Weekly Update 3/22/21

This week's updates:

The City Council voted to have the Law Department initiate the process of auctioning 100 Arlington Street. This comes after a party approached the City with interest in obtaining the parcel for development. This is a contaminated property and the successful bidder would have the opportunity to participate in the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program sponsored by the U.S. EPA to access funding to clean up the property. A final vote on allowing the parcel to be auctioned is scheduled for next week.

The Conservation Law Foundation gave a presentation elaborating on their letter regarding the public health and environmental concerns related to the proposed Aries gasification facility. I encourage everyone to watch this part of the meeting, and I will post the information that was provided once we receive it.

The City Council unanimously approved an appropriation of $226,000 for repairs to the Hopewell Pool. These repairs will ensure the long-term viability of the pool, and they should be done just in time for this summer's swim season.

The City Council approved the two ordinances that have been going through their three readings over the past few weeks. We have streamlined the requirements for non-retail businesses with overnight hours, and the number of recreational retail marijuana licenses will increase from 5 to 8.

Lastly, the City Council will be resuming live, in-person meetings beginning next week, as will the other City boards, committees, and commissions.