Jonesboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jonesboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Neighbor nuisance concerns at 5435 East Nettleton Avenue
A cafe owner next to a lot with broken-down vehicles, a burn barrel, and frequent police calls wants a 6-foot privacy fence extending past the normal front-building line. The board approved it with conditions to keep sight lines clear near the road.
Clean legislative audit, 17 years running
Mayor Copenhaver announced the city earned another clean state legislative audit with zero findings — the 17th straight year — with a full presentation coming next meeting.
Invocation procedure for council meetings
The council adopted a written procedure letting council members lead or invite the opening invocation — prompted partly by ACLU inquiries and concerns about who might be invited to pray.
City recycling recognition
Jonesboro won the 2026 Government Recycler of the Year award, credited with tons of diverted glass, cardboard, and bulky waste that cut tipping fees.
Crowley's Ridge Nature Center lease change
After a grease fire, the Game and Fish Commission wants the lease changed so the building is a regional office instead of a public-use facility. The grounds stay open to the public; any rebuilding of the Nature Center is a separate future question.
Six-foot front fence variance (VR-26-25)
Moss Fencing is asking to build a 6-foot fence along the front northwest property line at 5435 E. Nettleton, with the pickets facing inward. Neighbors will have a chance to weigh in once the hearing is actually held.
Private club permit for Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill
A resident opposed a private club permit for a grill at 3310 Southwest Drive, saying the area hasn't expanded into alcohol and it's a gateway U.S. highway into town. The ordinance was held at second reading, so a final vote is still ahead.
Gibson conflict-of-interest question
Councilman Gibson asked whether his daughter's swim team membership creates a conflict; the city attorney said only financial benefit counts, so it does not.
Setback compliance for legacy commercial building at 822 N Church St
An older commercial building sits closer to lot lines than today's rules allow. A variance keeps it legal so it can be sold or converted to office use without title problems, and if it's ever destroyed it would have to be rebuilt to current setbacks.
Craighead Forest Park pond dredging
Council Member John Street pushed to keep alive a plan to dredge the youth and senior fishing pond behind Rotary — Game & Fish backed out of helping, but the mayor says talks continue. It's a popular kids' fishing spot.
Craighead Forest stop sign request
Council Member LJ Bryant asked staff to consider a stop sign near the disc golf course and ball fields at Craighead Forest Park, noting he'd nearly missed a turning conflict there.
New single-family home on a 50-foot lot at 1423 Angelus St
A landlord is replacing a rundown house with new construction on a lot 10 feet narrower than R-1 zoning normally allows. Staff noted rezoning would look like spot zoning, so a variance was the path.
Main Street lane divider appearance
Council Member Chris Moore asked Engineering to look at swapping plastic lane delineators at Main and Washington for concrete planters, which downtown residents find more attractive. Engineering will study alternatives.
May 2026 mosquito control report
The monthly Vector Mosquito Control report shows the city sprayed more this year and mosquito counts are down. Residents can email questions or concerns to the committee.
1973 unfinished cul-de-sac setback problem on Hubble Cove
A house on Hubble Cove sits about a foot and a half from a cul-de-sac right-of-way that was platted in 1973 but never built. The variance clears title so the owners can sell to a buyer who wants to live there; staff suggested the owner pursue abandoning the unused right-of-way.
A-State easement for pedestrian and bicycle improvements
The city will accept a permanent right-of-way easement from Arkansas State to build and maintain walking and biking infrastructure — a step toward better connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
Police and traffic safety grant applications
The city will pursue three grants: a federal Byrne justice grant, a state traffic enforcement grant, and a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant.
Nonprofit leases on city property
United Way keeps its long-time space at 407 Union Avenue on a 10-year, $1-a-year lease. The North Jonesboro CDC lease for 911 Magnolia Road — shared with two other nonprofits — was tabled two weeks to sort out who schedules the shared space.