Kingman Crossing.... again

I was at the public meeting on January 10th and knew the local paper was there to cover it and was wondering when they'd finally get around to publishing an article on the meeting.

Here it is finally.

First I have to admit something. I have a very difficult time hearing people in a large room such as the school's multi-purpose room (where the meeting was held). I couldn't hear what the people there were saying, but I figured it wasn't good (for the city). I wanted to follow up on that meeting on this blog but I was waiting for the above article.

I think I understand what some of the folks were against, such as increased traffic in neighborhoods near the proposed interchange. Well folks, sorry to have to break this to you but Kingman is a growing city. That most likely means more traffic in all of our neighborhoods.

On my government affairs committee agenda is this citizens group calling itself RAID (Residents Against Irresponsible Development) and what needs to be done to combat them. RAID already has the ear of the local media... in fact they are a media darling by now. They are a dangerous groups to more citizens than they think they are protecting.

One of the benefits of the proposed interchange would be better access to emergency services. The Rancho Sante Fe subdivision sits southeast of the proposed interchange. The Interstate is visible from many properties in the subdivision. Yet there is no access. One has to travel west and then north along the busiest street in Kingman (Stockton Hill) to access the Interstate (or heaven forbids the hospital). What could be a few moments to interstate access is actually close to a 15 minute ordeal (if you catch a few green lights).

The proposed Kingman Crossing interchange would also offer tax revenue to the city. Tax revenue that could be used for further infrastructure needs this growing area desperately needs. There are excellent commercial opportunities slated to go up near the proposed interchange, but these commercial opportunities want interstate frontage... and I don't blame them. The reason this particular area is so important is because that area is in the city limits, meaning city sales tax revenue. The talk of moving the interchange further east puts those sales tax revenues in jeopardy which equals no infrastructure improvements.

RAID is dangerous and need to be confronted on the real issues that face this city. They at least to tell the fine citizens what is so irresponsible about improving traffic flow that could save human lives and increasing the city sales tax revenues. And I'm sure they don't really have an answer.

I have an idea for RAID, put up a billboard somewhere on the way into Kingman and just tell would be great neighbors that they are not welcome to live here.