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Today I saw a report that was mailed out to various so-called Kingman Leaders (I failed to get on this mailing list, however). One of the very interested participants in the Kingman Crossing subdivision seems to be butting heads with the new city council and mayor over building a new interchange (that is desperately needed) along Interstate 40 here in Kingman.
There has long been talk locally about some new commercial projects that are meant to come to this community. In the report I saw those commercial projects would include retail stores, office space, and even a multiplex theater (I've yet to see a movie in the existing theater in Kingman since I moved here in 2000). It's not real difficult to believe that we are in need of such projects. Kingman only collects sales tax for tax revenue (actually, they recently started collecting impact fees for new construction projects to add to various funds). Kingman, as it stands right now, is sort of tapped out of good locations for such projects.
What needs to happen in order to create more needed commercial space is an interchange and this is an ideal place for one. Our main commercial street right now is Stockton Hill. You will find grocery stores, hardware stores, car lots, Super Wal-Mart, dining, Home Depot, other retail shops, and business offices all up and down from north to south along this street. As a result, traffic can be difficult because Stockton Hill basically takes you to and from home as well. I'd say a majority of residents use Stockton Hill everyday. (You would also catch the Interstate via Stockton Hill so even folks passing through would likely be on this main road)
Kingman has open spaces to the east. We can't develop west because of mountains, going north will likely be fine SOME DAY but the further north you go the further you are away from access to I-40. The south has issues with mountains as well. But to the east? Lots of open space and heck, I-40 all the way out to the horizon.
Fellow citizens of this area we need to let our city council, mayor, and city manager know how important this interchange will be for the smarter growth patterns this city is in dire need of. The city can sell their piece south of the Interstate and fetch a pretty penny (or lease it, or be a partner, just so many possibilities). The ease of traffic problems along Stockton Hill should be enough reason to support such an endeavor. This would help tie the four quadrants of the community together nicely, plus add jobs and sales tax. The private sector has pledged half the costs associated with making this possible. This should be this current administrations number one priority for city planning this term.
Please support this, let our city government leaders know how you feel on this issue. It's time to make some noise here locally.
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