Mayor reflects, looks forward for Warwick

Warwick — Mayor Michael Newhard delivered his state of the village address last week, a message of optimism for the coming year as well as a look back at where the village has come in the past year. First on Newhard’s list was the village’s fiscal health. In a year when neighboring villages saw double-digit increases in their taxes, residents in the Village of Warwick are looking at a 2.7 percent increase this coming year. “One year’s fiscal health impacts the next,” said Newhard. “The Village Board’s decision to pay down prior debt has defined a more stable economic environment. It has become clear to our Board that our community is at a breaking point in terms of tax burden, and it’s through responsible leadership on every level of government as well as within the power of our school administration that we must find new and cost-effective ways to balance efficiency and to deliver consistent, excellent service.” Roadwork The village’s Department of Public Works was one government group the mayor mentioned as giving excellent service to the residents. Among those services were the road reclamations throughout the year, including Southern Lane, Robert Drive, Country Lane, Ivy Place, Grove Street, Gordon Terrace and South Street Parking Lot. He noted that Division and Factory streets received new curbs, sidewalks and draining improvements, thanks to the county’s Community Development Grant. Newhard also talked about the much-anticipated water pressure pump that is scheduled to be installed on Hilltop Lane, giving the residents in that area decent water pressure, something that has been lacking for 25 years. Recreation Parks and Recreation was another area where the village was able to move forward. “The most important activity that happened in the area of our parks was through a grant from Orange County Planning,” said Newhard. “With the help of park planner, John Jadrosich, we were able to create a Master Plan for Memorial Park.” The village also dedicated the John Garcia Basketball Court at Stanley-Deming Park, saw record participation in the park and recreation program, and dedicated the sculpture, Seven Generations by Dr. Frederick Franck, at the Hallowed Ground. Arts also were thriving in the village. “Our popular concert series has found a new home at Railroad Green, presenting more concerts than ever,” Newhard said. “The Warwick Arts Festival used the village to present the mannequin project. It was a thoughtful, entertaining and creative use of art and environment.” Planning The village also did its part to keep the village green. More trees were planted this past year than ever before, thanks in large part to a Department of Transportation Program. And more are coming via a grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Those new trees will be planted on Van Buren, Howe, Division, John and Factory streets, Newhard added. The village has worked throughout the year on conforming its zoning to the Master Plan. That is now in draft form. A new handbook for village staff members was developed last year and is in place. “This is a comprehensive manual for village employees that defines every aspect of their job, rights, and responsibilities,” he said. New faces in government Newhard tipped his hat to the village’s new clerk, Jo-Ann Rome, who took over for Jacque Mongelli, who retired after 20 years of serving the village. “The Board wishes Jacque well and congratulates Jo-Ann for a seamless transition,” he said. “In the past six months, Jo-Ann has brought a high level of professionalism and has defined a positive work environment.” Newhard also gave a nod to first-year trustee Eileen Patterson, “who has brought energy and enthusiasm to her position and has been a catalyst to moving projects to fruition. The entire Board shares gratitude for her work.” Celebrate Warwick Looking forward, Newhard expressed his excitement for and commitment to the village. “Looking at the year ahead, I am excited,” said Newhard. “More than ever I feel a sense of commitment to a government that is open and is a representative tool that is positive, proactive, and protective. It is a vision and challenge that I share with you because this is a process that takes a commitment from each one of us. “I am a strong believer in the words of President Kennedy that ask ‘What can you do for your government?’” Newhard continued. “In my mind that is part of our success now and in the future. It will be that partnership that will help us in our fiduciary responsibility, our sensitivity to our environment, our empathy and understanding of diversity, our celebration of ourselves and our creative spirit. It is my desire and dream to create a safer, better, greener Warwick not only for the world to see but more importantly for us, its residents, to enjoy.”