Despite being in “survival mode” because of a tough economy, Mayor Mark A. Lauretti said he’d like to see several city projects move forward in 2010.
But some of the timelines for completion may be extended due to budget tightening at the local, state and federal levels.
“Everybody’s goal is to survive the government,” Lauretti said. “State and federal. That’s the whole ball of wax. You can’t do anything unless you have good finances.”
Lauretti recently spoke about his goals for Shelton in 2010, although he was reluctant to pin down too many specifics.
“I don’t like to get too committed publicly,” Lauretti said. “People need flexibility to accomplish these things. As soon as you deviate, you’re being demonized.”
Among the items Lauretti highlighted:
Canal Street
The city is moving forward with plans to clean up several sites along Canal Street, and to complete road work and a railroad crossing improvement to pave the way for a mixed residential-commerical development there.
The clean-up depends a lot on state and federal grants for brownfield remediation.
The road improvements are on the city, Lauretti said.
“That’s going to happen,” Lauretti said of road improvements. “We’re going to have to pare it back a bit, and do it in phases.”
Public Works Purchases
Lauretti said he wants to look into more public works trucks to be able to have city workers do more jobs that are now outsourced.
“I’m focused on beefing up our public works equipment to be able to do more things in house,” Lauretti said. “We do some paving, but not enough.”
To pave more of the city’s streets itself, Lauretti said Shelton would need more trucks and pavers. But the purchases aren’t in the budget this year, he said.
Animal Shelter
Lauretti said the committee working on finding a new site for an animal shelter is ready to start putting together a building plan.
The city has wanted to build a new animal shelter for a couple years, because the current site is outdated.
The Animal Shelter Building Committee has said it wants the new building to go on Riverdale Avenue, near the current building.
“I think it deserves city support,” Laurett said.
Others
Other projects Lauretti said the city will remain committed to, despite the economic downturn, include completion of a recreation path, community gardens and a dog park.
“A lot of it is very small stuff,” Lauretti said. “But nonetheless, it has a big impact on the public.”
