Agenda Highlights 4/23/24
The Fort Smith Board of Directors study session meeting to be held 4-23-24 will begin with a presentation from the Central Business Improvement District to share the ideas for potential downtown projects designed by MAHG Architects to make downtown more beautiful and pedestrian friendly. None of the projects are being specifically recommended by the CBID yet and none of them have funding attached yet. The projects include…
A pedestrian promenade from Garrison to the riverfront via North A created by narrowing vehicle traffic to one lane from the riverfront to North 2nd at a cost of $525,813.35
A lighted riverfront gateway at the entry to the pedestrian promenade at a cost of $162,390.08
Upgrades including directional signage on the sidewalk between 3rd and the base of the Garrison bridge at a cost of $20,645.28.
Color change LED lighting under the bridge
A pedestrian scramble at the intersection of Garrison and 3rd where there would be a period where all the traffic lights would go red in all directions at a cost of $7,708.31
Garrison City Park in the space next to Prima Italia at a cost of $77,084.58
Court Street linear pathway including a pedestrian crosswalk, brick planters, and trash cans at a cost of $372,928.91
An Art Walk including a rotating showcase of 3D artwork, string lights between the buildings, and neon entry signage between Garrison and 7th and the Bakery District at a cost of $61,362.36 not including the cost of the art
Sidewalk widening between the parking garage and the Convention Center and a bigger transit bus shelter there with bike racks and a hub for bike and scooter sharing at a cost of $236,631.06
Cisterna Pedestrian Promenade and Lawn on the block between 10th and 11th between Cisterna Park and Brunwick Place created by removing the street and replacing it with concrete pavers matching the ones at Brunwick and lining the promenade with trees and adding amenities to the lawn including concrete chess tables and benches at a cost of $899,263.59
Updates to Cisterna Park including visually narrowing 10th Street by Cisterna to slow traffic, adding a double row of trees, redesigning the brick at the park to match the Darby Sculpture, and upgrades to the fountain including lighting at a cost of $623,252.34
Narrowing North A from North 2nd to North 11th to one lane for vehicles with the other lane becoming a dedicated bike lane at a cost of $52,588.88
Additional signage
The Board will discuss the recommendations of the Community Development Advisory Committee for projects to receive funds from the federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program grant programs.
Recommendations for the Community Development category of CDBG funds include $148,270 to the Community Rescue Mission for the Miller Cottages transitional housing project made up of 3 duplexes with 2 and 3 bedrooms that will lease for $350-$500 per month utilities included to help residents build their credit and $28,918 to Fort Smith Childrens Emergency Shelter for a restroom.
Recommendations for the Public Service category of CDBG funds include
$17,435 to CSCDC for their dental clinic
$17,291 to Next Step for case management
$15,435 to Hope Campus for case management
$12,238 to Girls Inc. for mentorship and transportation
$12,863 to Antioch for Youth and Family for food purchase
$12,363 to Boys and Girls Club for summer program assistance
$12,005 to Community Rescue Mission for case management
$11,863 to Hamilton Center for case management
$10,007 to Sebastian Retired Citizens Association for food for the elderly and Meals on Wheels
$269,062 to Fort Smith Housing Rehab Assistance
$60,000 to Fort Smith Housing Rehab Administration
$162,000 to Fort Smith Administration
Recommendations for the HOME grant funding include $345,000 to CSCDC for down payment assistance (due to the current high costs of construction CSCDC is requesting funds for their down payment assistance program this year instead of for construction as in previous years), $69,000 to CSCDC for housing acquisition and rehab, and $46,000 for Fort Smith Administration.
The Board will discuss the results of the period of offering free parking at the downtown meters from November 24, 2023- March 31, 2024 and discuss the potential for removing the meters permanently.
The Police monitored the meters from March 1 to March 29 and observed 792 vehicles. 701 of those were there for less than an hour (the average of those staying 22.27 minutes). 91 vehicles were there for more than an hour (the average of those staying 2 hours). No complaints were received regarding parking. The Police conclude that the parking meters could be removed with little to no impact on businesses.
The Board will discuss the vacant Director of Internal Audit position.
