mail questions or comments to lgarner@arkansasonline.com.
(Top) Homes on the lake range in size from about 2,500 to more than 4,000 square feet. The lake is stocked with catfish and crappie and is a popular fishing spot. (Bottom) The Austin Lakes area of Sherwood consists of several phases including Austin Pointe, Austin Lakes, Austin Lakes on the Bay and Forest Lakes. (click on image to enlarge)
By Nancy Elizabeth Goodman Advertising feature writer
Posted with permission of Nancy Elizabeth Goodman, Writer, Specialty Projects & Marketing, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sherwood’s Austin Lakes area was conceived by the Randy Wiggins Company in 2003. The entire development was named after his father, Austin Wiggins, who passed away in 1994.
The neighborhood was developed in numerous phases called Austin Pointe, Austin Lakes, Austin Lakes on the Bay and Forest Lakes. “The different sections of the neighborhood are named for where they are located,” Randy Wiggins said. There are approximately 350 homes in the entire development. The homes on the lake range from approximately 2,500 to 2,800 in square footage. But there are quite a few that are over 4,000 square feet, Wiggins said. Homes not on the lake range from approximately 1,800 to 2,400 square feet.
“The neighborhood has been well developed with distinctive home plans and styles, so all homes do not look like they came out of the same book,” said Maria Carpenter, a Realtor with Excel Realty, Sherwood. The lake in the neighborhood is stocked with catfish and crappie and serves as a popular place for fishing. The lake is part of Indianhead Lake Estates and if a homeowner would like to dock a boat at the Indianhead dock, the fee is $40 a year for homeowners under the age of 65 and $30 a year for those over 65.
A common area, known as Austin Lakes Park, is a popular place for families to gather by the lake. The park has a paved walking trail, two pavilions, a large playground and a creek running through the middle. Doris Anderson, homeowner and president of the Austin Lakes/West Lake voluntary property owners association, and her husband moved into Austin Lakes in 1995. Anderson started the voluntary POA shortly after she moved into Austin Lakes. The dues are $10 a year and they have meetings once or twice during the year.
“There’s always someone out walking their dog, taking a stroll or just hanging out with their kids,” Anderson said. “We are all very close and get along very well. We think of our neighborhood as one big family.” The homeowners in Austin Lakes range from young professionals to retired adults. Since it is convenient to the Jacksonville military base, many military families choose to reside in Austin Lakes, Anderson said. “The area has a good feel to it. It’s a comfortable place to walk at night and feel safe,” Anderson said.
Another big plus is the neighborhood’s close proximity to the interstate, shopping malls and restaurants. “We are within five minutes of everything,” Anderson said.
Neighborhood Watch is a weekly feature of the Homes Arkansas section of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Central Arkansas neighborhoods are selected at random. Please e-mail questions or comments to lgarner@arkansasonline.com.
(Top) Homes on the lake range in size from about 2,500 to more than 4,000 square feet. The lake is stocked with catfish and crappie and is a popular fishing spot. (Bottom) The Austin Lakes area of Sherwood consists of several phases including Austin Pointe, Austin Lakes, Austin Lakes on the Bay and Forest Lakes. (click on image to enlarge)
More on Gravel Ridge Annexation
Gravel Ridge residents have a lot of questions, and they are seeking answers.
Gravel Ridge, Sherwood, and Jacksonville are all in the same school district, the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD). The district's web site is http://www.pcssd.org/, and the district remains under a federal desegregation order. There can be no changes in the school district without PCSSD receiving unitary status. The school district's enrollment is about 64% of the students for which it has facilities, so there is no issue with over-crowding. The PCSSD Fall 2007 Report can be found at this link: http://www.pcssd.org/dept/account/MediaReportToThePublic.pdf
A new school is being built in Sherwood, and a special meeting of the Sherwood City Council will be held Thursday, January 3rd at 6:00 p.m. to approve an ordinance for conditional zoning for the new school.
Read more about the latest report to the Office of Desegregation Monitoring on PCSSD in the Dec. 26th story in the Arkansas Leader: http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-monitors-see-grim-prospects.html
Read more about questions on the Gravel Ridge Annexation in the Dec. 27th story in the Sherwood Voice:
http://www.sherwoodvoice.com/articles/2007/12/27/sherwood_voice/news/nws01.txt
Gravel Ridge, Sherwood, and Jacksonville are all in the same school district, the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD). The district's web site is http://www.pcssd.org/, and the district remains under a federal desegregation order. There can be no changes in the school district without PCSSD receiving unitary status. The school district's enrollment is about 64% of the students for which it has facilities, so there is no issue with over-crowding. The PCSSD Fall 2007 Report can be found at this link: http://www.pcssd.org/dept/account/MediaReportToThePublic.pdf
A new school is being built in Sherwood, and a special meeting of the Sherwood City Council will be held Thursday, January 3rd at 6:00 p.m. to approve an ordinance for conditional zoning for the new school.
Read more about the latest report to the Office of Desegregation Monitoring on PCSSD in the Dec. 26th story in the Arkansas Leader: http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-monitors-see-grim-prospects.html
Read more about questions on the Gravel Ridge Annexation in the Dec. 27th story in the Sherwood Voice:
http://www.sherwoodvoice.com/articles/2007/12/27/sherwood_voice/news/nws01.txt
Sunday, December 23, 2007
North Hills Property up for RE-ZONING
The North Hills property has a re-zoning sign posted. The owners are asking for commercial zoning of approximately 14 acres, with approval for single family residences on about 92 acres of property already zoned R-1. Site plans were filed with Sherwood December 18th, and the Sherwood Planning Commission will take up this issue Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. (http://www.cityofsherwood.net/City/Meetings/Agendas/planning%20Commission%20080108.pdf ) North Hills Estates' lot sizes range from about 85 to 100 feet wide to 120 to 200 feet deep. The minimum lot size is 85 x 120 feet.
(Click on the image above to enlarge.)
(Click on the image above to enlarge.)
Read more in the Arkansas Leader: http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-new-plans-made-for-course-in.html
Property directly across Highway 107 was re-zoned in November to C-3, with Alderman Becki Vassar speaking in favor of the commercial development and climate controlled mini-storage planned for the old Harvest Foods building, outdoor mini-storage and community shopping on the two lots adjoining it. Developer Mark Yelenich plans a facility in Sherwood similar to his Little Rock location -
Too Much Stuff Self Storage (501) 660-7883 2010 S University Ave Little Rock, AR 72204
Friday, December 21, 2007
Official cites tension as basis of departure
The following story was published in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Friday, December 22, 2007.
Sherwood’s advertising and promotions director resigned last week after 14 years, accusing Mayor Virginia Hillman of having a “negative attitude” and refusing to move forward. Cheryl Ferguson resigned Dec. 12. She said she left the department because of personal tension with Hillman. “There’s history there,” Ferguson said when reached at home Wednesday. “I’d rather not get into it.” As director of advertising and promotions, Ferguson managed Sherwood Forest, a 16,500 square foot conference and program facility, and its grounds.
After Ferguson’s resignation, the Advertising and Promotions Department was moved under Parks and Recreation Department authority, Hillman said. The assistant director of advertising and promotions is supervising its daily operations. Hillman said Wednesday that Ferguson was “very obvious — a disgruntled former employee,” and declined to talk about the resignation, other than to say that the city is moving forward.
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It's totally RIDICULOUS for Ms. Ferguson to state that Mayor Hillman has a "negative attitude" and she "refused to move forward". Mayor Hillman is probably one of the most optimistic and upbeat people that you'll ever meet. She's down to earth and a joy to work with from all reports that I've heard. It is the "Harmonite" cronies who refuse to move forward under the new leadership and new direction of Mayor Hillman. Perhaps Ms. Ferguson left because all departments are expected under Mayor Hillman to run in a professional manner offering the citizens of Sherwood top-notch responsiveness, and full time office hour accesibility.
I say GOOD RIDDANCE - Sherwood Forest will only improve with Ferguson's departure, the advertising looked juvenile and not up to date, we can do better with the interim supervisor in Sharon McMinn. Sharon will offer professional and courteous service that both the Mayor and the citizens expect. Good luck Sharon and adios Cheryl!
Sherwood’s advertising and promotions director resigned last week after 14 years, accusing Mayor Virginia Hillman of having a “negative attitude” and refusing to move forward. Cheryl Ferguson resigned Dec. 12. She said she left the department because of personal tension with Hillman. “There’s history there,” Ferguson said when reached at home Wednesday. “I’d rather not get into it.” As director of advertising and promotions, Ferguson managed Sherwood Forest, a 16,500 square foot conference and program facility, and its grounds.
After Ferguson’s resignation, the Advertising and Promotions Department was moved under Parks and Recreation Department authority, Hillman said. The assistant director of advertising and promotions is supervising its daily operations. Hillman said Wednesday that Ferguson was “very obvious — a disgruntled former employee,” and declined to talk about the resignation, other than to say that the city is moving forward.
-----------------
It's totally RIDICULOUS for Ms. Ferguson to state that Mayor Hillman has a "negative attitude" and she "refused to move forward". Mayor Hillman is probably one of the most optimistic and upbeat people that you'll ever meet. She's down to earth and a joy to work with from all reports that I've heard. It is the "Harmonite" cronies who refuse to move forward under the new leadership and new direction of Mayor Hillman. Perhaps Ms. Ferguson left because all departments are expected under Mayor Hillman to run in a professional manner offering the citizens of Sherwood top-notch responsiveness, and full time office hour accesibility.
I say GOOD RIDDANCE - Sherwood Forest will only improve with Ferguson's departure, the advertising looked juvenile and not up to date, we can do better with the interim supervisor in Sharon McMinn. Sharon will offer professional and courteous service that both the Mayor and the citizens expect. Good luck Sharon and adios Cheryl!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Gravel Ridge - Sherwood or Jacksonville?
Sherwood Aldermen voted unanimously at Monday evening's City Council Meeting for a Sherwood election so that voters can consider the annexation of the community of Gravel Ridge. The election will be held Tuesday, March 11. Council members also approved six (6) new police officer positions and eight (8) replacement police vehicles when they passed the 2008 City Budget without dissent or discussion.
Arkansas Leader story:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-gravel-ridge-up-for-grabs.html
PulaskiNews.net story:
http://www.sherwoodvoice.com/articles/2007/12/20/sherwood_voice/news/nws01.txt
To read and watch news stories from KARK (http://www.arkansasmatters.com/), click on the links below:
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=63298
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=63291
http://arkansasmatters.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=397
http://arkansasmatters.com/phpBB2/search.php?search_author=smdonohoe
KATV: http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1207/481333.html
KTHV: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=57781
and http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=57776
video http://www.todaysthv.com/video/news/player.aspx?aid=57503&bw=
Arkansas Leader story:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-gravel-ridge-up-for-grabs.html
PulaskiNews.net story:
http://www.sherwoodvoice.com/articles/2007/12/20/sherwood_voice/news/nws01.txt
To read and watch news stories from KARK (http://www.arkansasmatters.com/), click on the links below:
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=63298
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=63291
http://arkansasmatters.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=397
http://arkansasmatters.com/phpBB2/search.php?search_author=smdonohoe
KATV: http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1207/481333.html
KTHV: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=57781
and http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=57776
video http://www.todaysthv.com/video/news/player.aspx?aid=57503&bw=
Friday, December 14, 2007
City Council to Meet 7:00 PM Monday 12/17/2007
The Sherwood City Council will meet Monday, December 17, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. On the agenda is the 2008 City Budget (about 18.5 million dollars) and an ordinance for Sherwood to annex Gravel Ridge.
See the complete city council agenda:
http://www.cityofsherwood.net/City/Meetings/Agendas/Agenda%20071217.pdf
See the complete city council agenda:
http://www.cityofsherwood.net/City/Meetings/Agendas/Agenda%20071217.pdf
Armed Robber hits Ray's One Stop on Kiehl Ave
Ray's One Stop was robbed at gunpoint Saturday, December 8, as they opened the store at approximately 6:00 a.m. Read details in the Sherwood Voice:
http://www.sherwoodvoice.com/articles/2007/12/14/sherwood_voice/news/nws01.txt
http://www.sherwoodvoice.com/articles/2007/12/14/sherwood_voice/news/nws01.txt
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sherwood Housing 1990 to 2005
The Sherwood Planning Commission is reviewing plans for the Planned Residential Development of Sherwood Forest Apartments near Oakdale and Brockington Road. This apartment complex will have 114 apartments in Phase I of the development. More apartments will be built as the complex is filled with tenants. The next meeting regarding this project is Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
A special meeting of the Planning Commission will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 4:30 p.m.
A special meeting of the Planning Commission will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
KTHV Highlights Police Department Request for additional personnel
Click here to read what KTHV reported:
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=57457
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=57457
Thursday, December 6, 2007
March election to be held for Gravel Ridge to join Sherwood
Wednesday's Arkansas Leader published a report indicating that the residents of Gravel Ridge will also be given the opportunity to vote to become a part of Sherwood. Although the Leader has already reported that Jacksonville has called for a special election in February, Sherwood Mayor Virginia Hillman has stated that a special election will be held in March for the Gravel Ridge residents to decide if they would rather join our city.
To read more of the story click here:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-gravel-ridge-has-doubts-on.html
Area business owners in the Gravel Ridge area are giving a slight advantage to Sherwood but ultimately it will be down to all residents. So, why should Gravel Ridge join Sherwood instead of Jacksonville? Well, we don't have a separate property tax millage on real estate, and we have a much lower sales tax rate. Our amenities and public services are about evenly matched, but Jacksonville has done a better job of improving their park system. Adding Gravel Ridge to our city's continued growth makes more sense especially since the 2000 acres behind LRAFB are also a part of our fine city. If you know residents or business owners in Gravel Ridge let them know they'd be a welcome addition to our community.
Whatever the outcome of the February vote for Jacksonville the results will be put on hold until the March election. Let's work together to welcome Gravel Ridge in to our growing city and continue to make our future thrive. The only service that Jacksonville has that we don't is curbside recycling and twice a week trash pickup. If we add these additional folks and acres into our city, perhaps we need to look at utilizing the monthly garbage fee more wisely and bring in curbside recycling and perhaps build a dog park for the citizens to enjoy.
To read more of the story click here:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-gravel-ridge-has-doubts-on.html
Area business owners in the Gravel Ridge area are giving a slight advantage to Sherwood but ultimately it will be down to all residents. So, why should Gravel Ridge join Sherwood instead of Jacksonville? Well, we don't have a separate property tax millage on real estate, and we have a much lower sales tax rate. Our amenities and public services are about evenly matched, but Jacksonville has done a better job of improving their park system. Adding Gravel Ridge to our city's continued growth makes more sense especially since the 2000 acres behind LRAFB are also a part of our fine city. If you know residents or business owners in Gravel Ridge let them know they'd be a welcome addition to our community.
Whatever the outcome of the February vote for Jacksonville the results will be put on hold until the March election. Let's work together to welcome Gravel Ridge in to our growing city and continue to make our future thrive. The only service that Jacksonville has that we don't is curbside recycling and twice a week trash pickup. If we add these additional folks and acres into our city, perhaps we need to look at utilizing the monthly garbage fee more wisely and bring in curbside recycling and perhaps build a dog park for the citizens to enjoy.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Jacksonville Jumps for Annexation of Gravel Ridge
Jacksonville's city council has set February 5th for a special election regarding the annexation of Gravel Ridge to the city of Jacksonville.
Read more in the Arkansas Leader:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-jacksonville-sets-election-to.html
Read more in the Arkansas Leader:
http://www.arkansasleader.com/2007/12/top-story-jacksonville-sets-election-to.html
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