OSWEGO – Mayor Billy Barlow held his annual State of the City Address last night, January 12, when he gave a recap of 2020 and his plans for 2021.
The mayor gave the pandemic-weary community a renewed sense of optimism and purpose for the upcoming year: physical and economic healing from the ravages of COVID-19, and a continued investment in city residents, workers, businesses and the waterfront.
“Our 2021 agenda supports our citizens and small businesses through the duration of the pandemic and outlines specific projects and initiatives to continue building our momentum and making progress despite the on-going challenges,” Barlow said.
The mayor outlined a new initiative called the “Heroes as Neighbors” Program – a partnership between the city government and Pathfinder Bank to cover closing costs on the sale of a home in Oswego for frontline workers, first responders and active-duty military.
The program gives young professionals and families the opportunity to move closer to their places of employment while taking advantage of the Oswego area and lakeside amenities.
Discussion of lowered building permit fees, a $100 deduction in water/sewer bills and waterfront upgrades were also addressed.
Barlow spoke of the $16 million reconstruction project that began along Oswego’s shoreline last June, both Breitbeck Park and Wright’s Landing Marina receiving flood damage prevention upgrades.
The International Pier is also part of the multi-phase project, the once underutilized gravel driveway now becoming a pedestrian only, interactive boardwalk.
The boardwalk will incorporate a public dock access, including seating areas and a community space for events and various public activities. Construction will begin this spring with an end date slated for the summer of 2022.
“The City of Oswego, for decades, has failed to fully capitalize on our waterfront and natural assets. In 2021 that changes, as we use our waterfront to our advantage and capitalize on the natural resources we’re so fortunate to have right here in our own backyard,” Barlow said. “Between the additional Lakeside Park, completion of Harbor Trail, improvements to Wright’s Landing and the transformation of the International Pier, 2021 will be a historic moment for Oswego’s waterfront.”
Barlow gave special recognition to former Oswego Mayor William S. Cahill, Jr. During his time in office from 1980-87, Cahill was formative in the creation of the West Linear River Walk Veteran’s Stage and the reconstruction of Wright’s Landing Marina.
“To remember, recognize, and honor Bill Cahill for the mark he left on our community, upon completion, we’ll dedicate the new pier to him, bearing his name – a name so closely affiliated with our waterfront and city,” Barlow said.
Other highlights from Barlow’s State of the City Speech are as follows:
- Complete Wright’s Landing Marina $3.1 million improvement project, open June 1st
- Open new splash pad water playground at Breitbeck Park
- Break ground on $9 million transformation of International Pier, dedicate to Mayor Bill Cahill
- Reduce water and sewer bills by $100 a year for ALL users
- Launch “Heroes as Neighbors” Program, covering closing costs for frontline workers, military
- Reduce all building permit fees by 50%
- Refurbish box lacrosse court at Fort Ontario
- Complete and improve police reinvention collaborative
- Administer another $10,000 round of small business “Buy One Get One” Program
- BEAT COVID-19!
Several of the proposals and projects will come before the Oswego Common Council for consideration in the coming weeks and months. Barlow thanked City Officials for their dedication and continued hard work, especially throughout the pandemic.
“Between our downtown revitalization developments, upcoming waterfront projects, improvements to our parks and neighborhoods, and lowering the cost of living in Oswego, there is more happening in our community than has happened in decades,” Barlow said. “This city has limitless potential, and we are unlocking more of it every moment. All we have to do is work together, be positive, be confident, believe in ourselves, lift each other up and work hard to improve our city each and every day, and that is exactly what we’re going to do in 2021.”
Live video of the speech can be viewed here.
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Great city, great happenings, great mayor with a game plan for years to come….. Now I just wish he would get the beautiful clock on East First street at the cross walk with correct time…. Keep up the great work