By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – In his 2012 Year in Review Report to the residents of Marlborough, Mayor Arthur Vigeant outlined the progress and accomplishments of the first year of his administration and welcomed and encouraged feedback. The report was mailed out recently to all residents in the city.
Vigeant emphasized the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off (SCRPT) Program, ?”first-ever” Job Fair, Youth Jobs Program and companies who announced plans to move to Marlborough in the near future, “which has made significant economic development advancements,” he said.
Vigeant's pledge to strengthen the city's communication with its residents was carried out by launching an official Facebook page. “Adding Facebook to the city's communication tools has enhanced our ability to communicate with more residents, particularly during times of inclement weather and other emergencies,” he said. Activity on the Facebook page increased more than 70 percent during Hurricane Sandy, he reported.
Another communication vehicle established was Blackboard Connect, a new mass notification system that enhances communications and emergency preparedness so residents can receive real-time alerts from officials.
The mayor credited work done by the City Council and City Council President Patricia Pope in fine-tuning the SCRPT program, which he said “promotes volunteerism and engagement and is a win-win for both the city and the participants.” After launching the program, 25 applicants were randomly selected.? Qualifying participants are now working in the School Department, Council on Aging, Housing Division, Department of Public
Works, and as City Hall greeters.
“The local economy received a significant boost last year when two nationally known companies announced their plans to establish a presence in Marlborough,” Vigeant said. ?The TJX Companies, Inc. reached an agreement with the city to occupy over 700,000 square feet of space in the facility that was formerly occupied by Fidelity Investments.? The company will bring nearly 1,600 permanent, full-time jobs to the site located at 300-400 Puritan Way.
“Quest Diagnostics has leased approximately 200,000 square feet of space at 200 Forest St., the former Hewlett Packard campus. The redevelopment of this site is a significant economic advance for the city as it will bring not only a state-of-the-art facility but also an estimated 1,200 permanent, full-time jobs to a facility that has been largely vacant since 2008,” said Vigeant in his report.
Also contributing to the economic development of the city was Boston Scientific Corporation's decision to expand its operation in the city by consolidating its Natick global headquarters into its Marlborough location. Construction of the new project is expected to begin this spring
The mayor also cited the opening of the Lake Williams Trail last October, constructed by the DPW Forestry and Parks crew, with the help of Conservation Commission summer interns.? The trail follows around the lake and climbs to the top of the hill, providing a spectacular view across the lake.? The trail is open to the public, with parking and access from Lizotte Drive.
Another recreation enhancement is the Memorial Beach project. Through the $400,000 grant awarded to the city by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs extensive?? improvements will be made, including upgraded bathhouse facilities, upgraded picnic area and grills, pathway improvements and perimeter walking trails.
Vigeant served 18 years on the City Council and was Council President when he ran for the city's top seat. He recently announced that he is running for re-election this fall. He has recently come under fire from some city residents who are opposed to his plan to build a new Senior Center at Ward Park.
