Quick Facts
Q. Will the Bond Programs require a property tax increase?
A. According to a study performed by an independent financial advisor the proposed Bonds will not require a tax increase in order to service the debt.
The Street Improvement Bonds will be serviced from the funds used on a current fiscal year basis for the annual street maintenance program. These funds, termed “Powell Bill Funds” are provided to the Town from the State based on statewide receipt of gas tax revenues.
The Parks and Open Space Bonds will be serviced from projected growth in the Town’s general revenue stream.
Q. Will the vote on the referendum be binding?
A. Passage of the referendum approves the method for financing the projects, not the projects themselves. Approval of the referendum will authorize the Town of Clayton to seek General Obligation Bond Financing for the proposed projects. The Town may undertake the projects without approval of the General Obligation Bonds but it would have to utilize other funding sources.
Q. How will the Bond proceeds be utilized?
A. The Streets Bond Budget is as follows:
(1) Street Maintenance= $1,300,000
(2) Contingency= 325,000
(3) Subsurface Conditions= 500,000
(4) Sidewalk Improvements= 350,000
(5) Speed Mitigation/Safety= 225,000
(6) Connector Construction 300,000
(7) Total $3,000,000
The Parks and Open Space Bond Budget is as follows:
(a) Land Acquisition= $1,800,000
(b) Glen Laurel Rd Park Ph.1= 2,000,000
(c) All-Star Park Restrooms/Shelter 300,000
(d) Municipal Park Update 875,000
(e) Total $4,975,000
The Parks and Open Space Bond expenditure budget includes $975,000 of other agency funding in addition to the $4,000,000 in Bond financing.
Q. Specifically, how will the Streets Bond funding be utilized?
A. The emphasis will be placed on maintenance of existing streets, sidewalk installation, and improvements to subsurface infrastructure such as water lines, sewer lines, and storm drainage. A list of streets targeted for maintenance attention (primarily resurfacing) is attached herewith. The $350,000 allowance for sidewalks will facilitate installation of over three and one-half miles of new sidewalk. Sidewalks will be installed where necessary to provide improved access to public facilities such as schools and parks, to interconnect new sidewalk segments with existing sidewalks, and to provide sidewalks along major collector routes.
The Street Bond financing would also provide a pool of funds for the Town to utilize towards pedestrian safety and speed mitigation structures in neighborhoods. Speeding in neighborhoods has long been perceived as a major problem and results in many complaints to the Town Council and the Police Department. Targeted patrol has only limited long term effectiveness in dealing with the problem. Many streets are wide enough that vehicles can easily travel at greater than the posted speed. National studies have shown that use of structures such as traffic humps, landscaped choke points, centerline offsets, roundabouts, chicanes, and on-street parking isles have a significant and lasting impact on speed reduction in neighborhood areas. Street Bond financing (a maximum of $225,000) would serve as a resource to respond to neighborhood complaints about speeding and pedestrian safety. Areas would be evaluated to determine the appropriate structural response, and where warranted speed mitigation or pedestrian safety related structures could be installed.
Q. What is the “Connector Construction” part of the Streets Bond Budget?
A. The Town of Clayton Transportation Plan includes a project, the South Connector, which would carry traffic along the south side of Clayton from the intersection of 42 east at Highway 70 Business all the way to Guy Road. One important segment of the South Connector runs between Barber Mill Road and Highway 42 west, adjacent to the Town Operations Center. This segment would relieve the very serious congestion at the existing intersection in front of West Clayton Elementary School. The $300,000 is proposed as a Town share towards the connector between Barber Mill Road and Highway 42 west.
Q. Specifically, how will the Parks & Open Space Bond funding be utilized?
A. Municipal Park (Stallings Street)- The existing concession stand/restroom facility would be removed as it is deteriorated and poorly located to serve the park as it is now used. A new restroom facility would be constructed that is more centrally located for all park patrons. The field area would be redefined and shifted to allow for more playable area with the addition of additional field space for soccer or other open play area. New fencing and lighting would be installed. A copy of the preliminary use study for Municipal Park Redevelopment is attached herewith, below.
All-Star Park (Front Street)- The only true “neighborhood park” among Clayton Park Facilities, All-Star Park will realize construction of permanent restroom facilities and a community picnic shelter through the Parks & Open Space Bond Program.
Glen Laurel Road Property- During 2007 the Town purchased and acquired by gift a total of approximately sixty-five acres of land that had been targeted for development. The property, located at the bend in Glen Laurel Road is ideally located for use as a park including trails, playing fields, and potentially some less traditional types of recreation. The Town has a significant deficit of suitable athletic playing fields so first phase development of the Glen Laurel Road Property will involve installation of playing fields with support facilities such as permanent restrooms and parking.
Land Banking- Nearly half of available Bond funding will be used to secure additional parkland for preservation of open space and investment in future park facilities. The Town Council made this decision based on the fact that suitable land is made less available for public purposes every year due to encroaching development.
Summary of Street Study
Municipal Park Redesign Plan