Marion OK’s traffic plan critics call ‘death knell’ for business

Before approving a major plan tonight to reroute traffic through the central corridor, Marion council members stressed that nothing is likely to happen for years and that it is all subject to change anyway.

Still, no one is expecting a smooth road ahead.

“This,” said Mayor Paul Rehn, “is the most important vote I've made since I've been on the council. There will be businesses affected, but I think we have to move forward and minimize the impact.

“I think this is what's best for the community.”

He and several council members pointed out that what they approved - on the unanimous recommendation of the city Planning and Zoning Commission - is only a concept for long-range planning.

Detailed designs, cost estimates, funding options, traffic patterns and other specifics will come later.

And Rehn noted that the first phase, which primarily involves beautification efforts around the uptown, is probably four years away.

Years further away would be implementation of the most radical overhaul, diverting traffic off Seventh Avenue onto a newly built Sixth Avenue with a roundabout intersection in the middle.

Opponents of the plan remain adamant in their displeasure, despite the council's call for continued public input as the concept takes shape.

Speaking for a coalition of business owners along Seventh Avenue, Snooks Bouska, who owns the Dairy Queen property, said last night that if the project is completed as is now approved, it will be “the death knell” for dozens of businesses.

But even the concept itself, he said, will diminish the property values along what is now the main thoroughfare through Marion.

“We haven't given up yet,” Bouska said. “Once there are designs in place, you're going to see some of the big boys like KFC and Casey's involved in this.

“It's not done.”