Council To Discuss Light Rail System
Posted: November 9, 2009 at 4:49 a.m.
BENTONVILLE — Discussions regarding the 2010 budget figure to occupy a chunk of the city council’s time at its Committee of the Whole meeting tonight as well as its regular meeting Tuesday, but discussion that may catch people off guard is that of light rail.
“Some people may scoff when they hear discussions about light rail, but we have to be looking 10 to 15 and even 20 years out in determining what our transportation needs are going to be and how people are going to be able to move about,” said Troy Galloway, Bentonville community development director.
There will be no action taken. But it’s never too early to start considering the options, said Stephen Luoni with the University of Arkansas Community Design Center.
During the Committee of the Whole meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. today at the Community Development Building, 305 S.W. “A” St., Luoni will present his award-winning plan, introducing Northwest Arkansas to the possibilities rail transit provides for the region.
According to Luoni, Bentonville would be a primary beneficiary of such a system, where the quality of life in a city is determined by its transportation system.
Looking beyond the automobile, transit-oriented design combines intermodal transit planning with community development to advance new cultures of mobility, urbanism, commerce, and environmental stewardship, according to information provided in the meeting agenda.
On Monday and Tuesday budget discussions will begin to take shape. No detail was available beforehand, but Mayor Bob McCaslin has promised a lean budget for 2010 and the document will take shape quickly with the new year less than two months away.
Other items on the city council agenda include:
Lot splits at 109 N.W. Second St. and 118 W. Central Ave.
Property line adjustment at 501 S.W. “D” St.
Property line adjustment at 300 N.E. Third St.
Final plat for addition at Northwest Fourth and “D” streets
Consideration of downtown core and downtown edge zoning districts
Consideration of 2010 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan
Setting of public hearing for Vutara Properties alley vacation
Setting of public hearing for 2500 S.W. Aviation Drive
Setting of public hearing for public easement
Agreement with Ozark Regional Transit to receive funds up to $129,000 for the construction of sidewalks near bus stops, with a 20 percent city match
Utility easement on Northeast Fifth Street
Public hearing for vacation of water line easement that’s no longer needed and the city plans to sell to Centerton
Agreement with Temple Inc. for the purchase of battery backup systems for traffic signals, waiving the requirement for competitive bidding
Appointment of alderman Jim Dotson to replace position vacated by Brad Crain on the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission
Reappointment of Kim Eason to the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission. Term to expire on Dec. 31, 2013
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Comments
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I love the idea of light rail in NWA. I even think NWA has the density to support light rail if done properly and placed in the proper locations... Yes, I know, a lot of people differ on this. But even if you don't think NWA is ready for LR or any other type of transportation other than vehicle, you have to admit that talking about and planning for this possibility is a good thing.
Posted by: Justin_S
November 9, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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