This fall, several communities within the region have referred bond measures to the voters for their consideration. Today we are highlighting two of those efforts.
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The City of Charlotte is asking residents to approve three measures related to housing, neighborhoods, and transportation.
Housing - The housing bond will invest $100 million into new affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents. The breakdown looks like this:
- $35 million for rental housing production
- $25 million for homeownership
- $14 million for rental housing, preservation, and anti-displacement
- $9 million for supportive housing and shelters
- $5 million for rehabilitation and emergency repairs
- $5 million for innovation pilot fund
- $5 million for site acquisition
- $2 million for administration and evaluation
Neighborhoods - The neighborhood improvement bond will invest over $60 million into new bike paths, sidewalks, and economic development in underserved areas of the city. Here’s the list of projects.
Transportation - The transportation bond will invest over $238 million to repair roads, reduce traffic congestion, and make our roads safer. In addition to improving sidewalks and improving safety, several specific projects are detailed here.
For additional details visit: Vote Yes for City Bonds | Vote Yes. For A Stronger Charlotte. (voteyesforbonds.com)
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The City of Belmont is promoting a transportation bond. Here are details of its plan.
Addressing Transportation Challenges through Infrastructure Investment - The proposed 2024 Belmont Transportation Bonds aim to tackle pressing transportation issues within the city and ensure future economic prosperity for Belmont and Gaston County. This will be achieved through targeted investments in road, intersection, and sidewalk improvements.
Enhancing Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety - A core focus of the bond package is enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly around key areas like schools, parks, and retail establishments. The improvements aim to reduce vehicle congestion and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Campaign’s Engagement and Transparency - The bond referendum allows Belmont residents to directly decide the city's future transportation landscape. The campaign emphasizes the importance of community understanding of what the bonds will fund and accomplish, including project lists, FAQs, and a dedicated Facebook group, to inform voters.
Funding Mechanism - Voter-approved bonds are presented as a fiscally responsible and sustainable solution to finance the proposed projects. The City highlights its "proven track record of fiscal responsibility" to build trust with voters.
Project Scope - The bond package will fund various projects, including road expansions, intersection improvements, new sidewalks, pedestrian safety features, and connectivity enhancements.
Alignment with City Plans - The proposed projects align with Belmont’s 2023 Pedestrian Master Plan and Bicycle Master Plan, emphasizing the need for improved sidewalks and crosswalks.
Belmont Bonds Website (yesforbelmontbonds.com)