LELAND—As the Town of Leland continues to be one of the fastest growing municipalities in the region, its leaders continue to improve infrastructure through town projects.
According to the town, Leland is the seventh-fastest growing municipality in the state with a 32.7-percent growth from 2010 to 2016. The residents moving into Leland are typically middle-aged and have a median income of more than $60,000.
According to the town’s budget presentation, “Not only are a large number of citizens choosing Leland as their new home, those moving to the area are financially well positioned. In 2016, the median household income for Leland was $61,127.00, with a median age of 42.8 years according to the Census data.”
Leland, like other municipalities, is currently working to finalize its budget for Fiscal Year 2018/19. The town has several projects planned that are meant to attract residents and build the town’s amenities.
These projects come in several different forms, from road improvements to the construction of new parks.
According to the budget presentation, “The Town of Leland has a capital project plan that represents the purchase or investment of significant capital expenditures to include one of the following: construction, purchase, or major renovation of buildings, utility systems, streets, parks or other physical assets, purchase of land or major equipment or major site improvement or landscaping projects.”
The Town of Leland has several projects that are already in the works.
Public Places
The Sturgeon Creek Community Park Project is a planned 76-acre park that will provide an outdoor classroom, trails and boardwalks.
“The Town of Leland envisions a flagship project that meets multiple community recreation and environmental goals by restoring marshlands, rehabilitating damaged uplands, conserving lands for future generations and providing an opportunity for the general public to learn about the value of the habitats of Sturgeon Creek and the Lower Cape Fear River Basin,” according to the presentation.
The project is expected to cost $9 million, with $1.28 million already funded.
The town also has plans to upgrade the Leland Municipal Park by expanding and modernizing it with a splash pad, dog park, repaving, and the creation of an outdoor amphitheater.
The municipal park project is also a multi-million dollar project that will be constructed in phases. Currently the town has $100,000 allocated for the project.
Leland has more park projects planned; the entire presentation is available online.
Community and economic development
There are several infrastructure projects planned in Leland in addition to the park projects. These projects include the Northgate Drive Realignment, Old Fayetteville Road Multi-use Path, Town Hall Pedestrian Loop, Village Road Multi-Use Path Extension, and Leland Middle School Sidewalk.
Related: Multi-million dollar Northgate Drive project set to begin Monday in Leland
Together the town has already funded nearly $6 million for these projects.
Town Council will meet Monday evening at 6 p.m. to receive the budget presentation, and hold a budget hearing.
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