About Atlanta Intown. (Sandy Springs, GA) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2014)
IN The Neighborhood FEATURES, NEWS & EVENTS REFERENDUM CONUNDRUM Can Atlanta afford to issue millions in infrastructure bonds? By Collin Kelley INtown Editor At press time, the Atlanta City Council was mulling whether to require a debt affordability assessment before the city considers issuing millions in municipal bonds for infrastructure improvements. Councilmember Felicia Moore introduced the legislation in September and received support from fellow councilmembers Mary Norwood, Andre Dickens, Yolanda Adrean, Alex Wan, Ivory Lee Young, Jr., Natalyn Archibong and Howard Shook. The city faces an infrastructure backlog of more than $900 million. To address the city’s pressing needs of city roads, bridges, sidewalks and upgrading critical public buildings and facilities, Mayor Kasim Reed is proposing a $250 million bond referendum to pay for many of the needed repairs and improvements. The administration intends to use a combination of savings recommended by the Commission on Waste and Efficiency in Government and the sale of city assets, including Underground Atlanta and the Civic Center properties. “I feel that the City Council should be fully aware of the financial impacts of approving a bond issue of this magnitude,” Moore said. “Therefore a financial feasibility or debt affordability study should be performed prior to the approval of legislation authorizing the bond referendum for the issuance of any bonds.” Moore said a study would provide a basis for measuring the impact of future debt issuances on the city’s financial position and enable policy makers to make informed decisions on financing alternatives and capital spending priorities. Prior to a bond referendum, the Atlanta City Council must vote to authorize an election to be held for the purpose of determining whether bonds will be issued for the stated amount and purpose. The city has launched an interactive map that shows potential projects and programs being considered for the bond referendum to help clear the backlog. The interactive map can be accessed at infrastructuremap.org. In addition to viewing potential projects in their neighborhoods, residents also have the ability to provide feedback and leave comments for city officials. Estimated expenses and criteria for each proposed project is also available. Some of the projects listed include replacing decaying bridges in Downtown, lighting for the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, new recreation centers, pools and public safety facilities. Atlantantans would go to the polls in early 2015 to vote on the bond referendum. More public hearings are slated, so be sure to visit atlantaga.gov for dates and locations. G3 special The city has released an interactive map at infrastructuremap.org to pinpointing potential projects for the bond referendum to fund. Chamblee North Druid Hills Panthei Smyrna I l Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's INTERNATIONAL REALTY Peggy Hibbert #1 Agent, Dekalb Board of REALTORS* FOUNDING PARTNER 404.444.0192 p e ggy@atlantafi ne homes.com Druid Hills. $998,000 1284 Oxford Road Rare opportunity for a complete renovation of a classic 1929 hoi ne in Historic Druid Hills. Original architectural chan n enhanced by stunning renovation with attention to e\’ery detail. Features a chefs kitchen open to the fireside family room and walk-out backyard 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms AtlantaFineHomes.com 404.874.0300 © MMXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Artwork by Jill Steenhuis, used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Spivey \ Hall % CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY I MORROW, GEORGIA f U Jose Antonio Escobar Where Great Music Thrives ? MI . * 1 Jerusaiem-Quartet Jose Antonio Escobar GUITAR Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 8:15PM | $40 “A player with a strong technique and excellent musical taste” (Classical Guitar Magazine). American Record Guide praises “the consistent beauty of his sound” and “interpretative refinement. Every moment is guided by a musicalintelligence and sensitivity that is rare. Jerusalem Quartet Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 3PM | $56 Pre-concert Talk 2PM “The Jerusalem Quartet's debut...was breathtaking. Or jaw-dropping. Or maybe ear opening. In any case, it was brilliant^ 5 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). TICKETS ON SALE NOW: (678)466-4200 Visit www. SpivevHall. ore to purchase tickets and for 2013-2014 concert information. THE WALTER & EMI LIE SPIVEY FOUNDATION ▲ T' iijSOUTH ‘Georgia fcg&f Arts hall This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency - the National Endowment for the Arts. 4 October 2014 | INtOWIl AtlantalNtownPaper.com
