By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Greenfield, MA) Thursday night Mayor Roxann Wedegartner delivered her “State of the City” address. In her speech, Wedegartner discussed the challenges of the pandemic and highlighted the effort to create a stronger, more livable community despite those challenges.
“When it comes to downtown Greenfield, we continue to invest. Keeping Downtown Greenfield and our Main Street a workable, viable and attractive place to do business, access services, and have a little fun are fundamental to our recovery and renewal,” said Wedegartner.
Wedegartner also looked to the financial future of Greenfield, noting that higher property values create a healthier economy. Steady commercial growth and the largest tax decrease in 10 years contributed to what Wedegartner called financial stability in the Greenfield economy.
“Our overall long-term financial stability depends on the city increasing the market value of its real property,” said Wedegartner after almost apologizing for the higher property tax rates that go along with increased property values.
The speech covered clean energy efforts in the city as well and COVID-19 vaccination measures. Wedegartner concluded by promising to continue to improve the city while she is in office.
“In closing, what I hope you have taken away from this State of the City address is that I go to work every day, along with the rest of your neighbors who work for the city, with the intention of making Greenfield a stronger, better, more livable community,” said Wedegartner.