Bulge detected on the east side of former Citizens Bank in downtown Jonesboro

The area around the former Citizens Bank building in downtown Jonesboro has been closed off after a resident noticed a bulge on the east side of the building on Thursday (Sept. 26). Main Street was already scheduled to be closed due to the Downtown Jonesboro BBQ Fest slated for this weekend.

City officials said the closure shouldn’t impact the BBQ Fest.

The person who noticed the structural deformity notified Alderman Chris Moore and he went to inspect the building.

“I was contacted by a downtown patron who first noticed what appeared to be a bulge on the eastside of the building, “said Moore. “Soon after, I personally visited the site and confirmed the concerning protrusion. I then contacted Mayor Harold Copenhaver, who within minutes had the Fire Department and Fire Marshal’s office, along with city staff on scene to inspect the interior and exterior of the building.”

Fire Marshal Jason Wills and Chief Marty Hamrick inspected the building determining a public safety risk could exist. The decision was made by city administration to close off a portion of Main Street, from Washington Avenue to Monroe Avenue on Thursday afternoon, until a thorough analysis could be made to determine the risk factor.

The vacant structure has long been the center of discussion regarding the downtown area. It is currently part of private litigation that city officials had hoped would shed some light on its future after more than two decades of various redevelopment discussions and ideas.

“For years the city has been hamstrung on our legal authority to force action on this building,” Copenhaver said. “Despite being an eyesore, the building was deemed by independent engineers to be structurally sound – but that may no longer be the case.”

“I am hopeful that there is a simple remedy to ensure it is safe, but if not, I will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue for good. I have reached out to representatives from both sides of the ownership dispute and hope to arrive at an agreement we can all accept,” Copenhaver added. “However, let me be clear, I will not accept inaction that results in a long-term closure of Main Street. We have a responsibility to our local businesses and residents downtown to bring this to a prompt resolution. If that involves immediate legal and financial action by the city, then I am prepared to bring that matter to the City Council on an emergency basis.”

The closure is not expected to have a significant impact on this weekend’s BBQ Fest. Closure of Main Street was already planned to begin Thursday evening in preparation for the event and the restricted area is not designated for any festival events. City officials hope to have a better idea about the risk levels by Sunday, when the street is currently scheduled to reopen following BBQ Fest.