Earlier in the year, the city council decided to turn the issue of financing a new set of park improvements over to the citizenry. This is not the first time the city has given way to referendums (My Latin teacher is rolling in her figurative grave). In the past twelve years, voters have approved three bond packages aimed at developing open spaces and expanding greenways. In fact, due to the rising cost of developing greenways, this 2007 bond will also go towards financing improvements meant to be covered under the 2003 bond.
Some of the new proposed projects will include:
- Completion of the Neuse River Greenway from Falls Dam to Johnston County
- Extension of Walnut Creek Greenway toward the Neuse River
- New carriageway bridge at Pullen Park
- Retrofitting the carousel building at Chavis Heights Park for a new use
- Development of an interpretive center at Mordecai Historic Park
- New signage package for use by the parks system
The city’s website lists the other projects this bond will cover, as well as the reasoning behind this method of financing for city improvements.
I am encouraging everyone to vote YES on this bond. Feel free to disagree or comment, but I believe this is a great opportunity to expand open space and further the ability of Raleigh residents to enjoy an excellent trail-way and park system.
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