GRAVETTE -- About 30 citizens attended the public forum preceding the Gravette city council's committee of the whole meeting Thursday night. Clay McGill, Bevan Browner and Mike Spaeth, from BiLD Architects in Fayetteville, each gave presentations outlining possible improvements that could be financed through the proposed bond issue to be voted on March 1.
Display boards were set up showing the architects' rendering of a master plan for the city as well as proposed improvements for Main Street, Old Town Park, Pop Allum Park, the Civic Center area, pedestrian trails and Firehouse Lane in Hiwasse. The three BiLD representatives gave a detailed overview of plans for each area.
Some of the proposals included: making Main Street more handicap accessible and adding trees, lights, crosswalks and bike racks on Main Street; adding an additional farmers' market pavilion and a restroom pavilion in Old Town Park; a dog park, added signage, paved trail around the playground and walking trail around the perimeter in Old Town Park; bleachers, concession stand improvements, paved paths and paved parking area and adding soccer fields in Pop Allum Park; upgrading trails in Pop Allum Park and adding trails in Old Town and eventually connecting the two areas; adding a splash park to the west of the swimming pool, replacing or repairing the changing area and adding additional parking along Dallas Street; development of recreational areas on Firehouse Lane in Hiwasse, including a basketball half-court, volleyball court, softball fields and playground with walking trails around them; and a volunteer fire station in Hiwasse.
Citizens asked several questions which were answered by Kurt Maddox, the mayor, and city employees. A suggestion was made that developing infrastructure around the interstate exits should be considered. In response to questions, citizens were told that there are still 24 miles of gravel roads yet to be paved within the city but it is hoped the county will help with some paving if the city pays for materials. Troy Blankenship, of Hiwasse, asked if additional city personnel would be required after the proposed improvements were made. That is still uncertain, he was told. The city plans to contract out cemetery maintenance to free city employees for more parks maintenance in the summer.
Council member Ron Theis pointed out that, if the current sales tax is continued to fund the proposed projects, every person who comes through and spends money in town will be helping finance the improvements, not just local residents. A breakdown of projected costs for each project should be available by the second public forum scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the civic center.
Mayor Maddox said building sidewalks was a priority, particularly in school zone areas, and added the city would apply for all possible grants to help fund projects.
"Our goal," Maddox said, " is to spend the city's money as wisely as possible and to make that money go as far as possible. We hope to accomplish projects and still ensure that Gravette remains family friendly and city government continues to be accessible."
General News on 01/21/2016