Jill Dabbs, Mayor of Bryant, is requesting that the Bryant City Council to place a measure on the primary election ballot in May to call the existing 2007 and 2008 park bonds, reissue them at potentially a lower interest rate and generate $16 million to reinvest in the city parks ($6 million) and streets ($10 million).
If the voters approve the issue, then Boone Road would receive much needed safety and drainage improvements and Bishop Park would be completed. A complete list of the items needed to complete the Bishop Park project will be on the city’s website.
In a 2012 survey, the citizens of Bryant indicated that they were not satisfied with street connectivity and traffic congestion. During town 2012 and 2013 town hall meetings citizens in attendance repeatedly expressed that Boone and Springhill Roads were both at the top of the list of streets in need of safety improvements.
During the summer of 2013, city officials and representatives with Garver Engineers began talking to citizens and the city council about how to fund improvements to Boone Road. The citizens made it very clear they wanted safety and drainage improvements for Boone Rd, but they did not want any of their property consumed by an over-sized street.
Relying on the advice of traffic experts from around the country, a plan has been developed that can provide a safer street within the existing street right-of-way. Safety and drainage would be improved on Boone Road with the deployment of the plan, plus it would assist in handling the traffic volume while protecting the quality of life of the residents in this area.
The Bryant City Council will vote on Feb. 27, whether to allow this issue to be offered to voters in primary election in May. If the voters approve the bond issue, the city sales tax will not be increased. The bond would only extend the amount of time the existing bond is funded. There will still be a sunset clause on this particular sales tax.
Infrastructure money for a project of this magnitude is very difficult to acquire. If the citizens pass up this opportunity to call and reissue this bond, it will be up to seven to ten years before the city can access these types of available funds, according to the underwriters.
In previous meetings the council has discussed only moving forward the Parks aspect of the measure to the ballot and not the street improvement aspect. Representatives from park-related associations have consistently stated they would support safety and drainage improvements to Boone Road as well as the improvements to parks.
The Bryant City Council Finance and Personnel committee discussed the issue last week and will make a recommendation to the full council on Thursday, February 27th on what projects to move forward to the ballot. Representatives from Crews and Associates and Stephens Inc., as well as attorneys from Friday, Eldredge & Clark will be on hand to advise the council and answer questions.
For illustrations of the proposed Boone Road improvements, go here.
