Interested community members are encouraged to attend the first public meeting for a study to improve Osage Beach Parkway West and Osage Beach's west side from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Osage Beach City Hall.
An interactive presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m., with time available for public discussion, and the project team will be available to discuss the study with guests.
"Public participation is vital for us to better understand all of the issues associated with the west side corridor," Osage Beach Mayor John Olivarri said in a news release about the upcoming public meeting. "We encourage the public to attend as public involvement is critical to the success of the process."
In an attempt to bolster economic development in the city west of the Grand Glaize Bridge, a proposal to look at ways of improving that area or even the parkway itself was first introduced by Alderman Jeff Bethurem. On Dec. 3, 2015, the board of aldermen created the study committee to assist with the selection of a qualified multi-service consulting firm to perform and deliver a comprehensive plan for the economic development of the area.
Aldermen contracted with HDR Engineering Inc. for up to $73,470 to do the work.
Multiple public workshops, break-out groups, polling and online public interaction are all part of developing possible ways to increase economic activity on Osage Beach's west side, according to HDR.
According to the task order agreement between HDR and the city, HDR's services during Phase 1 of the study include project administration, public outreach, data collection/workshop 1, goal refinement/workshop 2, scoping/workshop 3, and providing a Phase 1 report incorporating the all information collected from the tasks, describing baseline conditions, summarizing the public process and direction received, and recommended scope for Phase 2.
HDR also said they will develop a public coordination plan to define how input from the public will be solicited and considered, according to the task order agreement. The plan will establish the timing and form for public opportunities to be involved and provide input on issues and comment on findings and recommendations. Methods include public meetings/workshops, social media, print and television media, and comment management.
Aldermen also unanimously approved a budget amendment at the Aug. 4 meeting to use engineering services for Phase 1 of the Osage Beach Parkway West Study previously budgeted from the Transportation Fund to the General Fund under economic development.
City Administrator Jeana Woods said the project's core started developing a planning document to define the overall vision for Osage Beach Parkway west of the Grand Glaize Bridge to Lazy Days Road and to enhance and expand the city's economic vitality, culture and quality of life.
For those who are not able to attend the meeting in person, a copy of the meeting handouts, including a comment form, will be available at the city's website.
The public will have 14 days after the meeting to submit comments. Comments are due by Nov. 23. Comments can be made at the meeting, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to HDR, Attn: Christopher Kinzel, 4435 Main St., Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO, 64111.