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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-11-14 Minutes• • Approved: December 2, 1969 MINUTES OF A PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING The Fayetteville Planning Commission met at 8:00 A.M., Friday, November 14, 1969, in the Directors Room of the City Administration Building, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Members Present: Clark McClinton, Ernest Jacks, Dr, Walter Brown, Byron Boyd, Roy Clinton, Morton Gitelman. Members Absent: Dr. James Mashburn, Allan Gilbert, Wade Fincher. Others Present: Jim Brown, Wesley Howe, Harold Lieberenz, Jim Vizzier, Ed Clement, Jr. Parker, David Lashley. The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Clark McClinton. Mr. McClinton stated that the purpose of this meeting was to study the Community Facilities and Capital Improvement Programs prepared by Jim Vizzier, the Planning Consultant, Since Mr. David Lashley, Chairman of Parks and Recreation Board, and Jim Brown, Director, were present it was decided to review this portion first. Mr. Vizzier said that he had taken the improvements shown on the plan, listed them by five-year periods, and come up with a rough cost estimate. If they fell within the 5 -year period, it was put in the program. He had also suggested some possible sources of revenue. He did not deal with specific improvements or activities other than whether it was a neighborhood or a community park. The following are some of the parks covered in this program; Lake Fayetteville Lake Sequoyah Lake Wilson City Park Walker Park Small Neighborhood Parks Park at V. A. Hospital Oberman (Pierce) Park Three Cemetaries County Fair Grounds U. of A. Agri. Park The program also included five proposed parks in various neighborhoods, one in the central business district, list of playgrounds that are a part of the school system, and suggested joint use of school facilities. An example of this would be a gym built near schools to serve the schools during school hours and double as a youth center during other hours. At the recommendation of David Lashley, Lake Fayetteville was given top priority of indoor facilities and moved to the 1970-1975 period. Lake Wilson is in the 1975-1980 period and Lake Sequoyah is in the 1980-1985 period. Lake Wilson was suggested as possible youth camp; Lake Sequoyah more costly development. Mr. Lashley stated these are not in the Parks and Recreation Boards immediate plans. There is no supply of money and would be no return of money spent; he projects it ahead 20 years. Mr. Vizzier's plans are figured on population and needs of that population. The Waste Water Treatment Plant has some large areas that could be used for some fairly inexpensive activities. 11-14-69 -2- This was placed in the 1975 to 1980 category. • The City owns the area North of Walker Park which is creek bottom land. It was suggested that this be connected to Walker Park and put in the 1975-1980 category. On City Park, Mr. Vizzier suggested repairing of swimming pool and put in some other facilities; move to first priority, 1970-1975. Mr. Lashley felt the pool would need to be replaced and relocated elsewhere in the Park. The pool should not be located so near the creek, the dressing rooms are obsolete and located badly (should be near the shallow end of the pool), the diving area should be separate from the pool. He suggested the 1975-1980 time period. V:'A. Hospital Park needs to get started and make usable. Mr. McClinton stated that the Fayetteville School Board has bought some property here and, at present, have no plans to build on it. This would serve well as an active recreation area tied to V. A. Hospital Park. The Hospital Park could be retained as a less active area with picnic benches, and perhaps a sandbox or slide. Mr. Vizzier put the Oberman (Pierce) Park improvements and expansions in the 1980-1985 period. He feels the area will build up in the next five to ten years. Mr. Vizzier consulted the County Fair Grounds people and they put improvements on it in the distant future. There has already been a • quarter million dollars spent on this. They are presently interested in getting a more complete use of the present facilities. They would like to have flower shows, dog shows, etc. there now. There are no recommended changes for Agri. Park; it seems fine the ,ray it is. Mr. Vizzier proposed development of five community parks in different parts of the City with open spaces and some kind of pavilion for community meetings and picnics. Mr. McClinton asked if the City already owns all the proposed park sites. It does not. Mr. Vizzier envisioned a potential school on Johnson Road. Mr. Lashley stated some phases with which he disagreed with Mr. Vizzier. He cited the need for small neighborhood parks within walking distance of residential areas which would not be developed to attract the motoring traffic. Examples of these were Oberman Park, and the Ghost Hollow area. "Site 211 was placed close to City extremities because they felt development would be more in that direction. Mr. Lashley said Hotz Park is a small 2 acre park with some play equipment such as they desire in smaller parks. There is nothing in • the Northeast or Northwest part of town that could be used like this. He suggested that new subdivisions in those areas include an area set 11-14-69 aside as a play • City. Some of strong sense of is maintained of them being: to thirty acre special things. -3- area; a small one to two acre tract maintained by the these are even maintained by people and there is a neighborhood pride in these facilities. Shadowridge by the City. The Parks Board has four categories, three (1) Neighborhood Parks, one to four acres; (2) ten parks; and (3) recreation complex set aside for Fayetteville has some land -locked property with development all around which might be acquired fairly easily. Mr. Lashley said they were trying to tie their facilities in with the schools. The Parks Board has some indoor facilities not listed in detail on Mr. Vizzier's program. Mr. Lashley was asked to itemize in order of importance the improve- ments the Parks Board advocated. (1) Indoor Facilities: Gym type needed to house adult recreation program, used by youth center afternoons and schools in daytime. He proposed three such facilities in metal buildings adjacent to Root and Asbell Schools with an alternate at Butterfield. Barely sufficient property at Root School. Mr. Brown, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that they needed a larger facility near the youth center; however, due to traffic problem created by moving children across town at the 5:00 or 6:00 P.M. peak traffic time, it might be advisable to have two • indoor facilities with gyms, dressing rooms, showers, etc. located separately. He envisioned a building 95 x 60. In answer to Roy Clintons question regarding financial assistance from the schools, Mr. Brown stated that they also have monetary problems, but are interested. (2) Proceed with the development of V. A. Park; the neighborhood park concept, start acquiring acreage here. Also, be alert to what can be done with Lake Fayetteville.- Mr. Brown referred to outside interests as to what can be done with Lake Fayetteville. Roy Clinton asked about combined efforts of Fayetteville and Springdale on development of Lake Fayetteville since its location is nearer to the Springdale population center. Parks Board uncertain about such possibilities; desires similar facility to what they have at Lake Weddington for indoor meetings, dances, and gatherings. (3) New swimming pool at City Park. (4) Small neighborhood parks as the occasion occurs. Mr. McClinton asked about the strip park concept and whether it would fit in with plans. The Parks Board does not consider it significant from a recreation standpoint, but looks with favor on it from the beautification standpoint. • Mr. Vizzier noted that provision had been made for most age groups except the older generation. Mr. Brown said he thought the V. A. Park 11-14-69 -4- development was being planned for this group. The Water Treatment Plant has sufficient area for adult groups such as model airplane • clubs, rifle clubs, cards, arts and crafts, etc. Also, they have planned indoor pavilions at V. A. Hospital Park and at Lake Fayetteville, Mr. Jacks brought up the subject of inflatable air bubbles that could be used as indoor facilities. The cost is very low, Wesley Howe, City Manager, presented a schedule for Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program to the Planning Commission for their recommendation to the Board of Directors, There was considerable discussion on this subject, including the possibility of an increased tax base to support portions of it. Some mention was made of lots in the Oak Manor and Rolling Hills Subdivisions that are not suitable for building and might be obtained for play areas, Also the inclusion of a flood zone in the zoning program would set aside other areas for recreation, The value of such land should not be placed as high as surrounding lands suitable for building purposes. Regardine the playgrounds in connection with schools, Mr. Vizzier said he expected Leverett to eventually be sold. Schools with neighborhood playgrounds should be improved. Jefferson needs a larger play area. It is believed that there will be more high density building in this area. Butterfield Trail should be expanded. Washington School needs a new site; can't get much more space other than by going up, Petr. Vizzier proposed five elementary schools, two junior schools, and one senior high school. He suggested improvement of Woodland Junior High playground. The Fayetteville School Board, as a rule, agreed • with these proposals except for Jefferson School site, Dr, Walter Brown moved for approval of Capital Improvements Fund as presented by the City Manager and included in that approval of overall capital improvements plan for Parks and Recreation. Roy Clinton seconded, as it fits in with our overall capital improvements program for long period as presented by Jim Vizzier and Parks and Recreation Commission. Approval was unanimous. Dr. Walter Brown left the meeting at 9:30 A.M. At this point, Mr. Vizzier began the discussion on streets and street improvements. He had made a study with Junior Parker, Street Super- intendent, and set up an improvement program. They decided which streets should be rebuilt and which should have minor repairs. They then worked out a rough cost estimate per foot; this estimate will be too high in some areas and too low in others, but should average out. Referring to the map, Pyr. Vizzier pointed out the following ARTERIAL streets: (1) North Street: high priority. Three miles, some not presently in, running from the City Limits on the West to Mis6ion Avenue on the East. Widen to collector street standards. Obtain right-of-way to make a wide two lane street and eventually widen to four lanes. Mr. Howe • suggested that the portion from Garland to the railroad tracks was of the utmost priority. This portion has no uniform width. 11-14-69 -5- An arterial street can be made into four lanes with a divider. Collectors in country can be made into four lanes with divider or in City can be two lanes with divider. (2) Highway 62 West: 20,400 feet, 15,900 feet or 2/3 in State Highway System. Four miles from the City Limits - to Highway 71. High priority. (3) State Highway 16 or Fifteenth Street: Shown as adequate until 1985 to 1990 period. (4) Township Road: The section from Highway 71 East to Old Wire Road would be very difficult to widen due to commercial property located so near the right-of-way. From Highway 265 to Johnson Road, recommend purchase of some new land for right-of-way. It should be pinpointed from Old Wire Road to Highway 265 and right-of-way acquired as it comes into subdivisions. It might be possible to acquire land at no cost this way. Mr. Wesley Howe requested some priority estimated as to needs divorced from State Highway responsibilities. (5) Drake Road: North of University Farm East from railroad tracks to Highway 71 near the 71 Drive -In Theatre. Two miles long, could tie in to Rolling Hills and could be access past Butterfield School. The desired right-of- way needs to be pinpointed for acquisition during subdivision development. (6) Stearns Road: Comes in North of Highway 71 By-pass Interchange so you could go any direction. Mr. Vizzier suggested it be connected to Joyce Street to provide through street from Highway 71 to Highway 265. Keep in mind during subdivision developments. (7) Highway 45: Improved all the way out. 8,700 feet, one strip eventually carrying quite a load; Highway 45, Old Wire Road, Mission, and North. (8) Highway 112 or Garland Avenue: Two miles on State system. Roy Clinton observed that if the Regional Airport goes in, the situation might shift and requirements would be greater. Mr. Vizzier stated the street is already too narrow and would like to see some of the traffic shifted elsewhere, possibly Johnson Road. It would be a problem anywhere. (9) Highway 71: Six miles; 36,300 feet in town. (10) Old Wire Road and Old Missouri Road: Shift part of it off up to Rolling Hills Drive. Mr. Howe°observed that he could see a need for improving between Rolling Hills Drive and Stubblefield as a lot of people use that route. Was this projected? Yes, with a high priority of 1970 to 1975. i1-14-69 -6- Air, McClinton stated that in order to get any help from • the State Highway Department it would be necessary to get the Highway Commission to put it in on the State Highway system. Old Wire Road from Highway 45 to Old Missouri Road will be rebuilt under plans already funded. Construction starts next summer, but there is no additional right-of-way. (11) Fletcher: Considerable discussion relating to this routing. I£ right-of-way could be obtained, part of this might be worked in under Urban Renewal. Roy Clinton and Morton Gitelman left the meeting at 10:20. Since there was no longer a quorum present, the proceedings would be continued as committee action and reported to the others at a later date. The following routing was finally chosen for the Fletcher Avenue: From the Old Wire Road and Highway 45 intersection, travel down Mission to Lafayette, then onto Fletcher to Center Street, then continue down to Morningside Drive. Right-of-way will have to be worked out between Center and Morningside; Knerr Drive cannot be used due to an excessive grade problem. • Junior Parker, Street Superintendent, suggested that eventually Morningside Drive (which runs South to Willoughby Road) be extended and improved South of the West Fork River and connect with Highway 71 at Baptist Ford. He proposed this for the 1980 to 1990 era. (12) Highway 265: It might be possible to connect this to Willoughby Road through Black Oak Road, Highway 16, etc. (13) Parkway: By utilization of Gregg, Johnson Road and West Avenues and following the railroad tracks this could be placed in the 1975 to 1980 category. Four lanes divided are needed. By working on this some of the pressing need for work on Highway 71 could be alleviated. The COLLECTOR streets were covered next, as follows: (1) Cato Springs Road: Part of this is on the State Highway system. It extends from Highway 265 South across to 22nd Street North of Country Club Hill, could be extended on out beyond Morningside Drive. This is not really high priority until area begins to develop; however, there should be a centerline run on it for future references. (2) Rockwood Trail: Should be a collector street, but the grades are bad and there is a limited amount of improvement can be, • made. Another place where a centerline should be run for future references when subdivision plats come in. Fairly critical. Placed in the 1980 to 1985 era. 11-14-69 -7- (3) Cleveland and Prospect: Some problems crossing railroad 40 tracks and Highway 71. (4) Maine Street: Projecting to go West to Highway 71 By-pass, and on the East tie into University Drive. Problems here due to location of County Fairgrounds. Pie need a centerline worked out to the By-pass. A property owner on Stone Street has offered the right-of- way to the By-pass if the City will improve. The major problem would be connecting Stone into South Street; there is a very steep grade and would require an overpass. This could take some of the pressure off Center Street. (5) Walker Drive: This is an extension of South Street and has some alignment problems. Put in 1985 to 1990 era. (6) Maple Street: Improve what we have. If we try to widen, there will be much opposition due to trees. Improving and widening other streets might relieve some of the pressure on Maple. We are trying to tie the residential areas on the East into the University on the West by shorter routes. Put Maple in the 1980 to 1985 category, according to how needs develop. (7) Dickson Street: Widen to East of College. About the only thing that can be done West of College is restrict parking. • Due to lack of time the following streets were not discussed in depth: Deane Street, Elm Street, Ash Street, Sycamore Street, Lewis Avenue, Razorback Drive. Garland Avenue needs improvement all the way out; part of this is arterial and part collector. Also mentioned were Duncan; Church connecting into South Street; Happy Hollow Road; and Porter Road off Highway 16 West. Mr. Howe would like to have a five-year plan drawn up. It was noted -that Township Road off Highway 265 West should pick up additional traffic. A route could be worked out South on the West side of the railroad tracks to Poplar Street, West from there to Highway 112 or Leverett. Poplar should not be too expensive to open up to Highway 71. Some cost consideration needs to be made as to what is best between Sycamore and Old Wire Road, Junior Parker and Jim Vizzier were asked to study and come up with the most practical way of getting across from West to East North of North Street. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 A.M. E