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CRA to release $50,000 toward Mead Avenue underpass activation; community group plans futsal courts and summer programming
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency agreed by straw poll to release $50,000 in State Street strategic intervention funds to support an underpass activation project in Central Ninth, contingent on agreements with UDOT and the city; community organizers plan futsal courts, lighting and seasonal programming.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) portion of the March 25 meeting considered a proposal from Central Ninth neighborhood organizers and partners to activate the Mead Avenue/Ninth South underpass.
Doug Flagler and neighborhood leaders described cleanup work, painted pillars and community activation efforts already under way. Nick Raimondo of the RISE Athletics Foundation described plans for futsal (small-sided soccer) courts to provide free, accessible recreation near the Ninth South rail station and bike line; Raimondo and partners said they have raised more than $15,000 from local donors and foundations to support activation and wanted the CRA’s strategic intervention funds to help make improvements more permanent.
Council member (and CRA board member) Mano proposed a straw poll to release $50,000 in State Street strategic intervention funds for construction improvements at the Mead Avenue underpass, contingent on executed agreements with the Utah Department of Transportation and the city for use of the UDOT‑owned space. Doug Flagler confirmed the neighborhood group would document before/after conditions and provide photos and program records to the agency.
The CRA conducted the straw poll and approved the contingent $50,000 release; board members verbally confirmed they wanted staff to ensure clear scopes and agreements with UDOT and to collect documentation showing baseline conditions and changes following construction.
Supporters told the CRA that the underpass bisects the Central Ninth neighborhood and that activating the space will improve safety, pedestrian connectivity between commercial and park areas, and neighborhood vitality. Neighbors also said lighting and small‑scale recreation — including the futsal courts — have shown quick, positive outcomes in other local pilot projects.
The CRA asked staff to prepare contract language and a scope of work and to confirm the final budget and ownership/maintenance arrangements once UDOT and city agreements are in place.
