ROGERS -- Revitalization of downtown and improved streets are two concerns of many residents, according to a report released Thursday during a meeting of area leaders.
The report was compiled by Market Street Services and includes information from more than 1,700 people who answered an online questionnaire, participated in focus groups or were interviewed to determine what the most important issues in the community will be in the next few years.
At A Glance
Nine Stories
During development of the plan, nine “stories” were discussed :
• Rogers-Lowell and Northwest Arkansas: A Regional Mindset.
• Growth and Migration: Rogers-Lowell area and its position in Northwest Arkansas.
• The Changing Face of Rogers-Lowell: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.
• Education and Incomes: Opportunity in Northwest Arkansas.
• Economic Transition in Rogers-Lowell.
• Traffic, Transportation and Infrastructure.
• Public Education in Rogers-Lowell: Preserving an Asset.
• Quality of Life: Community Appeal to Various Groups.
• The Future of Downtown Rogers.
Source: Staff Report
Web Watch
2030 Plan
For a look at the complete plan go to: www.rogerslowellvis….
A summary can be seen at: www.nwaonline.com/d….
"Growth in Northwest Arkansas is nine times higher than the national average. That speaks well of the region," said Matt Tarleton, vice president of Market Street Services.
"You have accomplished a number of projects -- on roads, an aquatic center and a regional sport park -- over the past 14 years," Tarleton said. "While you have much to be proud of, there is still more work to do to keep the Rogers-Lowell area moving in the right direction."
Rogers continues to grow because families with children move into the area, not singles who marry and then have children, Tarleton said. "That means you don't have as many young single professionals living in Rogers."
To attract young professionals, more apartments and lofts are needed as well as some type of entertainment, he said.
Market Street representatives have worked closely with Gateway Planning, which is preparing an economic development plan just for the downtown area.
"Gateway may provide some of the answers needed to attract young professionals," Tarleton said.
Gateway is scheduled to roll out part of the plan for review by area residents Tuesday. The 6 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 301 W. Chestnut St,. is open to the public.
The number of Hispanic residents in Rogers continues to grow. In 2000, 1 of 5 residents were Hispanic. By 2012 that number grew to 1 of 3, Tarleton said.
"As the demographics change, the region must change as well to remain prosperous, that's something to keep in mind over the next few years," he said.
Education wasn't a major concern for those participating in the study, Tarleton said.
"Most people have a good opinion of the education system in Rogers, and across Northwest Arkansas. Education is one of the hot issues in most cities, and the region, but that doesn't seem to be case here," he said. "People value high-quality public education, and the school system seems to be meeting that need."
Market Street developed eight pillars for the framework of the plan: infrastructure investment; economic diversity; beautification and renewal; downtown development; amenities and entertainment; nature and recreation; engagement of residents, and inclusion; and public education.
Many ideas and suggestions are included in the plan, but how are they moved from paper to reality?
"We have asked the steering committee members, who have been instrumental in bringing this plan forward, to remain as the implementation committee," said Ric Clifford, chairman of the Rogers-Lowell Are Chamber of Commerce Board. "They will engage in recruiting others to participate in the project."
"The implementation won't take place overnight, it will take a couple of years before the plan begins to bear fruit," Clifford said.
Clay Kendall, a Rogers alderman, said he thinks there's great information in the plan.
"I need more time to study the entire plan, not just the summary. One of the things that struck me an interesting was the age group of people moving into Rogers. We are getting families with children, which means they are older and have different needs," Kendall said.
The emergence of downtown revitalization is also interesting Kendall said.
"I think there is a nationwide trend, to make cities more walkable and bikeable. I'm excited about that," Kendall said.
Mark Kruger, another Rogers alderman, said he also thinks it's a good plan.
"We are already engaged in, or planning for, many of the items listed in the plan, which tells me we are going in the right direction," Kruger said.
"I knew downtown was important to the City Council, but I didn't know it was so important to those who participated in the survey. Again, we seem to be on the right track, and that's good," Kruger said.
Greg Lindley, chairman of the Rogers Parks and Recreation Committee and member of the steering committee, said he's pleased with the plan.
"There were six to seven months of work put into developing the plan. I think it was worth it. The eight pillars of the plan will help us as we move forward to preserve our quality of life in this area," Lindley said.
The report will serve as the Vision 2030 plan for Rogers and Lowell. The visioning process began in 1998, developing the Vision 2000 plan.
Vision plans have been adjusted and modified as the region has changed, said Raymond Burns, president and chief executive officer of the chamber.
"When we reach the point we have accomplished much of the plan, we regroup. We take another look at the region to see what still needs to be accomplished and what new elements we need to add to create the next vision plan," Burns said.
Rogers aldermen approved spending $100,000 for the Market Street study, and the chamber was also financially involved in the project.
NW News on 09/26/2014