The economy's in the tank. Raleigh has just significantly raised taxes and fees on Raleigh residents with Mayor Meeker seeking further increases, crime is soaring and basic police protection services remain underfunded.
So what do you do?
Well of course, blow more money on sprucing up downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh's Arts Commission has proposed that "half of one percent of expenditures of capital improvement municipal projects (involving public buildings, parks and streetscapes) to the creation and development of public art.The additional millions required to meet this proposal is staggering.
Just think how many more Light + Time Towers could "grace" Raleigh under this proposal.
For the new (not voted on) Clarence Lightner Public Safety Center new art would run $1.13 million under this proposal.
Maybe if their lucky, the residents on Bragg Street and Tarboro Road can get the nets changed on their basketball courts.
Raleigh's Budget and Economic Development Committee was scheduled to meet this morning to discuss this proposal. Let's hope this idea was properly flushed.
Of course I would not be surprised if they don't find a way to blame the homebuilders for lacking the funds to put more beautiful art like Light + Time around Raleigh.
