Town Says Thanks to Bond Committee

Mayor Jody McLeod and the Clayton Town Council issued a special “Thank You” this week to the committee who helped the town secure voter approval of a multi-million dollar bond issue to improve streets and parks.

“Awesome job” is how the Mayor put it.

“All the people of Clayton owe you a debt of gratitude,” the Mayor said. “Every time one of us rides on our new roads or plays in our updated parks, we'll be saying 'Thank You' over and over again.”

The street improvements portion of the $7 million bond issue got nearly 80 percent of the vote, and the parks and open space portion got nearly 75 percent in the May referendum, both huge margins.

Members of the Bond Advocacy Group include Frank DeVoid, Butch Lawter, Bobby Parker, Dean Penny, Karen Beatty and Mayor Pro Tem Robert J. Ahlert.

The town will spend a portion of the $3 million of the bond issue for repair and resurfacing of streets all over town, plus 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. The new connector will improve safety and reduce congestion in the vicinity of West Clayton Elementary School.

The remaining $4 million in bond proceeds will go toward obtaining new park land while it is still available and affordable plus bond funds will 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 will also put State grant funds and $475,000 from the County with the Bond money to secure 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 town's financial consultants.

The Mayor also praised the Town Council for what he called its ability “to look ahead and keep our future bright.”

“It's important to all of us that we maintain our reputation as 'The Premier Community for Active Families.'"

Mayor Pro Tem Ahlert (left) and Frank DeVoid, both members of the committee, flank Mayor McLeod in a photo from the ceremonies.