Council approves streets paving list
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 28, 2016 9:57 AM
The Goldsboro City Council approved its first list of city streets slated for repaving if voters approve a $7 million bond referendum in November.
The list was approved Monday in an effort to provide information to city residents prior to the Nov. 8 general election. Staff plan to mail a newsletter in city utility bills outlining the street improvement bond proposal. Included in the October mailing will be the list of nearly 30 sections of city roadways, which are located in each of the council's six districts.
The roads are in some of the more heavily traveled areas of the city, said Marty Anderson, Goldsboro chief city engineer.
"We tried to break it out as much as possible," Anderson said. "It's pretty much spread out evenly throughout the district."
Anderson presented the list to council during a Sept. 19 work session, but a decision was delayed after Councilman Bevan Foster asked for time to review the proposed roads.
On Monday, Foster suggested that a section of Slocumb Street, from Elm Street to Olivia Lane, be added.
"It's not even in my district," Foster said. "The base uses that -- Slocumb -- for the back gate. I feel like that's important. Plus, it's just traveled more."
Anderson said most of the road, except for two or three blocks, has been repaved in previous years.
"It is a section that probably was paved in the last 15 years, but it could use it again," said Scott Stevens, city manager.
Stevens said Slocumb Street, from Spruce to Walnut streets, also needed repaving.
The council approved the two sections and removed areas along Audubon Avenue recommended for repaving.
Councilman Mark Stevens, who represents District 3 which includes Slocumb Street, said the road sections need repaving more than Audubon Avenue.
Councilman Antonio Williams also suggested repaving other areas within District 1 instead of four sections of Carolina Street recommended by the city engineer.
Williams asked if 16 road sections, including areas along Holly Street and Oak Street, could be considered in the first phase.
As the council went through the list, Mayor Chuck Allen asked Williams if the roads could be considered at a later date. The first repaving phase is primarily focused on street improvements along some of the more heavily traveled roads in areas needing the greatest amount of work.
Williams said he would like the other roads to be considered in the future, as part of a phase two repaving proposal.
The resurfacing project is estimated to cost nearly $2.79 million. If the bond is approved, repaving projects would likely span several years. The construction of roads in areas where dirt streets exist is another planned use of the bond.
The city's October newsletter will also provide information about a $3 million bond referendum to support construction of a multi-sports complex on Oak Forest Road.
The council decided to reschedule its Oct. 3 meeting to Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in City Hall.