Update on American Fork Roads

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Beyond the Bonds (by Heidi Rodeback)

Many have asked whether, in light of the bonds' defeat, the City plans to pursue these items in future. Here's my take on that question.

Bonds 1, 2, and 3
The roads, the cemetery, and Art Dye park do represent legitimate community needs. These bonds were not a referendum as to whether the City would provide for them, but when and with what financing. The public's vote has indicated that this is the wrong time to undertake heavy capital expenditures. The City is well advised to defer these projects until better economic times.

Bond 4
Trails and open space do add to American Fork's quality of life, and the City will continue to plan for them. But without a funding source, the City is not likely to pursue these aggressively in the near future.

Bond 5
560 West is a neighborhood issue. I want to see how the local precincts voted before I call it dead. However, given that the railroad crossing bears a price tag far greater than its value, I do not think it likely that the City will pursue this any farther. I do hope, however, that possible improvements to 400 West will be studied.

2 Comments:
Wendy said...
What are the possibilities of the city council addressing improvements to 900 West, the light at 700 N/900 W, and increased safety at AFJH crosswalks before completing 1120 North? I don't want to loose sight of those priorities as the city determines how to proceed without the bond monies. I suspect that many votes on bond 1 did have to do with the economy, but I also think a fair amount were responding to the need to address some of these issues first.

Heidi Rodeback said...
In work session last Thursday (December 4), Council and Public Works discussed options for 1120 North and 900 West. About $97,000 will effectively put the projects in mothballs.

At 1120 North, approximately $52,000 will install storm drain and associated work necessary to preserve the wetland permit granted by the Army Corps of Engineers.

At 900 West, another $55,000 is thought sufficient to install a three-way stop at its intersection with 700 North. This includes money for right-of-way acquisition for a right-turn lane northbound off of 900 West.

I agree with your analysis of the vote; the need to upgrade 900 West before completing 1120 North kept me from throwing my support behind the bond. I will advocate this position from here on out.

As for American Fork Junior High -- crosswalks are only the beginning of what is needed there. I would favor a comprehensive evaluation and redesign by an engineering firm, with heavy reliance on public input. At the City Council level, we have noted the need at the junior high and have wanted to provide better for it. It's largely a matter of time and money. As always, the best way you can accelerate action is through your persistent advocacy.

(http://heidirodeback.blogspot.com/2008/11/beyond-bonds.html)