Apex voters approve bonds

Supporters of the $13 million Apex parks and recreation bond referendum were confident of a big victory at the polls.

So confident, in fact, that Apex Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director John Brown had already finished much of the paperwork needed for various projects around town.

That optimism proved well founded as residents voted 11,422 to 1,891 in favor of the bond with 25 of 27 precincts reporting early Wednesday morning.

The outcome was similar to the last time Apex residents voted on a park bond referendum in 1996. That bond was approved by nearly 84 percent of the voters.

“Obviously, we’re very excited,” said Brown. “Not by just the victory but also by the margin of the victory. It’s very similar to the voting in 1996.

“Ever since I’ve been in Apex the residents have always been very supportive of the (Parks and Recreation department). This is just another example of that support.”

Apex voters also voted heavily in favor of a $9.5 million transportation bond that will improve roads and sidewalks throughout town. With 25 of 27 precincts reporting, the bond passed by a margin of 10,926 to 2,183.

“I think this reflects that we had very well informed voters in Apex,” said town construction management director Kent Jackson. “They understand and appreciate the problems and realize we are trying to improve them.”

Jackson said work should begin next summer on three projects: completing the Peakway between Salem Street and Haddon Hall; completing sidewalks on Laura Duncan Road to the high school; and improving the intersection of Lake Pine and U.S. 64.

“These improvements will make commuting around a town more bearable and much safer,” said Jackson.

Jimmy Perry, co-chairperson of Citizens for Apex Parks (CAP), said the approval of the park bond allows the town to make some much-needed improvements in parks, greenways and recreational areas.

“This is a good indicator that residents are happy with the programs that John Brown and his staff are offering,” said Perry. “Now they can begin to move forward.

“This will allow the town to catch up with all of the growth that has occurred. We had started to fall a little behind. Now we can maintain that good quality of life that residents expect in Apex.”

CAP co-chairperson Angela Reincke agreed.

“I think this shows that people understand (the improvements) will be beneficial to the community,” said Reincke. “It will help make Apex a better place.”

Brown said residents should see projects begin soon after Jan. 1.

“The majority of paperwork is already done,” said Brown. “Once we sell the bonds we will be ready to move dirt. We’ll be ready to begin on the Beaver Creek greenway and the expansion of the community center.”