City to seek comments on park bond
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on February 2, 2014 1:50 AM
The Goldsboro City Council is expected to discuss two resolutions related to a proposed $18.9 million Parks and Recreation bond after a public hearing to explore the issue during its meeting Monday.
The bond, if passed, would go to fund a new W.A. Foster Recreation Center, the construction of a multi-sports complex, improvements to Herman Park and Herman Park Center as well as money for developing the city's greenways.
The public hearing for the bond will be in the City Council chambers during the meeting which starts at 7 p.m. Monday.
Members of the public can give their opinions on whether the bond should be pursued for a vote in May during the public hearing.
If passed, the city property tax will increase by about 3 cents per $100 of valuation to make bond payments.
The increase would bring in about $600,000 more to the General Fund a year.
If the vote passes, then the projects would be phased in over a period of a few years to control the debt.
Also up for a vote at the City Council meeting is the closure of the northern section of Hogan's Alley in between Spruce and Chestnut streets.
The plan to close the alley originated out of the city manager's office after comments were made about the condition of the area.
The frontage on Spruce Street has since been cleaned and the alley is set to be sliced down the middle and deeded to the property owners adjacent to the alley.
Councilman Michael Headen recused himself from the discussions and the public hearing in January due to owning property adjacent to the alley.
Bids also are in for the demolition and abatement of 13 residential properties on the minimum housing list.
The two lowest bids were disqualified based on not including a bid bond with their offers.
The next lowest bid, submitted by Rick Bostic Construction and Demolition, of $88,825 is recommended for the contract by the Finance Department.
Also up for a vote are numerous zoning issues brought before the Council including site plan modifications and revisions for A/K Grading to clean up vegetation surrounding its office on William Street, a request for a sign modification at the North Plaza Shopping Center on Spence Avenue among others.
The City Council will discuss the proposed Herman Park Master Plan during its work session, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room in the City Hall annex.
The City Council will vote whether to accept the plan as an individual action item during the City Council meeting.