January 1, 2010
Happy New Year to our assembled guests, elected officials, family and friends. This day marks the beginning of a new decade, the second of the 21st century, and a time to review the events of the past year and to make projections for the future. Factoring in national, state, and county issues, we can adopt as our theme Charles Dickens line from A TALE OF TWO CITIES, "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."
One negative that turned into a positive was a difficult 9 month search for a Business Administrator, which culminated in the hiring of Mr. Bill Close, a genuine professional, whose experience and expertise will improve communication and productivity. We also welcome Ms. Marge Verga, a long time devoted employee who was sworn in today as our full time municipal clerk. Those employees of the town of Dover who work tirelessly to serve the residents and enable services to be rendered are also recognized. We are most effective when we work together.
Economic issues are paramount in all of our lives as we watch our nation struggle for stability and recovery. In Dover we maintained financial stability in 2009, and during these difficult times had one of the lowest tax increases in the history of our town. The much scrutinized revaluation process has been completed, with many people reporting tax decreases.
2010 may be more difficult with cuts in state aid, the uncertain status of the state, and new state leadership. The difficulty is balancing the budget to minimize any increase without the disruption or deterioration of services.
Our infrastructure continues to improve with projects completed, in progress, and anticipated. The Salem St. Bridge project was completed ahead of schedule and serves as an example of preserving the historical integrity of a structure while rebuilding it. This past Wednesday we honored our fallen police officer, Arthur J, Olsen on the 6th anniversary of his death, with a bronze plaque permanently affixed to the bridge in memory of his sacrifice in the line of duty.
The much anticipated, complex Rt.46 bridge project is underway after 15 years in the making. We are also looking forward to the replacement of the Prospect St. Bridge. All of these projects involved minimum disruption and maximum safety adherence.
Our new electronic parking system is in place and operational, and we are currently working on details that will improve the service to residents, shoppers, business owners, and commuters.
This year we tested the ability of our OEM and Health Departments to deal with the H1N1 concerns and possible epidemic, and successfully hosted several vaccine clinics.
Our efforts to revitalize downtown Dover while preserving its illustrious past have been consistent, but have met with obstacles of economic downturn and developer rejection of state-mandated affordable housing quotas. Our goal to spur redevelopment persisted nonetheless, and an ordinance passed Thuesday night, Dec.29, will allow us to implement our Transit-Oriented Development Plan through zoning. This Plan creates 4 areas, the train station area, Blackwell Street Historic, East Blackwell Business, and South Downtown districts. The downtown area will be more pedestrian friendly, energy efficient, and historically appealing. The ordinance states as its goal the creation "of a civic core of the town with the Dover Train Station as its focus", includes surrounding residential development, and "a public plaza and outdoor dining space." Despite lagging housing sales, there is a market for urban living with its amenities and available transportation.
Always at the heart of our plans to rejuvenate and redevelop Dover is the issue of historic integrity. After several years of planning, the approval of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the formation of the Historic Preservation Commission, we have adopted our Form-Based Code which denotes specific objectives and regulations for building heights and widths, facades, and streetscapes. It aims to consider the needs of various groups: businesses, pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, and transit riders-- to create an active, attractive, functional, and comfortable realm. Finally, it provides design standards to guide the architecture of new development to complement historic character. It is obvious that this governing body is very excited about this plan and will work hard in 2010 to bring it to fruition.
Finally, an important "best" is the recognition once again of Dover HS as one of the top 3 in NJ. A strong school system is the foundation of a town upon which to build.
As always I will continue to work with and for the residents of Dover, and with the Board of Alderman, and Town employees to preserve our community and quality of life.
I close with my heartfelt wishes to you all for a healthy, prosperous, peaceful New Year in which people will come together for the good of our nation.
God Bless us all and God Bless America.
Mayor James P. Dodd
