Opinion

Mayoral Notes: Claremont is on the move

By CHARLENE LOVETT
By Charlene Lovett

At the last Claremont City Council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, councilors voted unanimously in support of three major projects, two of which support economic growth and one that protects public safety. Additionally, the council voted to accept grant funding for the expansion of the municipal airport and numerous private donations. All of which reflect a highly engaged community, working together to further prosperity.

Cited in the Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and the council’s goals, the revitalization of the city center has been a top priority. Projects that have been completed to date are the restoration of numerous mill buildings and the Goddard Block, construction of a parking garage, creation of the MakerSpace and the complete reconstruction of upper Main Street. These multi-million dollar investments have created unique spaces for thriving businesses and nonprofits, and quality housing that is lead-free. It has been done in such a way that preserves the city’s architecture and showcases the Sugar River and surrounding hills. With the council’s recent votes, the next two projects to be completed will be the Rethink Pleasant Street project and the development of the Peterson Building.

The Rethink Pleasant Street project has been considered for decades, but not until recently has the funding been dedicated to bringing it to fruition. Over the past two years, $200,000 has been invested in the preliminary engineering and design of the project based on the public’s input. Now that the council has voted to fund the $4.8 million project via a bond, it can now move forward to the construction phase. Once completed, Pleasant Street will be outfitted with new infrastructure (water, sewer, road), a new traffic pattern, expanded sidewalks and upgraded streetscape.

While Pleasant Street will be getting a facelift, the long vacant Peterson mill building will also be undergoing a transformation. Chinburg Properties, a regional developer of market rate housing, submitted a 79E application for tax relief to develop the Peterson building into approximately 85 studio, one- and two-bedroom units. The council’s vote to grant the application will allow the project to move forward. The developer will pay taxes on the current assessed value for 11 years and then on the increased value. Housing stock will improve with the addition of 85 new, lead free units and vitality in the city center will increase.

The third major project passed by the council was the $1 million bond to replace the communications dispatch equipment. The equipment had surpassed its life expectancy and parts could no longer be found unless taken from other discarded equipment. Given the condition of the equipment and its critical role in providing communications in emergency-related events, replacing it protects public safety.

Beyond the city center, changes are also happening at the Claremont Municipal Airport. With the Council’s acceptance of the $450K in grant funding, improvements continue. Recently, a new hanger and terminal were completed and now runway enhancements are underway. In addition, the Airport Master Plan is being updated, ensuring that the Claremont Municipal Airport will remain a robust element of the city’s multi-modal transportation structure.

Other areas of the city are also experiencing improvements through the generous donations of its citizens. At the last council meeting, Bryce Robert Weymouth, a Scout on his way to obtaining his Eagle rank, presented his community service project in the form of a map kiosk for Moody Park. Samantha Jean donated a tree to be planted in Moody Park in honor of her daughter who passed away. The Professional Fire Fighters of Claremont donated exercise equipment for department personnel. And Yusen Associates donated 20 smoke alarms to further the department’s effort to prevent fires in homes.

Such support for public and private investment and the generosity of its citizens is reflective of a community committed to advancement. By collaborating at all levels and without increasing the tax burden on property owners, we are accomplishing our goals and setting into motion the elements needed to increase our tax base and a renewed vibrancy in Claremont.

Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].

Avatar photo

As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.