SPRINGDALE -- The city has scheduled a public meeting Thursday to receive feedback from residents on potential street improvement projects totaling up to $85 million.
The city plans to pay for the projects from the sale of bonds, approved by voters in February. The city expected $71 million of a $200 million bond issue for streets at the time of the election, but it should receive $80 million to $85 million in construction money because of increased sales tax revenue related to growth in Springdale, said Mayor Doug Sprouse.
The mayor and city staff prioritized 12 projects from about 40 staff previously identified, with an overall estimated cost of $104 million, Sprouse said.
One project the mayor sees as a priority is the expansion of Gene George Boulevard north from Bleaux Avenue to County Line Road. The improvement would develop another north-south corridor for drivers in the western part of the city, relieving traffic on Interstate 49 and maybe Arkansas 112, he said.
Perry Webb, president of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, said creating the corridor will keep local traffic off I- 49 and open the northwest quadrant of the city for residential expansion.
Sprouse said he expects more commercial development opportunity in the Arvest Ballpark overlay district or along Elm Springs Road.
Another project the city sees as vital is a connection of Ford and Turnbow avenues in the city's east side industrial park and an outlet to Butterfield Coach Road. The industrial park shares its only entrance with Northwest Technical Institute at the intersection of Ford and South Old Missouri Road.
Another access point would add to the marketability of land in the industrial district, which the city owns and sells, Webb said.
Thursday's public meeting will be an open house with no formal presentation, said Melissa Reeves of the mayor's office. The public is invited to visit anytime during the scheduled hours to view exhibits, ask questions and offer comments.
Plans and documents related to the construction projects and forms for comment are available on the city's website, in the mayor's office or at the public meeting. The comment deadline is 5 p.m. April 19.
Metro on 04/03/2018