In order to implement the bike routes the Frederick Ad Hoc Bicycle Committee proposed, some councilmembers suggested that cyclists do some fundraising.
"It's not that we wouldn't be willing," [Mayor Randy McClement (R)] said. "Being honest, it would sit there. We'll go at it from all directions and see what we can get."
McClement said the best way for the city to contribute to the project was through in-kind work, and said fundraising could be done to help finance the rest of the project.
At a Dec. 8 workshop, Alderman Michael O'Connor (D) asked the group to provide financial analysis of the three route options they presented, and all of the aldermen seemed pleased with the results.
O'Connor agreed with McClement that the best funding option would be a combination of public and private money. "If you can come this far, we can meet you part of the way," he said. "I can't say that this is essential, [but] it's nice and makes our city great."
Alderman Shelley Aloi (R) also agreed, and said she suggested the group begin working toward implementing the first two projects, as their cost is lower and would be the easiest to complete.
You know, I want to congratulate both the Frederick Bicycle Coalition and the Frederick council for moving Frederick forward on this. It's huge, really. That said, this spins my head. Fathom drivers being told to organize and hold a fundraiser for road improvements.
Again, genuine congrats to all parties involved. But my head still spins.
Posted by: MB | February 19, 2011 at 05:55 PM