By Charlene Lovett
By Charlene Lovett
At the first meeting of each month, the Claremont City Council reviews departmental reports highlighting actions taken. On Aug. 11, the council received the July reports, confirming that summer 2021 is one of our busiest seasons in recent history. City employees, community partners and volunteers are all working together for the success of the greater Claremont area.
Here are some of the July highlights:
Claremont Fire DepartmentWith all the rain in July, waterways were swollen putting water enthusiasts at risk. Twice fire department personnel rescued people in distress; a stranded boater on the Connecticut River and two adults and a pet in high water in Newport.
Claremont Municipal AirportNow that the new terminal building is finished, preparations for more improvements are underway. The evaluation of the runway asphalt surface is complete, a requirement for the Runway Rehabilitation Project scheduled to begin in the spring of next year. Casella Construction received the bid for the Airport Obstruction Removal Project which will begin this winter.
Fiske Free LibraryAs host of the Summer Reading Program, the library has scheduled events throughout the summer for children. Representing the Children’s Literacy Foundation of Vermont, author Mary Kelley came to the library and distributed books donated by the foundation to the 60 children who attended.
Claremont Parks & Recreation DepartmentThe department has partnered with SAU 6 for the summer youth program which consists of six, one-week sessions that started on July 5 and run through Aug. 13. The morning portion of the program is housed at the Maple Avenue Elementary School where youth participate in educational activities. In the afternoon, participants take part in various recreational activities, including sports/games, arts and crafts, swimming, and nature. This popular program is averaging 190 children a week.
Claremont Planning and Development DepartmentConstruction is occurring throughout the city. New single-family homes are being built. The conversion of the Peterson Mill Building into 83 market rate apartments continues. The temporary water main has been installed in preparation for the complete reconstruction of downtown Pleasant Street. Approval has been granted for a new dealership on Charlestown Road, and the New Hampshire Liquor Store is about to open at its new location on Washington Street.
Claremont Police DepartmentThe Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredited department has recruited two new officers and Officer Michael Gilboy is scheduled to graduate from the New Hampshire Police Academy in August. Deputy Chief Grasso initiated the idea of hosting the city’s first National Night Out event. Partnering with Parks and Recreation, the Police Department held this event in early August.
Claremont Department of Public WorksEfforts to remove all lead from the city’s water distribution system continue. The department is coordinating with property owners in the Bluff area to remove lead service lines before paving begins in the neighborhood. As a result of a waterline leak on Washington Street, the department discovered and removed a lead coupling. The success of “Operation Get the Lead Out’ is reflected in recent tests which detect no lead in the water.
The level of activity in July only promises to be higher as the city prepares for two high profile events. On Aug. 21 and Aug. 22, Claremont will host the Eastern States Cup Enduro race at Arrowhead. Volunteers, led by Rob Walker of Claremont Cycle Depot, are updating and expanding the trail network in preparation for the race. Approximately, 350 participants, including pro riders, have signed up for the race.
In September and October, Claremont will host the regional meet for the Special Olympics. Track and field events will take place at Monadnock Park on Sept. 18. Swimming events will take place in October at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center.
Because city staff, community partners and volunteers are working together for the benefit of the community, Claremont is attracting new development and new recreational opportunities. The above are just a few highlights, but there is much more. Further information is available on our website at claremontnh.com.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected]
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.