District Issues
Last month I had a chance to hear the candidates for the 5th District council seat. The three candidates-Cheryl Feigel, Ed Norton and Richard Marrs-all attended and represented themselves well. Each displayed their commitment to the district during the forum.
The pressing issues as I see them are: possible incursion of college student housing into the 5th District, sale by the city of Clinton Road Park as disposal property, decisions about reuse of the Lexington Mall, adoption of ND-1 zoning overlay for the Chevy Chase neighborhood and concerns about traffic.
Each of the candidates had different solutions to these problems, though I did not hear any ideas that I have not heard before. It seems to me that some solutions such as selective enforcement to curtail speed on Fontaine should be continued, and I am intrigued by the idea of a roundabout at Ridgeway and Fontaine to serve the same goal of reducing speed. I would like to arrange another 5th District caucus with the two surviving candidates after the primary. Please let me know what you think.
Money Matters
As I mentioned last month, the council is now going through the most important task of each year. Mayor Jim Newberry delivered his budget for Fiscal Year 09 to the council on April 8. This year there is a new wrinkle in the fiscal planning. We have a report from a firm that studies municipal government operations and their report contains over 400 recommendations about reorganizing your local government.
The combination of a $25 million shortfall for the next budget and many changes in government services has produced a decision overload for the council-all divisions of government will be scrutinized for their costs. This usually means that all amenities, such as beatification for the 2010 Equestrian Games, parks and recreation, and some social services, are reduced. The financial constraints are so bad that even public safety will be curtailed. No new taxes have been contemplated, but the sewer user fee and the new fee for storm water will be enacted. The storm water fee will be based on impervious surface and will apply to all properties whether tax exempt or not.
The council has no choice in the matter, as the federal EPA has mandated it. The final decision about the budget, which includes taxes, is up to the council.
I believe our 15-member council tries to decide on the course of action that best serves our community as a whole. Among the many issues, there are several that trouble me now, and your opinions are encouraged.
For Your Consideration
Trees between sidewalks and street are in the public right-of-way and are subject to government regulation and control. The costs of planting, maintenance and removal are assigned to the property owner. In most communities the local government assumes part of this responsibility and levies a small tax per foot along the street or roadway for the tree program. Would you be willing to pay 10 cents per front foot to have the government assume this responsibility?
I chair the Corridors Committee and we have applied for a government grant that would install sidewalks along Tates Creek from Lakewood to New Circle. There are a few unconnected sections along the road but they are incomplete. Residents in several areas are vehemently opposed to having sidewalks in front of their homes even though the sidewalks would be in the public right-of-way. If the grant is awarded, what do you think should be done?
David Stevens serves as the 5th District council representative. He can be reached at 258-3200
or by e-mail at dstevens4@prodigy.net.