The consensus is that completion of the Interstate 49 corridor in Western Arkansas is essential to providing all the necessary components that will allow the Fort Smith metropolitan area to reach its maximum economic potential.

During its regular monthly meeting in July, the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority Board approved the contract for sale of a parking lot on Ellis St.. Rival CRE - Commercial Real Estate Developer is purchasing the parking lot for public parking that will also serve its residents living in The Barracks at Chaffee.

Editor's note: This is the first installment in a series on the cost of living in the Fort Smith area. 

The booming housing market draws more than just homeowners to Chaffee Crossing. With walking trails, shopping centers featuring local small businesses, and the Huckabee River Valley Nature Center, renters find a community that meets every need.