New Pflugerville high school could cost city millions in road upgrades

Comments

• Focus on existing infrastructure first

  The city should be able to provide some of these proposed developments with their existing budget and revenue. I personally find it odd that just one year ago, statewide teachers were being cut and now they are proposing building another school. Maximize existing capacity first on all sides. Also take a phased approach rather than try to pony up the entire 18M in bonds that will ultimately fall on the burden of an already highly-taxed homeowner base. What the city needs to do is focus on enhancing the existing roads and infrastructure to make Pflugerville a more consumer/business friendly town to keep up with its quickly growing resident population. For example, completing the frontage road along highway 45 as well as various hairpins to increase access to the Stonehill shopping center and similar business areas throughout the city. This is an example of where a few thriving businesses are situated along a major transportation corridor but fail to take advantage of additional through traffic due to harder access to the area. These same potential consumers just continue on to the next city that is more accessible. More business tax revenue equals more infrastructure enhancement equals continued expansion of schools, utilities, etc. if planned and managed properly. As for funding of such projects, city leaders need to also get creative and tap into county, state, federal and other private sector resources for some assistance; loans, grants incentives etc. Every other entity seems to do this so Pflugerville should get on the bandwagon.

  Posted by Pflugerville Kevin August 16, 2012 08:25:15

• bond elections and debt issuance

  it would seem the school district bond election should include the road development costs as well. If the school bonds pass and city's don't, then what? If the school pays, then all district residents would share the costs. If the road coats are paid only through the city, then only city residents pay the cost. It seems that what the school district decides should be borne by all the residents within its boundaries and not just city residents. How do others feel about this subject? Is the city obligated to improve the roads?

  Posted by who pays? August 16, 2012 06:34:35