Solutions to housing problems in Blytheville could be on the horizon with the council’s approval of a rezoning ordinance in their Tuesday meeting. The ordinance, initiated by hometown real estate investor Jeremy Parnell and partner Dennis Prude, was placed on the agenda after passing through the planning commission last Tuesday.
Parnell announced his desire to invest in his hometown in May with a goal of constructing 144 units in the city. The project is slated to cover 13 acres of land located at 3699 North County Road 791. Parnell previously told the Courier that he began his real estate journey in Texas following his retirement from the NFL. After gaining experience there and also in Jonesboro, he believes now is the time to return and invest in the place he came from.
The rezoning ordinance was passed by the council unanimously, clearing the path to continue forward in this $20 million project for P&P Investments. Rezoning. The land was converted from a B3 classification to PRD. Parnell previously noted that the goal is for each unit to be two to three bedrooms each.
“We know there’s a need in Mississippi County for housing. And we have an opportunity to make a difference, for young and old. It’s a need we’re trying to fill and it’s also a way to give back to the county,” Parnell said. “We want to enhance the quality of life.”
Parnell and Prude are also working alongside hometown attorney Jake Holmes, in the project made for and built by Blytheville.
“We’re diagnosing the needs of the city and they want the most flexibility to accommodate those needs,” Holmes said. “The goal is to get people the nice sort of housing that has been running people off. Whether it be young families or single mothers, it’s all about flexibility.
After passing through the planning commission, the two learned that with the land purchase, they’d be able to rename roads within the property. With North County Road 791 being the main access road, Parnell and Prude sought for its renaming to be meaningful for the community.
“This street should be dedicated to somebody who’s been impactful for the African American community in Blytheville, that was our thought process,” Parnell told the Courier. “As I was sitting with Mr. Prude, he mentioned that Mayor Sanders is the first black mayor in the city’s history. From there, I just looked at him and said, ‘well, that’s what we should do.’ We just thought that was the right decision to make for the city of Blytheville.”
After coming to this conclusion, Prude presented mayor Sanders with a model street sign to signify the entry way’s renaming as James W. Sanders Avenue.
Parnell later addressed Sanders and the council prior to the regular council meeting. “I know kids want to be athletes and things like that, but men like you set a higher standard for people of color. I just want to thank you for being that for our city.”