MULTIPLE SCENARIOS IN PLAY
About 50 people attended the latest in a series of Parkville meetings concerning the city’s plans to “redefine Route 9,” referring to a congested stretch of Hwy. 9 that winds through downtown.
The Monday night meeting in the council chambers at City Hall was mostly an explanation of the possible scenarios which are being considered by a steering committee and city officials, joined by an architectural firm hired by the city.
The proposed changes were described by Parkville resident Chris Cline, who also is leading the effort as an employee of Confluence Landscaping Architects, and Mayor Dean Katerndahl.
The two-hour meeting, the third in a series of community events, was a discussion of the six possible scenarios designed to increase pedestrian and driver safety, create more parking (which many residents and business owners have complained is in too short supply) and reduce traffic congestion on Hwy. 9 at First St. just east of Downtown by the fire station.
“The real question is, do we do anything about traffic flow going through Downtown to the west,” Katerndahl said during a phone interview following the meeting.
The area is a triangular shaped bottleneck, especially during rush hour traffic and consists of tight turns on First Street, followed by a jog onto Main to head south and west when traveling out of the downtown, he said. The reverse is true for heading into town.
The turns, which Katerndahl described as a “zigzag,” are made even more tight by cars parked at an angle on First Street and pedestrians crossing to reach shops. A nearby train track makes congestion worse as vehicles stop on Main Street to let a train pass.
The proposed scenarios range from what the mayor has termed “nibbling on the edges” or making minor changes, to more drastic measures such as diverting traffic to newly created roadways instead of coming in on First Street, turn by depot and run parallel to the tracks, creating a straighter shot. Under this scenario, First Street would be closed to create a pedestrian plaza for outdoor eating, music, dancing and other events.
Several people in attendance commented on the proposals and said they were concerned that some plans call for eliminating the historic Power Plant building, which was recently purchased by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Post Commander Joe Wolfgeir said he’s not in favor of eliminating the old power plant building.
“I’m sitting here on an emotional ride,” he said. “We don’t support any option that removes us from the Power Plant.”
Business owner Tom Hutsler questioned the validity of some of the city’s reporting, such as only a few people showed concerns about tearing down buildings according to the city’s information, but more than 700 people signed a petition circulated by community activists. He also questioned a city survey asking residents for their opinions. The option of making no changes was not offered, he said, adding that during construction businesses probably would suffer.
“Most businesses in Downtown Parkville are barely surviving,” Hutsler said.
Katerndahl said the city team of planners were scheduled to meet with the Downtown Merchants Association on Wednesday, June 11.
John Carter said he would like planners to get official traffic counts to better understand how many vehicles travel through the area on a typical day. He also would like more specific cost analysis as compared with current predictions, which are estimates.
Sheryl Biermann said it’s difficult to balance the city’s history with modern needs.
“We have an 18th century town with 21st century problems,” she said.
Katerndahl agreed and said, “There could never be enough parking no matter what you do.”
The mayor reminded those in attendance that project officials have reached out to the community to gather opinions about which scenario they most prefer. Residents could leave their opinions at past meetings, either on a survey or a map and also could have input via the city’s website.
Katerndahl said the city should take advantage of financing now available that can help pay for the changes. Katerndahl listed three funding sources currently available, including $5 million in grants, a use tax of $3.6 million and $500,000 from Platte County.
Additional funds also may be available through Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the mayor said.
The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 17 when the proposals will be presented to the Parkville Board of Aldermen, who eventually will vote to choose a path forward. Work session followed by board questions and comments. A discussion of the park master plan will follow.
“Now we’ll have to work out the details,” the mayor said.
