The Raleigh City Council is asking Raleigh voters to approve a $40 million transportation bond, placing the bond proposal on the October 11 municipal election ballot. This is Raleigh’s first Multi-Modal Transportation Bond that includes funding for a rail transit hub, upgrading Moore’s Square Transit Center, transit benches and shelters, greenways, bike lanes, streetscapes and sidewalks.
These new projects and improvements to the public transportation network are critical to the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Raleigh.
The DLA encourages residents to spread the word to vote “Yes” for the Transportation bond.
Here’s what you should know:
Union Station: New Rail Transit Platform
$3M in city funds would be matched by State and Federal funds totaling $20-25M to be used for the first phase development of the facility.
The old Dillion Supply building at the west end of Martin Street in Downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District is targeted for the new transit platform or rail hub, as talked about 3 months ago.
Moore Square Transit Facility: Transform and Renovate Facility
According to City of Raleigh Transit Administrator David Eatman, “We are talking about a total makeover.” The improvements would include improved waiting areas and pedestrian walkways, better vehicle flow from Wilmington Street to Blount Street, and increased bus capacity.
The DLA talked to David Eatman last December about the Master Plan for the Moore Square Bus Station. Here’s what we learned.
Greenways: Connecting Existing Sections
- Walnut Creek Extension: This is the final link in the 100+ miles of interconnected greenways running throughout the city. This section connects Walnut Creek Greenway (accessible to downtowners via the Chavis Greenway) from the Wetland Center to the Neuse River Greenway. By the end of next year, the Neuse River Greenway will span 30 miles along the Neuse River, becoming the longest Greenway in North Carolina. ‘Mr. Greenway’, Sig Hutchinson says, “It’s a very Big Deal!”
- Rosengarten Greenway: The greenway would be a key connection between the Rocky Branch / Walnut Creek Greenway to the south and the Lenoir Street Park and Boylan Heights neighborhoods to the north. Because it will connect to existing, already-popular routes, everyone who wants to use the greenway system benefits from increased connectivity into Downtown.
Streetscape improvements
- South / Lenior Project: The South/Lenoir project would complete the two-way conversion of the corridor that began several years ago from S. Saunders Street to East Street.
- Blount / Person Corridor Planning: The Blount/Person corridor study will look at land use and transportation options for the corridor from Capital Boulevard to I-40, including segments along Wake Forest Road and Hammond Road.
Bicycle Lane Improvements
The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission has a comprehensive list of bike projects to complete as funding becomes available. Downtown Raleigh, with its concentration of bike traffic is where there is the greatest need for improved access.
Come join us at the Public Event on Oct 4th in Nash Square to rally support for the bond!
Additional information:
Note: A separate $16M Housing Bond proposal will also be on the October 11 ballot. The Housing Bond will be voted on separately from the Transportation Bond, and support ongoing programs for first-time homebuyers, low-interest loans to private developers of affordable apartments, neighborhood revitalization, and tornado relief assistance for low income homeowners.
Critics of government spending argue Raleigh shouldn't continue to borrow money while the economy sputters.
The city's total debt is $1.38 billion – four times the amount it had a decade ago. The borrowed money paid for road improvements, water and sewer plants, parks and greenways, and a new downtown convention center.
But only about 10 percent of the city's general governmental fund goes to pay the general fund debt service – a smaller percentage than in Charlotte, Winston-Salem or Greensboro.
Much of Raleigh's debt is covered by fees and other income. City officials say that's an important distinction because it leaves a much smaller portion of the debt to be paid with property and sales taxes.