Marion Corridor Project

Speech from Janet Steffen to Mayor Rehn - October 15, 2009

October 15, 2009

First, I would like to know why this project has been such a secret until July of this year? Why is there such a rush to make a decision? The residents of Marion deserve better notification than what they have received. I heard there were postcards mailed to a select few residents notifying them of the planning and zoning committee meeting. Why wasn’t everyone mailed a postcard? I agree that even if you mail it, you can’t make everyone read it, but at least give them the option. Water bills would have been an excellent way to notify the majority of the city of what is being planned. And why is this not going to a public vote? This is a major decision, one that should be decided upon by the whole City, not just seven people.

Mr. Mayor, I have read your letter to Mr. Bolden dated August 28th. In your point #8, you wrote:

“This project will affect all citizens of Marion. However, the city council members are the duly elected representatives of those citizens.”

So, I ask you, and the council members, are you in fact listening to the people of Marion who elected you?

Secondly, where is the money for this project coming from? This question has been asked several times and not answered each time it was asked. In today’s economy, wouldn’t it be more prudent not to spend money the City does not have? Especially the magnitude of money this plan is supposed to cost? I truly believe the estimates given for this project are way too low – I don’t believe you can build the road AND buy out 22 landowners/business owners for $11 million.

Should the City be looking and planning forward? Yes, but within the realms of reality. The reality of the situation is that the economy is in a recession. Iowa’s unemployment rate is 6.8%, nationally it’s 9.8%. The State of Iowa has announced another 10% budget cut. Foreclosure rates are at an all time high. With everyone, from families to small businesses to Corporate America, tightening their belts, why does the City of Marion think they should be doing differently? And with our money??

I work in a retail situation and MANY of the customers are saying that if this project is done, they will not come to Marion anymore. Isn’t this the exact opposite of what you are saying will happen? I have talked to several people that drive in roundabouts. They HATE them! There are numerous accidents every day in them. Again, isn’t this the exact opposite of what we’re being told? I have also read Perry Beaton’s letter to the Mayor about the redevelopment that happened in Fargo, ND. They, too were promised a more beautiful and vibrant downtown area. His letter states “The result stifled traffic and absolutely stone cold killed downtown Fargo.” Is this what we really want?? Mr. Beaton’s letter goes on to say they had to go back to the drawing table and UNDO what was done in the first place. Does Marion have the money to do that?

Although I do not agree with how the City handled the local option sales tax vote, it has been passed. It has been stated in City Council meetings, that approximately $4 million is allocated to this “redevelopment” from the local option. Ok, then I believe that should be your budget. Not $11 million, not $30 million, but the monies you are allocated from the local option sales tax. Take that money and develop 6th Avenue, opening it up from 15th Street to 31st or 35th Street. Beautify it. IF big developers come in and start developing the land, great, use the new property tax monies collected to continue on beautifying the area. But let’s not go into debt for beauty’s sake.

Janet Steffen
Marion Resident