title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS TO ENTER INTO A LAND-USE AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTHEAST ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 215 W. MONROE AVENUE
body
WHEREAS, the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, prioritizes community development, educational opportunities, and family-centered infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for all residents; and
WHEREAS, the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum is establishing a regional facility designed to provide interactive educational, cultural, and developmental experiences for children and families across the region; and
WHEREAS, the City of Jonesboro is the owner of real property and existing facilities located at 215 W. Monroe Avenue, as detailed by the attached survey and deed as Lots 10 & 11 of Block E, Jonesboro, AR 72401; and
WHEREAS, executing a land-use agreement for said municipal property with the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum serves a significant public purpose by fostering economic vitality, educational enrichment, and downtown revitalization; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to safeguard public assets by ensuring that existing structures on the property remain intact until full project capitalization is confirmed, and that the site reverts to the City should the project fail to reach financial closing by January 1, 2030; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Jonesboro has reviewed the proposed terms and protections and determined that entering into this agreement aligns with the best interests of the City and its citizens;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby approves entering into a land-use agreement with the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum for the property located at 215 W. Monroe Avenue, Jonesboro, AR 72401, to support the development and operation of a regional children's museum.
SECTION 2. The land-use agreement shall contain explicit protective covenants stipulating that:
1. Demolition Restriction: The Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum shall not demolish, alter, or remove any existing building or structure on the property until long-term capital financing for the project has been fully secured and verified by the City.
2. Reversionary Interest: In the event that long-term financing is not secured by January 1, 2030, or if the project fails to proceed or ceases operation, all rights to the land, existing building, and any improvements shall immediately revert to the City of Jonesboro without encumbrance.
SECTION 3. The Mayor and the City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the City of Jonesboro, to execute the land-use agreement incorporating these protective clauses, along with any associated documents required to fulfill the intent of this Resolution.