Kroger Drive to be annexed by city

Acquisition paves way for long-awaited repairs

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

There are many things that go bump in the night in West Memphis-from gun _re, to drunk drivers taking out light poles to anyone who mistakenly forgets and decides to brave the vehicle-destroying sea of potholes known as Kroger Drive. But there may be hope yet.

The City of West Memphis has recently proposed an ordinance to annex Kroger Dr as a city street. The street, which has been notorious for its horrible condition for nearly a decade, is currently a privately owned street by Guaranty Loan. Many citizens have been complaining about the poor state of Kroger Dr, citing potholes, cracks, and damage to their vehicles as major concerns.

By designating Kroger Dr as a city street, the possibility of having it _xed and maintained properly is much closer. The ordinance was read for the _rst time at a city council meeting this past Thursday and is expected to pass in May. This move by the city council will certainly be met with enthusiasm from residents and business owners in the area, who hope that the city’s intervention will bring much-needed improvements to the street.

In addition to the ordinance to annex Kroger Dr, the city also plans to divide the large lot behind the Kroger

See ANNEXED, page A3 ANNEXED

From page A1

Supermarket. This lot will be split into three commercial lots in order to sell it to potential businesses, which will bring new economic opportunities to the area. This development is expected to eventually attract new businesses and create jobs, further bene _ting the community.

However, while progress is being made on the Kroger Dr front, there are still no new updates on the repairs to the Rich Rd bridge which is still apparently still in the bidding process. The bridge has been shut down for approaching three years, causing inconvenience and frustration for residents who rely on it for transportation. Many West Memphians are eagerly waiting for updates on the repairs and are encouraged to contact ARDOT directly for inquiries and not the City of West Memphis as it is ARDOT who is responsible for the project.