A Second Look ...
This site is designed to allow the citizens of Marion to fully understand the ramifications of the Marion Corridor Project being proposed by the City Council, Mayor Rehn and Olsson Associates. There are several proposals that have been presented to the council, each of which have significant impact on our city and people. It is our belief that not all the facts surrounding these choices have been made public, so to accomplish this, we have formed the Marion Corridor Association to help the citizens make an educated decision.Please review the information we have provided, and if you have any questions or comments, we would appreciate your feedback.
Important Facts
Plan "A"
"Do-nothing" SOUNDS TERRIBLE, but with the present economy and unemployment almost at double digits. Maybe "do nothing" may be the wisest decision. Doesn't raise property taxes for all Marion residents and keeps 14 to 15 business on the tax role which accounts for about 100,000.00 to 150,000.00 per year.
Plan "B"
Has a significant capital improvement in the way of rebuilding 6th Avenue to 35th street. It also includes the addition of a new trail system south of the road way. This concept could reduce traffic flow on 7th Avenue but would give the travelers the option of two thru streets. Wouldn't disrupt long time local businesses and could promote smaller businesses to develop a Railway Shopping District. May still have to ask the residents of Marion to pass a bond issue to pay for some of it.
Plan "C"
Very similar to concept B but it diverts traffic to the new 6th avenue which would be devastating to local business on 7th Avenue. Could force 7th Avenue businesses to relocate or go out of business. This would hurt Marion's tax base and create a higher property tax for all Marionites.
Plan "D"
Would be a significant capital expenditure. The city would have to buy out 23 businesses for the roundabout. The road would be effected and the loss of property tax is $155,274.00 from these businesses forever. This would cause the remaining 7th avenue business to relocate or go out of business due to the lack of traffic. Would cause all Marion residents to have higher property taxes and still wouldn't solve the 7th avenue bottle neck in downtown Marion.
With plans C and D, roughly 120 people would be unemployed, most of which are living and supporting their families in Marion.
Marion Area Affected
Speak Out
No doubt we all have the best interests of the community
at heart. To make our city a better place to live, we encourage all interested citizens to contact the following
city leaders, to express their comments, concerns, ideas and suggestions.
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