News from the University District

UDDC Renovating 2 Cottages on Harrison

The University District Development Corp. is substantially rehabilitating two brick cottages on Harrison Street. The houses will be for sale to first-time home buyers. Applicants must be at or below 80 percent of Median Family Income and not have owned a home in three years. Qualified applicants are eligible for subsidies to assist in making the houses affordable. The UDDC will be showing both houses to prospective purchasers within a few weeks. Contact the UDDC for more information.

Homes Improving Through SNAP Program

With funding from the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Dallas, the UDDC has improved (11) houses for elderly and disadvantaged homeowners this year. Local banks (partnering with the UDDC) include (Bank of the Ozarks and Centennial Bank). Grants are made on a first come, first served competitive basis. The UDDC has repaired (34) houses through the program over the past three years.

Seniors’ Network Begins

AARP Arkansas and the University District Partnership are organizing a seniors’ network. AARP chose the University District for its community presence program. The project emphasizes walkability/improving fitness, reducing isolation, and improving public safety and security for seniors. A steering committee with AARP team members and University District residents is meeting monthly to shape the initiative and plan events and activities. The first AARP-sponsored event for UD seniors will be a reception and the UALR opera, “Into the Woods,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. Ticket reservations are required. Contact the UDP for more information.

University District Partnership
2801 S. University - Bailey Center
Little Rock, AR 72204
501.683.7356

UALR Decides to Purchase Coleman Place

On Friday, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees approved UALR’s purchase of Coleman Place apartments located on Asher Avenue.

Finalization of the $14.68 million sale depends upon UALR securing bond financing. Coleman Place has 420 beds with approximately 170 UALR students currently living there. It will be used for UALR student housing beginning in fall 2012.

April Board Meeting

The Broadmoor POA Board will meet on Thursday, April 5. at 7:00pm in the clubhouse at 19 1/2 Belmont.

All are welcome to attend.

Gardening Workshop April 5

Growing a Healthy Community

Attention University District Residents

If you are interested in growing a healthier community, attend a free garden training and informational seminar.

Thursday, April 5
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
UALR Bailey Alumni and Friends Center

The first 30 residents to sign up who didn’t receive a garden last year may receive a free raised bed garden if funding is received.  If you would like to bring a soil sample from your lawn or landscape beds, label samples  with your name, address, phone number, and what you are growing. Place between a pint and quart of dry soil in a waterproof container (plastic bag or jar). You will receive a report with a liming and fertilization recommendation in a couple of weeks.

Register by April 4 at ualr.edu/universitydistrict

For questions, email udresidents@gmail.com

Annual Meeting March 18

The Broadmoor POA Board will hold it's Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 18th at 2:00pm at St. Luke United Method Church.

All are welcome to attend.

Little Rock Tech Park launches website

The Little Rock Technology Park Authority has launched its new website. The technology park, which is in its beginning stages, aims to stimulate more research and development in the area. The website, lrtechpark.com, provides an overview of the proposed park and features contact information, a development timeline and document downloads.

Free Trees

The Arbor Day Foundation, in conjunction with Entergy, is giving away free 2-4 foot trees of several species to homeowners. Go to this web site to sign up for up to 3 trees, which will be delivered free to your home: http://energysavingtrees.arborday.org/