BENTON COUNTY : Transit common priority in report
Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
ROGERS — Area leaders should focus on infrastructure, public parks, downtown Rogers and a handful of other priorities when it comes to planning the city’s future, according to a 104-page document created by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.
Raymond Burns, chamber president, presented Vision 2025 on Tuesday at the organization’s annual Leaders’ Conference at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
Begun in 1989, when it was called Vision 2000, the chamber report has evolved several times since.
“It’s the plan,” Burns said. “It keeps us pointing north.”
Vision 2025 identified 19 priority areas in Rogers, Lowell and the overall region.
Transportation was listed a priority in all three sections. Lowell had eight priority sections, Rogers 19 and the region 11.
The report was created based on responses to 550 community surveys and research done by more than 36 committees and more than 275 people.
Past studies have helped garner support for Rogers’ bond projects and the continuation of a 1 percent sales tax.
Rogers Mayor Steve Womack said the city is continuing work on its next bond project that could ask voters to support between $ 125 million and $ 135 million in projects. While it’s often referred to as the 2010 Bond Project, the city likely won’t be ready to put it to voters until 2011, he said.
Womack said Tuesday the proposal will include $ 25 million in parks projects, possibly for an outdoor aquatic facility, tournament softball field and renovations to Lake Atalanta Park east of downtown.
David Thrasher, Vision 2025 co-chairman, reiterated the importance that parks play in a city’s success.
“We’re behind our neighbors. Behind where we ought to be,” he said. “Lake Atalanta is a jewel, but we let it fall behind.” Womack told the crowd he didn’t agree with all the recommendations presented in the report, including the notion that the city needed four new fire stations. “Whoever came up with that number is thinking well into the 21 st century,” he said, adding that few people in the room would live long enough to see the city grow enough to warrant all four stations. Burns said it’s important to remember the document evolves and helps the community look to the future. “It makes sure we don’t get behind,” he said. “At least people are thinking about it.”
To contact this reporter: aotoole@arkansasonline. com
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