Smithville to apply to MARC for Commercial Avenue streetscape and Eagle Parkway Trail

The Smithville Board of Aldermen on Jan. 20 directed staff to submit two projects to the upcoming Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) grant cycle: the next phase of the downtown Commercial Avenue streetscape (staff'preferred Option 1) and the Eagle Parkway Trail. Assistant to the Public Works Director Mayra Toothman presented the options and said MARC's application window opens next month.

Staff outlined two alignment options for the downtown streetscape. Option 1 would extend the existing "Streetscape Lite" design along Commercial Avenue from Church Street to Meadow Street and would complete a contiguous section in the portion of downtown where most community events occur. The Board favored Option 1, noting that choosing the second option could leave an outdated gap near the park and public restrooms that have ADA challenges, and that utilities along the alternative alignment may present additional complications.

The Board also supported re-submitting the Eagle Parkway Trail, noting prior county support and recommending exploring a joint application with Clay County to strengthen the proposal. Staff noted that much of the right-of-way already exists and that coordination could address stormwater and right-of-way concerns.

The Board agreed Pope Lane is less suited for MARC funding at this time because of complexity, traffic considerations and potential developer involvement, and directed staff to pursue other funding avenues for that project.

Staff will prepare detailed application materials for the two selected projects and gather public input as required by MARC before submitting the applications.