We're Looking Forward to 2010

The Town of Clayton had a solid year last year despite the economic downturn that created problems all over the country, including here. In fact, you could call it a top 10 year.

Part of the reason for that is the solid financial standing the town has enjoyed over the last few years. Maintaining and even building on that standing was one of last year's top goals, and it remains a top goal this year. Despite the downturn, we intend to continue taking the steps that keeps our financial standing strong.

And we intend to continue working to make our community one of the most desirable places in the nation to live and raise a family. Making the nation's top ten was thrilling, but we have no intention of being a one-year wonder. Here's a quick look at a few of the projects we'll be working on in 2010 that we believe will help keep us at the top.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail: We'll be working with a $3.6 million state grant this year that will speed up construction of the part of the Trail that comes through here. We'll be linking with greenways and other parts of the Trail much sooner than originally expected. The dream of being able to walk across the County---and the state---surrounded by the beauty of nature is quickly becoming a reality.

More and better parks: Work should begin later this year on Phase One construction of East Clayton Community Park on Glen Laurel Road and on upgrades to All-Star Park on Front Street. The faith you showed in us two years ago in approving a multi-million-dollar bond issue for parks and streets should be showing some fantastic results. We're also going to be working to acquire land for more parks.

New Law Enforcement Center: We're hoping that work can begin later this year on our new downtown $6 million Law Enforcement Center. We have a top-notch Police Department---one of the few in the nation to win full accreditation---and we want them to have top-notch facilities. We've concentrated over the last few years on making the Department as professional as it can be, and now it's time to concentrate on providing them the facilities they need.

More public art: We unveiled our first public art project last year---a mural at the Clayton Center, and we want to unveil a second one---a mural at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library---this summer. We still have some details to work out, but I'm excited to see the town take another large step toward becoming known as an arts community. Our support for the arts has been growing over the last few years, and I'm happy to see it continue.

Downtown Centerpiece: Our efforts to help revitalize downtown will take a huge step forward later this year with the construction of an aesthetic Centerpiece on the vacant lot at Lombard and Main Streets. In addition to adding to the beauty of downtown, the Centerpiece will provide a new home for the Clayton Farmers Market.

Streets and sidewalk improvements: Streets and sidewalks all over town will get an upgrade this year thanks to the bond issue.

Increased sewer capacity: It's no secret that Clayton is growing---and fast. And it's no secret that growth requires more and more sewer capacity, something that we've been working on for the last few years and plan to continue working on this year. We have new projects underway and in the planning stages, plus one involving the City of Raleigh that should help us provide for both the industrial and residential expansions we expect to see.

I could go on and on, but I'm running out of space. We're a growing town, and we're very excited about 2010.

We wish you the very best in the new year.