Bond to Be Proposed for Neuse River Greenway

RALEIGH, N.C. — Mayor Charles Meeker is expected to call for a bond referendum to be put on the ballot to fund an extensive system of local greenways.

Meeker, who will deliver his annual State of the City address Monday, wants to connect 28 miles of greenway along the Neuse River, from the Falls Lake Dam to Johnston County.

Over the years, Raleigh and Wake County have bought land along the river, but $30 million to $40 million is needed to connect the land with an asphalt path and benches.

"I'm optimistic that the public will (support a bond)," Meeker said. "It just gives access to that whole piece of the Neuse River, which is a great resource for us."

The City Council would have to sign off on the greenway referendum to place it on the ballot in October.

Raleigh already has 50 miles of greenways. The referendum would add 28 more miles to the city-county system and would help link more than a hundred greenway miles across the Triangle.

"Being able to access this type of asset has huge benefits," said environmentalist Sig Hutchinson, who is excited by the prospect for the Neuse River greenway. "It's fantastic."