Town Leaders Decide Focus for Year Ahead

Sifting through a long list of needs and proposals at a weekend planning session, town officials zeroed in on their top priorities for the coming year, a list that includes work toward a public transportation system for the Clayton area, a new Law Enforcement Center and development of a downtown "centerpiece" at the corner of Lombard and Main Streets.

Other top priorities include work toward increased wastewater treatment capacity, development of a "Small Area Plan" for the US 70-business/US 70 bypass interchange area, increased efforts toward obtaining grants and outside funding, analysis and policy adoption toward maintaining the town's strong financial standing, continuing partnership with local industry and increased efforts to communicate better with residents and others.

"We've put a lot of work on the table for the next 12 months," said Mayor Jody McLeod. "This planning process helps us focus. It energizes us and helps us make the choices we need to make, so we can get on to the implementation."

Here's a look at the Town's top priorities:

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: It's been a dream for quite a while, a public transportation system that would connect Clayton with surrounding towns, as well as other parts of the state. Mayor Pro Tem Bob Ahlert, the Town's representative on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), said area towns are moving closer to a bus—or maybe light rail—system that would provide a unifying link and help ease the area's roadways. In addition, the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) is presently looking deeper into a proposal for a commuter rail system that would link Clayton with Raleigh and Goldsboro.

LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER: With all the growth of the last few years, the downtown Police Department is quickly becoming too small to handle law enforcement needs. A new Law Enforcement Center, or expansion of the existing facility, would give the police force the space and facilities to maintain its reputation as one of the state's best, Town Manager Steve Biggs said.

DOWNTOWN CENTERPIECE: After years of study, the town will consider funding for an "aesthetic centerpiece" on the vacant lot at the corner of Lombard and Main Streets. While incorporating space for parking, the new centerpiece is expected to add to the beauty of downtown, while providing an area for residents to mingle and meet. The area is also the future home of the new Clayton Farmers Market.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT CAPACITY: An essential component for growth, adequate sewer service continues to be one of the town's top priorities. Agreements have been worked out with the City of Raleigh and Johnston County to process large amounts of the town's wastewater while plans move forward for a new treatment plant here to take care of local needs.

US 70-BUSINESS/US 70 BYPASS SMALL AREA PLAN: With growth continuing despite the economic slowdown, the town needs to come up with a plan to insure that future development in the US 70-business area is both orderly and in the best interests of town residents.

FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Town leaders have decided that Clayton needs to be more aggressive in fighting for its share of the billions in federal economic stimulus and other grant and low interest loan funds available for a wide range of projects.

MAINTAIN STRONG FINANCIAL STANDING: Consistent with its recent financial upgrade from A to AA by Standard & Poors, town leaders want to make sure Clayton maintains its strong financial standing as years go on. During the coming year, officials intend to analyze the town's debt structure and reserve fund needs, with a goal of developing specific policies that will guide the town in future years.

CONTINUING PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY: Recognizing the importance of jobs-producing industry to the area economy, town officials intend to make the needs of local industry a top focus during the coming year, especially Caterpillar's new Product Development Center near the intersection of NC 42 East and Glen Laurel Road.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE PUBLIC: Though Clayton has dramatically increased its communication with residents in recent years through its dynamic web site, which is updated daily with town news and other information, its Code Red emergency communication system, informational forums and the new Government Access TV station, town officials want to work toward doing an even better job in coming years.

Other priorities for the coming year include:

• Marketing for downtown
• The Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment through Clayton
• Utility infrastructure
• Acquisition of more park land
• Northside Community Redevelopment
• Local development and architectural standards
• Northside park development
• Implementation of the US 42 Small Area Plan
• Efforts to become a site for an upcoming NC Main Street Program annual meeting
• Support for the town's new Farmers Market