Mayor Wilson Discusses Old Town North Issues March 5

Old Town North's three community organizations (NOTICe, Old Town North Alliance, and Old Town North Community Partnership) cooperated in hosting Mayor Justin Wilson on March 5 for a community meeting held at the lovely Gables Old Town North apartments.  Mayor Wilson began with an overview of the current budget proposal, noting that after 14 years of constrained growth (below 4%), assessments are up 5.8% citywide,  Since the cost of government is stable at 3 to 5% per year, the City was barely keeping up with rising costs.  The City Manager's proposal is balanced on the operating side, but deficient on the capital improvements side, particularly in light of the largest school capital needs plan ever, after 13 years of enrollment growth. A budget public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, with a City Council decision on an advertised tax rate coming March 10.

Other issues discussed were the City's plans for improved fiber optic networks to provide higher quality internet, green infrastructure, storm-water management, trees and open space, better way-finding signage for small businesses, and arts grants.

The Old Town North Community Partnership's Farmers Market will reopen at Montgomery Park on March 19. Old Town North Community Partnership (OTNCP) plans a program of monthly concerts, with hopes of going to a weekly format if funding is available.

Upcoming activities to watch for include potential redevelopment of the power plant site, work on combined sewer outfall 1 at the south end of Oronoco Bay, and repaving of three streets in Old Town North.