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Maumelle proposes connector, pavement program on ballot to ease neighborhood access
Summary
The city presented a two‑part road proposal: a pavement‑preservation program for the city’s worst streets and a roughly 1,400‑foot connector to improve circulation and emergency access near Natural Trail. Engineers described drainage, undercut and sidewalk work and said some property acquisition may be required.
Maumelle officials described ballot question two as a two‑pronged road investment: a pavement‑preservation program to make long‑term maintenance more efficient and a targeted connector through a lightly developed/gravel segment east of Maumelle Charter High School to give established neighborhoods a second ingress/egress.
Mayor Caleb Norris said the city moved from reacting to the worst‑condition roads toward a preservation strategy (alternating overlays with preventive treatments) because preserving good pavement reduces lifecycle costs. He said the program would target several small sections that otherwise would each require a larger, one‑time expenditure.
Former Mayor Mike Watson (now a client advisor at Half) and Joe Moore, public works team leader at Half, described the proposed connector and technical drivers. Moore said the connector is about 1,400 feet long, 31 feet wide to meet city cross‑section standards, will include sidewalk and requires substantial storm sewer/drainage work because the area is low‑lying; the budget also anticipates undercutting the pavement subgrade to address poor soils.
City staff said the project area affects at least four private parcels on the south end and that some land dedication already exists on the north side; the city may need to buy easements or use eminent domain processes if donations or negotiated purchases fail. The front corner parcel being considered for new parking associated with the pool is constrained by size, and staff said only very small retail (for example, a coffee kiosk) would likely meet parking rules for that lot.
An approximate project cost figure was discussed publicly: the presenters referenced a budgetary number in the $3.8 million range (including a 20 percent contingency) with a base construction amount noted just above $2.4 million. That estimate includes roadway, drainage, sidewalk and contingency; staff said the figure was budgetary and subject to engineering design and property acquisition costs.
No formal action was taken at the public hearing. Question two will appear on the ballot; project design, property acquisition and final cost estimates would proceed only after voter authorization and detailed engineering.
