Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer
Fayetteville officials are asking the public to help develop a vision and implementation program for the 71B Corridor Plan.
With the majority of through-traffic in Northwest Arkansas now traveling along Interstate 49, city planners are ready to rethink the future of the Highway 71B corridor, which includes College Avenue and South School Avenue in Fayetteville. Officials said the goal is to create safe travel for vehicles, transit, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Study for the plan includes two areas: North College Avenue from North Street to the northern city limits near Lake Fayetteville, and Archibald Yell Boulevard and South School Avenue from Rock Street to Cato Springs Road.
“The planning process for the development of this corridor offers opportunities to enhance our economic vitality, expand our tax base, increase housing supply and choices, improve transportation options, create a more walkable city, and develop a more attractive community corridor,” said Garner Stoll, the city’s development services director.
Stoll said a goal of the process is to develop a shared vision for the corridor that unites businesses and property owners and identifies practical action steps.
“This vision will consider such important issues as land use, zoning, transportation, design, visual character, public spaces, and infrastructure,” said Stoll. “Community input is essential in creating that vision.”
Two workshops are planned for Sept. 12 and 13, both of which will follow the same format and will feature a panel discussion about the corridor’s history and character, including solutions from other cities. An opportunity for public input will also be part of the events.
An online survey is also available for those who cannot attend the meetings.
The events include:
71B Corridor Plan Workshop #1
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 5-7 p.m.
Ozark Natural Foods Community Room, 1554 N. College Ave.
71B Corridor Plan Workshop #2
Thursday, Sept. 13, 5-7 p.m.
Arkansas Research and Technology Park AT&T Conference Room, 535 W. Research Center Blvd.
Information about the 71B Corridor Plan and a link to take a survey can be found at www.fayetteville-ar.gov/71B.
