Plans call for four four-plex housing units and a separate community center. Each unit will be approximately 700 sq. feet with one bedroom and one full bath. All units will meet fair housing requirements. The developer presented the proposal and explained that construction was required to be completed within two years.

The Cotter City Council held a special meeting immediately following Planning and Zoning to consider the matter. Gil Stammer, President of the Planning and Zoning Commission proposed the requested changes to the Council. In addition to the nature of the complex, he assured that all requirements for legal public notification had been met. Several neighbors to the proposed development were in attendance and were supportive of the complex. The Council passed ordinance 2002-06 that approved the rezoning of the property from residential R-1 to residential R-2.

Cotter has had a number of good things happen this past year and the most significant is the $6.2 million contract for major renovation of the historic R.M. Ruthven "Rainbow Arch" Bridge. From its dedication in November, 1930, the bridge has been Cotter's landmark. In addition to serving the public's transportation needs, over the years the bridge has been designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It is listed on the Historic American Engineering Record and also the National Register of Historic Places. Its history played a major role in funding the project. The majority of funds are historic preservation monies such as was used to renovate the Wolf House at Norfork.

Work by the Hardy Construction Company began in March, 2002. The contract called for completion in 200 "working days." These are not calendar days, but days where the contractor is unimpeded by elements beyond his control (such as weather). For example a Highway Department representative has recently advised that 132 of the 200 working days have been credited against the contract. However, the contract time stops during the winter months and will resume March 15, 2003. The contractor is still allowed to work during that time as weather permits.

Substantial work is being done. The decking reinforcement on the West side of the bridge is nearing completion. Patching and necessary repairs are to be made to the arch beams (that run under the bridge deck where the deck and arches meet). Then the decking by the arches will be completed. The side rails will be replaced.

Although there has been growing speculation, it is too early to estimate a completion date. Much will depend on how well work progresses and how much the weather cooperates.

Cotter indeed has had a great year. As reported in The Arkansas Gazette on Sept 23, 2002, "things are being improved dramatically from the waters edge right up to the old town." The railroad memorial in the park, the restoration in the historic old town, and new endeavors moving to Cotter are truly wonderful for our history and our future.