WKBN ran a short piece last night about the upcoming City Council vote on the proposed bond issue which includes funding for a City “One-stop” building. The piece suggests (as does the local rumor mill) that Councilman Al Novak will push for a vote next month when Council returns from their August break.
I assume Novak will only schedule a vote when Mayor Franklin asks for one, and that the Mayor will only ask for one when he thinks he has the six votes needed to win. It still seems close to me but the administration is putting a lot of pressure on Council to pass the $24.5 million bill, which includes $10.5 million for the building.
There are still so many unanswered questions about the one-stop portion of this bill it is hard for me to believe it will pass; but many long-time, local political observers tell me I am being naive. If you have an opinion now is the time to let your Councilperson know.
[Addendum added @ 12:31 p.m.] In this clip, Safety/Service Director Cantalamessa hints that passing the bond issue could free-up money to hire additional employees including police — something I had not heard mentioned before.]
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There will soon be a new place to eat downtown. The Courthouse Grille will open (for breakfast and lunch only) within the next week or so on North Park in the space once occupied by Jonathan’s Street Food.
Have a nice weekend. See you at the Italian Festival.
Thanks for the heads up, I appreciate it. I am calling my councilperson now.
He only “hints” at some money freed up for safety forces? We’ve had those sorts of hints before. Thanks for the article
Dennis you have heard that argument from me. The money to maintain the old buildings comes from the general fund. That is one of my main reasons for supporting a one-stop. By the way you have never heard me support any particular one-stop proposal. I just know we need a one-stop in some form.
This conversation has been going on for about 15 years. We could have some fabulous parks and better roads with money spent on building repairs in the last 15 years. But that is water under the bridge (or more appropriately, leaking through the roof).
I have heard you say it but not them.
I remain open-minded about building a building as they obviously have a problem with the existing structures, but the lack of a plan and/or the reluctance to share it publicly is something I find more troubling.