BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — City leaders in Burlington are closely watching two bond referendums.
The numbers are so close that leaders there aren’t ready to say they passed.
“I have been in Alamance County since 1980 … I have seen it grow quite a bit,” said Allan Kirby, a resident of Alamance County.
He says the city needs this money to help them grow. One was a Parks and Recreation bond, totaling $47 million.
This included three projects: A renovation and expansion of the historic paramount theater, a new cover for the Maynard Aquatic Center to make it an indoor pool again and a sportsplex facility.
The second bond focused on streets and sidewalks.
That $21 million bond would pay for sidewalk repairs and resurfacing projects, and $5 million would go to a streetscape project. This would widen streets and make it more appealing to walk the city.
So far, they’ve gotten the green light from voters to move forward with the streets and sidewalk bond.
“It definitely speaks to folks looking for a good quality of life,” Community Engagement Director for the City of Burlington Morgan Lasater said.
Lasater says Burlington is just getting ready for growth.
“We’re kind of in that fertile crescent. Our population is going to continue to grow. Every census shows us that,” Lasater said.
Lasater says the other bond would be an investment that helps to improve the quality of life of people in Burlington.
“Having an enclosed aquatic center … is going to be something. That’s very impactful for our swim team here in Burlington and in Alamance County,” Lasater said.
If that bond isn’t approved, it’s back to the drawing board.
“If it doesn’t pass then we’re planning to go to a work session with our city council in January and discuss what those other options are,” Lasater said.
