From the Mayor's Desk
June 2009 Edition

The beginning of summer finds many exciting things happening in our city. I’ve included some excerpts of positive stories from around the City for your review in case you missed them.

Please forward this newsletter to other people in the community to help them share in the exciting positive things happening in Fayetteville.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

SEE, CHAT, & INTERACT...

Fayetteville Forward TV Show
9:30 PM Every Thursday
Channel 7 (Time Warner Cable)

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9:00 AM on 4th Tuesday of Each Month

From the Mayor's Desk Blog
http://blogs.fayobserver.com/chavonne
Real Time Questions and Answers

Mayor's Hotline
(910) 433-1992

Contact Info:
Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne
433 Hay Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301

mayor@ci.fay.nc.us
tony@mayorchavonne.com

City Approves Revenue Neutral Tax Rate

The city council recently approved a revenue neutral tax rate for its 2009-10 annual budget. The budget continues the commitment to public safety with the hiring of 24 new fireman and 30 new police officers. In addition hours for the most popular transit routes will be extended to allow for more riders to get to and from work.

The council met ten times over a 2-month period to discuss the budget. Each of the meetings were televised with all budget questions and answers posted on the internet.

The new 45.6 cents tax rate puts Fayetteville at one of the lowest equivalent tax rates of the major cities in North Carolina.

Existing Home Sales Increase

Existing home sales in Fayetteville rose nearly 4% from April to May compared to 2.4% nationally. The average price increased to $134,300 versus $131,600 in April.

Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham saw median prices drop 9% to 10% in May.

Sierra Nevada Corp Wins Major Military Contract

The local office of Sierra Nevada has been picked to help equip the Army National Guard’s UH-72A Lakota helicopters for security and support missions.

The contract has the potential of reaching more than $20 million. The company will make the systems for the helicopters at its Fayetteville facility on Doc Bennet Road.

Sierra Nevada is one of almost 50 military contractors in the Fayetteville area.

Violent Crime Declines

The number of violent crimes is down 7.4 percent in the first five months of the year compared to the same period in 2008.

In the two years since Chief Bergamine became chief the number of arrests is up 25 percent and the number of police citations is up 37 percent.

Task Force Develops Strategic Plan for Improved Signage

A local task force has selected the MERJE to plan, design and implement a complete wayfinding signage system throughout Cumberland County, with an emphasis on historic and cultural resources.  MERJE will assess the navigational needs of visitors to Fayetteville and Cumberland County; identify the appropriate signage system for our market; seek input from the public; determine the necessary location, placement, number, design and content of such signs and to reach a consensus on the final plan among all stakeholders.

A wayfinding program promotes a well-planned and organized environment. It is a powerful marketing tool that communicates a community’s unique qualities.

 

Community Engaged in Preparing for BRAC

Over thirty volunteer work groups have organized to address the recommendations from the BRAC RTF and to prepare for the anticipated changes in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

There’s still an opportunity for you to get involved and help make a difference, You can review all of the initiatives and sign up to get involved by visiting the Greater Fayetteville Futures II website at www.greaterfayettevillefutures.org  

Fayetteville Receives Stimulus Funds

The City is currently tracking 56 potential stimulus projects with a combined budget of $69,665,256.  In addition, we have received $6,838,119 in appropriation or allocation notices for the following projects:

        • $975,232 for CDBG and Homelessness Fund
        • $3,129,010  from the FTA for hybrid buses
        • $708,976  from Justice Assistance Grant Program for various police programs
        • $172,001 from the Byrne JAG Allocation for various police programs
        • $200,000 from US Dept of Justice for the COPS Technology Grant
        • $140,000 COPS Recovery Equipment Grant
        • $1,652,900 from DOE for the Energy Efficiency and Conversation Block Grant Funding

The City has been awarded $600,000 in ARRA funding for the following project:

        • $600,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for Kornbow Neighborhood Stormwater improvement project.

Several areas projects have also been funded through DOT using stimulus funds. They include $63 million for the first phases of the 295 Project and the resurfacing of Russell Street projected to go to contract this summer.

Mayor Tony Chavonne | 433 Hay Street | Fayetteville | NC | 28301