Lexington Mayor Jim Gray is satisfied with his administration's previous accomplishments, and optimistic about future initiatives.
Gray expressed those sentiments Tuesday during the annual State of the City address.
Right off the top of his 26 minute speech, the mayor told city business and civic leaders that 2015 looks positive. "I am proud to report the state of our city is strong and promising," said Gray.
Gray talked about efficiencies in police and fire pensions, as well as employee health insurance. The mayor says in a few months, he will propose funding for a new use for the old courthouse, and for construction of the Town Branch Commons linear park. "What I'm committed to is ensuring that Lexington stays competitive and these projects add to the quality of life; they respect our history," added Gray.
Newly elected council member Amanda Mays Bledsoe says she likes what the mayor had to say about improving Lexington's parks. "Not just having a bench fixed here or a slide fixed there, but having an overall strategic plan for how we're going to improve our parks everywhere," Bledsoe says. "And that is something I hear from constituents all the time."
One item not mentioned was the future of Rupp Arena. The mayor made the Rupp renovations a priority last year, but put it on hold after the state legislature failed to act on funding.
Gray says it's hard to say if any movement will come in 2015. "It all depends on whether or not the legislature has an interest, but all the parties, before anything happens all the parties need to be on the same page," said Gray. "I'm willing to wait until that happens."
Council member Shevawn Akers says Rupp Arena needs a makeover but she's not sure if it calls for a complete overhaul. Akers adds, there remain many questions about the cost related to a Rupp rehab. She, like Bledsoe, says of more immediate interest, is work to make park improvements and develop new community parks.
Council members will get more details about the mayor's initiatives for this year when he delivers his budget address in April.
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