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County panel backs parkway plan |
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Wednesday, 04 February 2009 |
Members of the Saline County Quorum Court’s Public Works Committee are endorsing the proposed Rock Island Parkway project.
A resolution outlining the panel’s support was approved during a committee meeting Monday.
County Judge Lanny Fite brought the resolution to the committee.
In the past several months, residents who would be affected by the project have expressed their opposition to the roadway. They are mainly concerned with potential costs and land encroachment.
The county seeks to turn the abandoned Rock Island Railroad right-of-way into a road fit for commercial and individual vehicles. It would be an access-controlled road with the goal of moving traffic at high speeds. It also would feature about a 7.5-mile walking and bicycle trail.
The right-of-way begins at Arkansas 183 where the old Reynolds plant once operated and ends at Baseline Road where Saline and Pulaski counties meet.
Some committee members indicated they are concerned about spending money on the project when there are existing county roads at that need improvement.
JP Brandi Davis, R-Bauxite, who represents the area that would be affected by the project, said she likes the idea of the project but also understands the concerns of people.
“I live out there and it would be nice to have a safe place to ride bikes, and I like the progressive idea of it, but there are concerns with money, so I am mixed on it,” she said.
The resolution passed after JP Buster Warrick, R-Benton, made a motion, and JP Owen Bullock, D-Benton, seconded. All voted for the resolution except for JP Mel Kirby, D-Mabelvale, who made the point about spending money when current roads need improvement.
In other business, County Attorney Jonathan Greer presented a draft ordinance that would regulate billboards in county road rights-of-way. JP Doug Curtis, R-Benton, suggested to table the ordinance, which was seconded by Davis because JPs hadn’t had a chance to read the ordinance. The measure will be revisited at the March committee meeting.
JPs said they would like to have a list of roads to which the ordinance would apply.
The proposed sign ordinance is in response to complaints from county residents. They spoke at the October Quorum Court meetings in opposition of large poles going up in rural areas. The poles were being placed so attorney Doug Mays could advertise.
JPs also approved an ordinance to amend a road ordinance, which if approved by the full Quorum Court, would permit the county judge to require contractors to follow strict specifications when repairing damage to county roads.
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