Ozark Living

By Karen Rice Ozark Living Magazine A shortage of housing of all types – single family starter homes, second homes, apartments, rentals – is a challenge affecting nearly all areas around our state and region. A recent groundbreaking in Harrison, Arkansas, addressing that challenge was spearheaded by community and business leaders anxious to bring more housing to the area. "A developer has committed to a significant investment in our community with a multi- faceted housing plan," announced Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce President Bob Largent. "We're excited to see dirt moving in the coming days." Harrison has been grappling with the lack of housing and its subsequent impact on the local economy. ere hasn't been a new housing development in town for 15 years. Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson, who is a former realtor, noted "housing and growth go hand in hand. It is extremely essential. We can't grow without housing. Not too long ago we had 600+ houses on the market, and today there are around 100." "e market has literally disappeared," Largent agreed. "is is housing for our workforce, managers, leaders, retirees, for people seeking a new place to live. It is crucial for economic development. is fills the gap in our economic development strategy, which is to provide homes for our workforce." Harrison is home to the corporate headquarters of Fed Ex Freight, along with Wabash National, Pace Industries, WestRock, Claridge Products, and other industries. Largent explained, "For the last three years, we've had folks moving to our community, for several of our major businesses, resettling from other parts of the country. ey're moving here, but they can't find a place to live. We have Harrison schoolteachers who live in Missouri, because they can't find homes. So we're losing not only a growing community, we're losing neighbors, we're losing tax dollars." Local businessman Lew ompson, owner of Lew ompson & Son Trucking, experienced this first-hand since expanding his operation and building a truck terminal in Harrison in 2015. "A lot of people that worked for me couldn't find places to live." Lew and his son Josh decided the solution was an investment in the community. ey originally planned a small apartment complex, but aer much discussion and searching, they acquired 60 acres of property on Gipson Road in Harrison and decided to develop a two- phased, multi-residential project. Harrison takes a proactive approach to housing shortage "This announcement by Lew Thompson really provides a giant leap forward for Harrison and our region." ~ Bob Largent, Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce President Photo courtesy Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce 44 • OCTOBER 2021 • OZARK LIVING

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