The Marietta Daily Journal – City Council increases proposed Whitlock funds to 4M

After hearing 20 people speak at an hour-long public hearing Thursday night, the City Council revised its $35 million bond proposal by doubling the amount allocated for Whitlock Avenue.

The council dropped the former Lemon Street School from its list of bond projects, moving the school’s proposed $1.2 million earmark over to be spent on Whitlock Avenue.

On Nov. 5, Marietta residents may vote on whether to approve a bond that will now specify $4 million for Whitlock Avenue streetscape improvements and $31 million for Franklin Road property acquisition, demolition of blighted businesses and apartments, as well as the construction of roadways.

The original proposal listed $1.5 million for Whitlock Avenue, $32.3 million for Franklin Road and $1.2 million for Lemon Street, home to Marietta’s African-American students prior to the desegregation of schools.

Councilman Andy Morris led the charge to spend more on Whitlock, saying the project should include lamp posts, a bike path and even expanding the road to allow for a middle turn lane.

Councilman Grif Chalfant agreed with the extra attention to Whitlock and said “the road is crumbling into ditches.”

Council decided in a 5-1 vote that its June 12 meeting is when it will make a final decision on whether to place the bond referendum before voters Nov. 5.

Councilman Philip Goldstein opposed, while Councilman Anthony Coleman was absent.

via The Marietta Daily Journal – City Council increases proposed Whitlock funds to 4M.