Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – May 7, 2024 – The Arkansas Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services voted unanimously today to approve a crematorium at Doric of Northeast Arkansas, 5400 S. Caraway Rd., despite an outpouring of opposition from nearby residents.

John Paul and Kayla Thompson applied for the permit. In March, the same board denied a permit for another group in Bono because of a Fire Marshal’s report that stated the building there would be inadequate for it.

More than 20 residents who live near Doric spoke out against the permit. The hearing was held in the Round Room at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library.

John Paul Thompson said his family has been in the funeral home business for 83 years. He said the site is zoned I-1, meaning industrial businesses can exist there.

Residents said the zoning was made in 1990 when there were no residences in the area.

Neighboring residents, such as Mitchell Bond, told the board that emissions and odors that come with a crematorium would adversely affect property values and the quality of life for those living near Doric.

Bond said there’s the Southside Softball Complex nearby, as well as the Harold Perrin Miracle League Park for special needs children.

“I’m going to fight tooth and nail to keep this from happening,” he said.

Dale Smith, who lives on Pine Valley Ln, said having a crematorium nearby is a top 10 cause in decreasing property values. He said health professionals have noted the impact crematoriums have.

A retired Marine officer and aviator, Smith said, “Property values won’t just go down, they’ll plummet. I respectfully demand that you make the right decision and reject this.”

Anna Williams, also a nearby resident, told the board, “This is not an appropriate place for this. This is not the right place to consider it.”

Board member Billy Curl noted that the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality approved the permit and would continue to monitor the site.

When board Chairman Bill Booker asked for a motion to either pass or deny the permit, members of the audience reacted.

“You aren’t listening to us,” Smith said loudly.

Booker responded by saying, “You’re out of order.”

The board’s attorney, Tasha Tidwell, told the board that since the permit had met all of the state and federal laws, the board had to approve it.

Board member Bruce Smithson made a motion for approval, and Curl seconded the motion.