Durham is a beautifully diverse city, but one thing many Durhamites agree on is our hope for the city to be more connected. Specifically, most of us want safe and accessible streets for walking, biking, driving, rolling and riding the bus, and we want public parks that reflect the vibrant and inclusive nature of our city. These goals support a more cohesive, affordable, and attractive environment where all residents can not only study or work but also can play, relax, and gather together.
This year, in a historic response to these longstanding resident desires, Durham’s City Council members voted unanimously to put two referendums on the November 5th ballot that we’re calling the “Connecting Durham” bonds. If both are passed, they will fund $200 million in critical improvements to our city’s sidewalks, streets, and parks— improving access to bus stops, schools, and jobs and creating new joyful spaces in our parks. This funding would accelerate the completion of these projects in the least expensive way available.
The Projects That Would Be Built
The sidewalks and streets bond referendum would provide $115 million to complete 12.4 miles of new sidewalks and multi-use paths and 20 miles of sidewalk repairs, to repave 100 miles of streets with opportunities for traffic calming, and to pave nearly 11 miles of gravel streets.
Two examples of projects that this bond would fund are a multi-use path along Hillandale Road where Seth Vidal was killed while riding his bike in 2013 and sidewalks along East Club Boulevard providing access to GoDurham Route 9 that the Bragtown Community Association has advocated for many years.
The sidewalk and streets projects are spread throughout the city and have been selected because they are the furthest along in development (design and right-of-way acquisition is complete or nearly so) or they are most in need of repair, prioritizing areas of historic disinvestment. These projects will all be ready to move to construction in the next one to three years.
The parks bond referendum will provide $85 million to rejuvenate East End and Long Meadow parks and to build a new aquatic center at Merrick-Moore Park next to the Wheels Roller Rink. Residents in east Durham specifically asked for a new pool to replace the permanently closed pool at Long Meadow Park and wanted other updates to both East End and Long Meadow Parks.
The park projects selected were developed with the feedback of thousands of Durham residents who told Durham Parks and Recreation the features that they want in their local parks. The new and newly renovated parks will be the model for future park development in the city providing public spaces for sports, community gatherings, aquatics, and play.
You can learn more about all of the projects that would be funded if the bond referendums pass here.
The Cost to Residents
If you agree with us that these projects are important to complete, then you will want to vote yes to both because bond-funding would be the least expensive way to pay for the projects.
The principal and interest on the bonds will, like all City improvements, must be paid by taxpayers. The highest possible tax increase is a 3.46 cent tax rate increase for each $100 of assessed value on your home. For the average valued home in Durham, that means up to an extra $9 a month if both bonds pass. Because of the City of Durham’s AAA credit rating, it likely will cost less because we are well positioned to borrow at a lower interest rate. Plus, we will be able to take advantage of lower costs of building, getting new infrastructure before construction prices rise.
Say Yes to Both Bonds
Durham residents have already shown that we support investing in our community, coming together in recent years to overwhelmingly support bond referendums for more affordable housing, public schools, the library, the Museum of Life and Science, and Durham Tech.
Now, together we, the voters in Durham, have the chance to make a choice for connecting our community through public spaces built for everyone to thrive. We must come together, flip our ballots, and vote yes to both bonds. Together they will not only connect and improve our neighborhoods, but bring more comfort, joy, and safety to this City we call home, for years to come.
The Durham City Council
Leonardo Williams, Mayor
Mark-Anthony Middleton, Mayor Pro Tempore & Ward 2 Council Member
Nate Baker, At-Large Council Member
Javiera Caballero, At-Large Council Member
Chelsea Cook, Ward 3 Council Member
DeDreana Freeman, Ward 1 Council Member
Carl Rist, At-Large Council Member
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