First Selectman’s Year in Review

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By First Selectman, Fred Camillo

As I finished my first month in office one year ago, neither I, nor anyone, could have imagined what was in front of us. The year 2020 began ­-  we were excited, enthusiastic, and energized. Then, the progress of the first few months of 2020  suddenly halted as the Town, state, nation, and the world needed to shift gears and prepare for something not experienced since 1918: a worldwide pandemic known as COVID-19.  While this unpredictable virus presented one of the most challenging years in anyone’s memory, it also offered silver linings in the form of opportunities.

The possibility of a complete government and economic shutdown was discussed  in  midMarch. That scenario would have led to an economic collapse and caused just as much misery and suffering as this deadly virus itself. Facing that and other uncertainties, Town officials, the business community, and our residents stepped up, acted quickly, and averted the feared worst-case scenarios. Holding virtual meetings  started almost immediately, after just a few short trial runs. Working with Zoning and Public Works officials, options such as outdoor dining, something being planned for the future, was now urgently needed if our restaurants were to survive. This resulted in the transformation of the look and atmosphere of Greenwich Avenue and a few other parts of town where restaurants went outdoors. This is something we are committed to continuing on a permanent basis, too.

Long-standing issues, concerns, and problems were addressed. Projects and ideas including:

  • A new Eastern Greenwich Civic Center;
  • The complete redesign of Roger Sherman Baldwin Park;
  • The beautification of Greenwich Avenue with public safety  enhancements;
  • Enhancement projects in each section of Town;
  • The establishment of a Town energy policy advisory committee tasked with developing a Town energy policy;
  • Recycling of additional items out of the solid waste stream;
  • The embracing of public-private partnerships ( P3 );
  • Following the P3 initiatives, supported the acquisition of 73 acres of  Aquarion land;
  • The selection of a new fire chief;
  • The reorganizations of both the Greenwich Police and Fire departments and increased public safety initiatives;
  • The creation of a storm preparedness policy;
  • Empaneling a committee that addressed and resolved the Greenwich Plaza air rights issue, saving the Town a valuable asset:
  • Working with developers and property owners in downtown area with focus on enhancing properties under private ownership to compliment Town improvements currently under way and being planned;
  • Multiple public parking solutions aimed at improving access to shopping and dining;
  • The first ever night meetings of the Board of Selectmen, which will resume when in-person meetings are allowed;
  • Increased and daily presence on social media; and
  • Weekly and consistent communication with the Town’s residents were established.

While the ship of state is alive, well, and  following a prosperous and healthy course, the  new year will  present challenges related to normal pressures as well as those associated with the virus.  We need to maintain our vigilance, staying focused and determined, standing strong in the face of the health threat this disease will bring in 2021.

The coming new year will also continue to offer a landscape fertile for more innovation and progress. Our collective efforts will yield benefits that will be enjoyed by both the present and future generations of Greenwich residents. It is with this optimism and gratitude that I thank the people of Greenwich for keeping their eyes on the ball, and for working together to ensure we come out of this pandemic in a more efficient and effective state.

I also would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, safe, and successful New Year. Together, we will make the Town of Greenwich an even better place to work, visit, and call home.

 

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