Business View Magazine | July 2020

162 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE JULY 2020 of our lakes within the city limits. That’s what we’re fantasizing about and in the early stages of planning. We’re really hoping to find some investors that have the right vision, who are looking for a city that’s eager to work with them on those sort of developments.” Grummer: “Brewery and restaurant establishments have been proposed for North Maumelle, and in the town center area of Maumelle, right adjacent to Lake Willastein. Within walking distance to that commercial area, there is a 19-acre tract of land that is open and ready for development. We’re talking to the landowners there to come up with concepts that would serve the City of Maumelle, similar to a downtown-style, with possible mixed-use and commercial – all those are under discussion.” BVM: What’s happening on the ‘green’ environmental front? Norris: “The biggest thing we have going on deals with the White Oak Bayou. Maumelle has been a leader in the state with our preservation of the wetlands – the whole basin is protected. We’re continuing to work on a wetland viewing and information station that’s tucked away right in the middle of town, where you can go out and enjoy the natural beauty. Our goal is a complete walking trail and boardwalk system with an interpretive center. Of course, we take our stormwater runoff that goes directly into the Bayou very seriously.” Grummer: “There are 400 acres of wetland within Maumelle. A wetland functions as a drainage utility for a city; a place for all the stormwater to drain into. It also retains water to prevent flooding. Last year we saw record flooding along the Arkansas River valley but Maumelle did not have one flooded home. A big reason is because of the preservation we’ve done along our wetlands. It plays a dual role of utility plus being an aesthetically pleasing destination for birdwatching, kayaking, trail walking, and viewing. There are beautiful cypress