he future of one of Fort Smith’s largest vacant properties is officially in the hands of its citizens. The City has launched an online engagement portal to gather public opinion on the redevelopment of the historic 111-acre Acme Brick site.
Located in a prime corridor, the massive property represents a "blank canvas" for the city. Local officials are asking residents to weigh in on how the land should be transformed to best serve the community’s future.
The Vision: What Could It Be?
The city is currently exploring a "Master Plan" approach, and the survey asks for feedback on several potential uses:
Park and Green Space: Expansion of the city's trail systems and recreational areas.
Mixed-Use Housing: Addressing the local need for diverse housing options.
Retail & Commercial: New shopping or business hubs to boost the local economy.
Infrastructure: Improving road connectivity between major city arteries.
Why Your Voice Matters
This isn't just a routine survey. Large-scale redevelopments of this size only happen once every few decades. The feedback gathered over the next few weeks will directly influence the final master plan presented to the Board of Directors.
"We want this to be a project by the people of Fort Smith," city planners noted. "Before a single brick is moved, we need to know what the neighborhood actually needs."
How to Participate
The online portal is now live. Residents can view preliminary maps, leave comments on specific "zones" of the property, and take a short survey.