Town Voters Approve Bonds for Streets, Parks

Town voters said a resounding YES in May to a $7 million bond issue that will finance widespread street repair and improve the town's park system.

The street improvements portion got nearly 80 percent of the vote, and the parks portion got nearly 75 percent, both huge margins. The two projects have been pushed strongly by the Town Council as important to Clayton's future success and its quality of life.

"Our future just got a little brighter," said Mayor Jody McLeod. "I want to thank the residents of Clayton for the support they've demonstrated. With high prices and an uncertain economy, it would have been easy to vote against Clayton. But they showed the foresight and vision that they've always been famous for."

Now that the bond issue has been approved, town officials will begin working out the details necessary to get the projects started.

The town will spend $3 million of the bond issue for repair and resurfacing of streets all over town, bringing them up to present-day standards. Part of that money will also go for new sidewalks, speed reduction and pedestrian safety improvements in neighborhoods and a new connector road between Barber Mill Road and Highway 42 that would improve safety and reduce congestion in the vicinity of West Clayton Elementary School.

The remaining $4 million will go toward obtaining new park land while it is still available and affordable. Part of the funds would finance initial development of the new park on Glen Laurel Road, construction of a shelter and restrooms at All-Star Park on Front Street and phased redevelopment and updating of Municipal Park on Stallings Street. The town also wants to put $500,000 in grant funds from the State and another $475,000 from the County toward more and better parks.

The bonds can be retired over time without the need of a tax increase and without putting the town in a financial strain, according to Davenport and Associates, the towns financial consultants.

"Our streets and park system are both very important to our quality of life, and we're looking forward to the work ahead to make them both better," the Mayor said. "I'd like to send out a big "Thank You" to the Bond Committee, who put in a lot of work, spreading the word about the importance of this vote. It's a happy day for Clayton."

The Mayor also praised the Town Council "for having the foresight to pursue the bond programs so that Clayton can maintain its reputation as 'The Premier Community for Active Families.'"

More Information on the 2008 Bond Program

Summary of Street Study