Salem Mayor Nic Farley says job growth has returned to the city and looked back at a number of accomplishments during the past year in his annual State of the City Message.
Farley told those in attendance at the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon that the city’s recently completed strategic plan will be a roadmap that charts the course for the city’s future over the next five years. Goals have been set in five categories including support of downtown, commercial and industrial development, incentivizing residential housing development, infrastructure improvements, support and promotion of quality of life initiatives and activities, improve city-owned facilities and services and improve city-wide aesthetics.
Farley says new business development including the reopening of the ABC, the planned April reopening of the Village Gardens restaurant, and the conversion of the old Farm Fresh Store into CT Nails.
“Taking a look at the Orchard on the south side of town, that has really been revitalized and it looks fantastic. We’ve also seen manufacturing expand. Both NAL as well as Americana Outdoors and Little Egypt Golf Cars have all extended or expanded their facilities or hired more employees. Salem is hiring again.”
Farley noted numerous improvements during the past year including replacement of sidewalks on South Broadway and Little Egypt Lane, replacement of the South Broadway water main and gas line replacement on Edgewood Road, Oak Tree, and Shady Lane.
He says he couldn’t be more proud of the police, fire, public works, and emergency management agency departments for their quick response and cleanup following the March tornado on the south side of Salem last year.
Farley reviewed numerous improvements to the park system, including new fencing at the dog park, new picnic tables, and new sand volleyball courts to expand recreational offerings.
At the police department, Farley highlighted the implementation of body cameras for all officers and upgrade in-car camera systems and upgraded 911 software and other technology improvements.
Farley says a large number of projects are also planned in the coming year. They include $1.3-million in resurfacing parts of Jefferson, College, Kell and Boone Streets, replacement of 2,950 feet of gas mains and tie-ins at a cost of $2,749,150, and replacement of sidewalk on West Boone from Route 37 to College Street. New sewer lines are planned as part of a $250,000 project on Spruce and Hamilton Streets.
Farley reports the city will be working with the developer of a new apartment complex on Airport Road on incentives to bring much needed housing to the community. Work will also continue to demolish at least 26 dilapidated homes with a state grant.
The Mayor also encouraged the business community and residents to prepare for the total solar eclipse on April 8th and make the community welcoming to visitors.
Farley closed by asking everyone to build on past achievements and support the initiatives in the strategic plan.
“It isn’t just a document that we created. It’s a promise. A promise to ourselves, our community and the future generations of what we are working towards. We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the foundation needed for every individual in Salem to thrive. Together I hope you will join me and turn this vision into a reality.”
Farley says the end result will be a brighter future for the city. He also thanked everyone for past support and allowing him to serve as mayor.
