Bond update
Fire stations. Libraries. Renovations to War Memorial Auditorium and War Memorial Stadium. They’ve made the first cut.
Greensboro residents could get to vote in November on those and other items after City Council on Tuesday compiled a preliminary list of projects totaling $117 million for an expected bond referendum. Each council member presented a wish list, then council reached consensus on which projects it wanted on the list or wanted to discuss further.
One project not on the list that may come up for discussion is a swimming center, including an Olympic-size pool and seating for 1,500 proposed by residents as part of a new YWCA of Greensboro. The pricetag would be $7.5 million.
The list isn’t final; council members will continue their discussion at 4 p.m. Tuesday. But some council members said it’s unlikely the total cost of the bond package would rise.
“This is the high level. I think we’re going to cut it down,” said Mayor Keith Holliday, who’d like to see the total package closer to $100 million.
The estimated tax impact for $100 million in bonds is 2.25 cents in 2007-08, equaling an extra $37.50 for the owner of a $150,000 home.
The preliminary list follows after the jump - please share your thoughts on what you'd support and what you think is missing.
Fire stations, $24 million: Five fire stations and land for future stations would be purchased to help improve response times in northeast and southeast Greensboro.
War Memorial Auditorium renovations, $36 million: A parking garage wouldn’t be included, but the auditorium’s seating areas, lobby and balconies would be rebuilt.
Capital needs, $5.2 million: This money would target major needs for city-owned buildings, such as new roofs and heating and cooling systems.
Libraries and historical museum, $14 million: $8.8 million would build two libraries and expand a third, while $5.2 million would be spent on an overhaul of the Greensboro Historical Museum, including new exhibits and maintenance and renovation work.
War Memorial Stadium, $4 million: The money would pay for the least expensive of three renovation options proposed by a committee, leaving the former home of the Greensboro Bats with 1,500 seats. A proposal to spend $2.3 million to create a park around the stadium wasn’t included, though Holliday hopes that eventually could be paid for through the city’s regular budget.
Economic development, $20 million: The money could be used to pay for infrastructure such as water and sewer lines and assemble land for large-scale businesses. The amount proposed could change depending on how much money is available in a city/Guilford County water and sewer fund.
Parks and recreation, $8 million: The amount proposed could change. Several council members expressed support for making a skateboard project part of this bond.
International Civil Rights Center and Museum, $5 million; would need to be matched by private contributions: Council members proposed varying amounts, including no money at all. So this figure could change.
Ole Asheboro revitalization, $825,000: The money would be used to purchase property, add infrastructure and help complete a revitalization project that began in 1979.
Comments (4)
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Eric,
Will the bonds be voted on independently or is it all or nothing?
Posted on April 26, 2006 10:09 AM
Typically, each category of bond projects is voted on separately.
So if City Council settled on the list I wrote about yesterday as the final list, you'd likely get a separate vote on each item listed (though the libraries and the historical museum could be split up).
In other words, if you wanted to vote just for fire stations (or everything but fire stations), you'll be able to do that.
Posted on April 26, 2006 10:17 AM
Hey Eric,
Didn't the proposed amount of bond money for Park and Rec include enough for a skateboard park? I remember some discussion about adding the skateboard park to the proposed teen center. I thought an amount was added for the skateboard thing.
So, adding the skateboard facility would not add to the amount suggested for parks and rec..
I heard talk last year that park and rec funds might be cut in the general budget discussions this year. Have you heard anything about that?
Posted on April 27, 2006 6:36 AM
Diane,
All I meant was that while the size of the parks and rec bond may change, several council members expressed support for making a skateboard park part of whatever parks and rec bond ends up on the ballot.
I haven't heard any discussion about cutting parks and rec money in the budget this year, though clearly this year's budget is shaping up to be very tight.
Posted on April 27, 2006 9:15 AM