Regarding the proposed Clarence E. Lightner Public Safety Center, the urge to do nothing or invest more time and cost in chasing watered-down solutions is tempting, but postponing this necessary project will result in an expensive delay.
During the past decade, Raleigh has added a population equal to that of the city of Wilmington, yet our public safety infrastructure is built more for Wilmington than Raleigh. No one on the City Council is arguing that the current facility is sufficient. It's not a matter of building a public safety center, but a matter of when.
Current economic conditions offer an immediate-decision discount. If we start construction now, we get rock-bottom interest rates and lower construction costs, saving millions, and 1,800 jobs for real people while it is under construction
Recent government projects bid in Wake County are coming in well below budget. The new jail expansion came in $31 million below its projected $186 million price tag, and the Justice Center is projected to save $20 million-$25 million on its $210 million cost.
Since the project has been under development for five years (with strong City Council support), we will save the $54 million already spent in preparation for the construction of the center and remote operations.
Economic recessions rarely last more than 24 months, and we see indications of positive growth ahead. With the major cost reductions recently proposed, the project will lead to a modest tax increase of 1 cent in 2012, when the economic climate will have improved. This is a business decision that will save taxpayers money long term, as we provide for the city's No. 1 priority: the safety and security of its citizens.
Harvey A. Schmitt
President and CEO, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Raleigh
