Sweeton offers his ‘State of Warwick' message

Warwick - The following is Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton’s state of the town report: 2006 was another year of improvement in delivery of services through fiscally responsible spending and targeted investments in town infrastructure. I would like to first and foremost thank our employees in all departments who work hard each and every day to provide essential services at the lowest possible cost. Their dedication to being the best is greatly appreciated. 2006 was a year of continued cooperation with our three villages. The new IMA for police services with the Village of Warwick was implemented, improving coverage and enhancing communications. An annexation agreement with the Village of Florida was signed ensuring that future development will benefit current residents as well as future ones. An agreement formalizing a sharing of building inspection with the Village of Greenwood Lake will save both municipalities tax dollars while improving services. Recreation Recreation continued to be a priority in 2006. The recreation committee has begun implementation of the Rec study recommendations. Two multi-purpose playing fields were completed and will go into service in 2007. An unused macadam area was prepared and converted for a future roller hockey rink. Funds have been committed for recreation upgrades in all three of our villages. The new beach in Greenwood Lake underwent a remarkable transformation by our DPW and was re-opened as the Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park. It opened to large crowds, became home to village concerts, special events and has become the place to be in the summer. Continued enhancements this winter will only make it better. A boat ramp was completed at the old beach on East Shore Road which will re-open in 2007 as a passive boat launch and rustic picnic ground. Police and transportation Our town increased its security and disaster preparedness as we meet the federal mandate to have all first responders and emergency officials trained in the National Incident Management System. Through grants secured by our police department we have improved our response and recovery capabilities. We continue to expand and enhance our transportation services with the recent inauguration of twice a week runs to the Town of Wallkill. Now our citizens can reach health services and shopping choices in Wallkill, Monroe, Chester, Washingtonville and Goshen - all on our own fleet of buses. ‘Smart growth’ Smart growth principles continue to be the bedrock upon which Warwick builds its future. Early in 2006 we purchased the development rights to the 204-acre Brady Farm. This pristine farmland surrounds and feeds the watershed of the Village of Warwick’s watershed, ensuring clean water for future generations. Our GEIS for the Route 94 business district nears completion and will provide new economic opportunities while respecting our development goals and surrounding national resources. Our four-year effort to put the question of imposing a real estate transfer fee for land preservation before the voters of our town was successfully concluded with the November approval of the WCPA. This legislation will ensure future funding to continue our successful farmland preservation program. 2007 will hold many challenges but with good planning, hard work, sound fiscal management and an informed citizenry, Warwick will continue to be a great place to live, work and raise your family.