Residents who spoke during council's public hearing on the proposed bond package largely spoke against the package due to its approximately $188 million cost. The transportation portion of the project initially proposed $101.7 million in infrastructure improvements, prior to council's vote to reduce the scope of the package.
“The sticker shock of $188 million is not something we can just say ‘eh, sure,'" Peña said.
Under the amended version, council voted in favor of deducting construction costs from the Main Street extension project by an approximate $5 million, while still allowing for right-of-way acquisition and preliminary engineering services. Following the reduction of the $5 million, the transportation package set to go on the May ballot is now listed at roughly $96.7 million.
Prior to its vote to approve a reduced transportation bond package for May, council had deliberated on postponing all bond packages until a November 2020 election. Several council members spoke against the postponement, saying there are several key roadways in need of immediate improvements and approved funding.
Council Member Rudy Metayer spoke in favor of moving ahead on the transportation bond package, adding that catching up on infrastructure needs—and potentially getting ahead of the curve—is something worth pursuing.
“Everything you’ve brought up, we’ve talked about ad nauseam," Metayer said. "These are issues we need to address.”
The final list of projects included on the transportation bond package are as follows:
- Innovative intersection improvements
- Neighborhood streets reconstruction, including the Historic Colored Addition
- Immanuel Road
- FM 685
- SH 45 frontage roads
- Kelly Lane Phase 3
- Pfluger Farm Lane, North
- Main Street
- Central Commerce Drive
- Picadilly Drive
- Cameron Road realignment
