Rogers discusses master street plan

ROGERS -- The proposed extension of 13th Street in Rogers' street plan brought concerns from residents during a workshop Tuesday.

The Planning Commission reviewed the plan for the first time since 2008 during the workshop. It will hold at least one more workshop and two public hearings on the plan before recommending it to the City Council.

The plan proposes extending 13th Street from Price Lane to Pleasant Grove Crossing. A draft created by the Planning Department also proposes the extension.

Mickey Rapier of Fellowship Church said the road will cut through the church's property if it is expanded. He said the land it could cut through is a field.

"It is used quite often for outdoor meetings and children's events," Rapier said. "We are asking that it be taken off your plan for further development."

Peggy Hart said the road also will cut through 30 acres she owns. She said the road would take away from her property's park-like setting.

"We moved out there years ago for the peace and quiet," Hart said.

Planning commissioner Tony Noblin asked if the Planning Department could produce some traffic counts on the area. He said the commission could make a better decision with more information.

"I am taking this meeting as an introduction so we know what we need to study," Noblin said.

Planning officials proposed a few changes to the street plan during the meeting.

Derrel Smith, senior planner, said some of the changes revolve around downtown. He said the plan recommends widening Walnut, Eighth and Second streets to five lanes. He said officials are proposing the roads not be widened through downtown in the new plan.

Widening the streets would make it difficult for pedestrians to walk or ride bikes downtown, Smith said.

"You have to have foot traffic downtown," Smith said. "Without people walking, your downtown doesn't survive."

The plan also was updated to include trail infrastructure, Smith said.

"There are more than just cars out there," Smith said. "This takes us from more of a car centralized plan to an all modes of transportation plan."

NW News on 03/04/2015

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