Marion's plan needs public scrutiny

To say Marion's Central Corridor Redevelopment plan is ambitious would be an understatement.

Marion leaders are considering a dramatic reinvention of the city's commercial core, stretching from around Eighth Street on the west end of downtown to 31st Street. The plan is so large, it almost takes two people to carry poster boards depicting its scope.

Marion's current, familiar Seventh Avenue commercial strip would be altered significantly.

Planners want to shift much of the traffic that now flows down that corridor onto an expanded Sixth Avenue a block to the south, which would then become the focus of future development. A roundabout intersection would divide traffic at the east end of the current downtown at 15th Street and several other changes would be made to make the area more pedestrian-friendly.

Some property would be acquired and some businesses would be displaced or disrupted. And some firms, such as Marion Iron, would be relocated. The total project would be completed in four phases over the next eight to 10 years.

It's complicated, to be sure, but city development leaders insist it's necessary to prepare Marion for the future. Backers contend current traffic problems on Seventh Avenue, which saw 784 accidents between 2002 and 2009, will only worsen as the city grows. And they say the city's current development pattern will stifle future growth.

It's also controversial. Several business owners who will be affected directly and indirectly are opposed to the plan. Signs urging leaders to “Save Seventh Avenue” have popped up around town.

The plan's complexity has led to confusion and misperceptions. And although dozens of residents showed up for open houses held to discuss the plan, that's a small fraction of the city's 33,000-plus residents.

Whether you're for it, against it or confused by it, it's time for Marion residents who have stayed on the sidelines to get involved. Critical decisions are about to be made on a project that will impact thousands of residents for decades to come.

On Tuesday, the Marion Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a special public hearing on the corridor plan before voting on a recommendation to the City Council. The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

Next month, the City Council is expected to hold its public hearing and vote on the project.

The time for public education is growing short, and the need for more public input is critical. City leaders should do more now to make the case for change and explain what assistance affected business owners will receive. Questions still need to be answered and misperceptions need to be cleared up.

We urge residents to press for answers and make their voices heard.