Leesville Rd Update

We wanted to share the following with you:

As some of you may be aware, yesterday the Raleigh City Council adopted its budget for FY 2008-2009. I am happy to announce that the approximately $1.1 million which the City had recommended to begin the design phase of the Leesville Road Project was approved. That is what we sought, and what we initially needed to keep this project on track. However, funds for completing the project are contingent upon another Bond Referendum being held, and passed. Although Leesville Road’s share of that referendum will (only) be approximately 10 million, the total referendum package will be approximately $129 million. The referendum was initially recommended for the fall of 2008, but due to the overall current economic situation, as well as the fact that the budget that the City Council just approved already includes some significant tax and fee increases for citizens, it was decided to put off the referendum until some time in 2009. However, in speaking with some folks at the City, this delay probably will not have a significant adverse impact on the Leesville Road Project due to the fact that the design phase will probably take 12 – 18 months anyway.

We thank everyone who contacted the City Council. Several council members have commented to me that they have received letters and emails from their constituents concerning this project. Please take another minute to write, call, or email the City Council and thank them for what they have done so far, and to encourage them to make sure that this project stays on the fast track for completion. Our work is not over yet, but I believe a major accomplishment has been realized. On behalf of Father Mark G. Reamer, our pastor, and Ben Whitehouse, we wish to thank-you for your efforts in this endeavor. We will be in touch as this project progresses.

Marc R. Kielty