Marion, the time is now!

Marion, the time is now!

Local Commentary Earlier this year, the Mayor and City Council approved funding for a Downtown Marion Revitalization Master Plan. Those leaders should be applauded for their foresight and vision to recognize that now is the time to develop a road map for the future look and feel of our City. While the leadership has initiated the process, they are now asking for your input, as the City ultimately belongs to its residents. Your first opportunity to offer suggestions will be on Tuesday Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., held at The Trinity in the Fields Anglican Church at the corner of Cypress Drive and Old Military Road in Marion.

A master plan is a long range document that guides development and future growth of an area for up to 20 years or more. It will serve as an important tool to guide decisions regarding preferred public and private use of land and public facilities. Rather than leave development to pure chance, a master plan establishes guidelines for growth that are compatible with the area’s character and livability.

A master plan itself has no authority, but once formally accepted by the community, will serve as an important reference point for authorities and land users to make decisions that will help accomplish the vision set forth. It also has the potential to produce a positive economic impact, help optimize resource use, and preserve a community’s history.

Development of the plan is an open process, and public participation is essential to express opinions to those professionals with planning experience and training. From a group of very qualified firms, the City of Marion selected Ecological Design Group, Inc., of Wynne and Little Rock, to lead this process and develop the final planning document.

While the final plan will consist of a number of different components, the planned widening of Military Road and improvements to the Courthouse area will be the first areas of focus. This planning process has already proven fruitful by producing unprecedented collaborations between Marion City and State officials on possible design considerations on the Military Road project.

At the Dec. 13 meeting, representatives from Ecological Design Group will be in Marion to present some conceptual visions of Downtown Marion, and to get your thoughts and comments on priority objectives. While there will be other methods for you to provide input, this meeting is particularly important to understanding the potential impact and consequences of this project.

The time is now!

Mike Demster is the President and Executive Director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about this and other events, call the MCOC office at ( 870) 739- 6041, or inquire via e- mail at mdemster@marionarkansas. org.

By Mike Demster