Members of the Montgomery City Council again declined on Tuesday to move forward with plans to borrow $375 million for a downtown convention center expansion and other City projects.
According to City officials, the proposed bond program would be used to pay borrowing fees and fund:
- Convention Center expansion
- Housing infrastructure improvements
- A new sports complex and amphitheater
- City facility and service enhancements
- Neighborhood improvement projects across Montgomery
According to the City's estimates, $200 million of the $375 million debt would go towards expanding the convention center.
A vote on the proposal was expected on Tuesday, but it was delayed another two weeks, likely because there currently aren't five members on the council willing to vote for the plan.
Opponents of the plan say it’s too expensive and would cost city taxpayers $22 million to $25 million in annual bond payments. Proponents say it would improve Montgomery’s quality of life.
Multiple members of the council didn’t return requests for comment on Tuesday night.
Wallace Justice, a Montgomery resident opposed to the bond issue, said during a public hearing on Tuesday, “I would ask you to consider the priorities that you have. Don’t do this. We’ve got a mayoral election in about a year. Let’s wait. Let’s move this thing off.”
“Montgomery has a lot to offer, but let’s fix it first. There are so many things that need to be fixed. You know what those are. Everybody has spoken about the police already tonight. The buildings, the street repair, the trash, we’re not paving much asphalt in this city. Our roads are tearing up cars as you try to ride down them,” Justice added.
Barry Robinson spoke in favor of the $375 million bond issue.
“Imagine Montgomery becoming a destination rather than a stop along the way,” Robinson said. “These are the kinds of investments that can improve quality of life, attract private investment, and create opportunities for generations to come. The question before us isn’t just about today, it’s about what kind of Montgomery we want our children and grandchildren to inherit 10, 20, and 30 years from now.”
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