Harrison enjoying new gig

Barrett Harrison, president of the Blytheville/Gosnell Regional Airport Authority, was the guest speaker Thursday morning at the community coffee at Westminster Village.

"I'm excited about the job for many reasons," Harrison said. Among those reasons are the positive energy in the office, as well as the happy people who work there. He also enjoys doing things that are good for the community.

Formerly Blytheville's mayor for 12 years, Harrison said he does not miss the stress of being mayor or the petty politics that can be involved when holding a public office.

"I still have people lined up to see me, but now it's about good things," he said.

Calling Westminster Village the "greatest place in the world," Harrison thanked the residents, saying they were a tremendous asset to our community.

"Each retiree is the equivalent of two industrial workers," he said.

Harrison told the residents of the retirement community that he was working to improve the relationship between Westminster Village and the airport authority.

The goal of the airport authority remains the same under his leadership, Harrison said.

"We are going to be very aggressive in marketing the facility. We want to create more and better jobs for this city and Mississippi County," he said.

Residents then asked Harrison questions. Most voiced their concerns about dilapidated buildings that need to be either repaired or demolished.

Harrison said one property is being addressed at this time and should be demolished within the next two weeks or so. "We have a few others that need to be addressed," he said.

The condition of the property is a concern of his, Harrison said. "Memorial Drive should be our showcase."

Plans are being made to improve the general appearance of the properties, he said. "We've got lots of brown buildings out here. I want to get some color out here."

Residents mentioned the "drab" appearance of the entrances, and suggested that surfaces be painted and flowers or shrubs be planted. Harrison promised to look into the matter.

Residents were also concerned with the amount of abandoned vehicles, machinery and other items on the property. Harrison said that letters had been sent out to tenants, advising them to clean up their spaces or pay to have the work done.

"We are addressing the situation," Harrison said."We're going to be cleaning up a lot in the next 30 days or so."

dhilton@blythevillecourier.com