Charlotte Voters to Decide on $425M in Bonds for Transportation, Housing, and Neighborhood Projects – K104.7

Charlotte Voters to Decide on $425M in Bonds for Transportation, Housing, and Neighborhood Projects  K104.7

On Election Day, Charlotte voters will weigh in on three city bond proposals worth $425 million, according to a guide from WBTV. The measures cover transportation, housing, and neighborhood improvements. Look for them at the bottom of the ballot.The transportation bond is the biggest, at $280 million. The city wants to borrow that money to pay for roads, sidewalks, bridges, and bike paths. Paying it back, interest included, would cost $437 million, the city says.Next comes the housing bond. It totals $125 million and would pay for homes that low- and moderate-income families can afford. The city puts the payback price, with interest, at $198 million.The neighborhood improvements bond is the smallest at $20 million.

It would fund sidewalks, streets, drainage, lights, parks, and bike paths. The payback cost, with interest, would be $31.2 million.A "yes" vote approves a bond. The city says none of the three would raise the tax rate. A "no" vote rejects it. On the housing measure, a "no" vote sends city leaders back to the drawing board.Some opponents have voiced concerns in opinion pieces in local media. They urge residents to vote the bonds down.Keith Stanley, president and CEO of University City Partners, backs them. Charlotte is growing fast, he says, and failing to support the bonds would be irresponsible."The growth and economic trajectory for