Tom Ambrosino, the City Manager, expressed this week his belief that the time has come for the City to direct resources toward various improvements, ranging from Broadway infrastructure enhancements to expanding the Fire Department.
The City’s historically conservative financial management has resulted in a strong fiscal position, according to Ambrosino. Given this stability, he suggested that now presents an opportunity to allocate funds toward service enhancements and urban beautification initiatives.
“fblikebutton_button” “I agree (that the City has been conservative) and it probably is time that the City start spending on services,” Ambrosino stated. “I think the infrastructure on the Broadway business corridor should be done. I think we could probably spend more in our departments. I’m thinking in particular DPW and the Fire Department. They probably could use a few more individuals.”
The City Manager has expressed particular enthusiasm regarding several areas of potential development: City Hall, Bellingham Square, and the Broadway business corridor have captured his attention.
To reimagine these spaces, Ambrosino has enlisted both the Planning Department and The Neighborhood Developers to evaluate the streetscape with fresh perspectives and to explore possibilities for reconfiguring the Square.
“I think Broadway could require some significant investment to improve its aesthetics in the Bellingham Square and Broadway, down the business corridor… I think we need to make it ‘pop’ a little. It has big bones. It has the people and it has the businesses. It has the right mix of residential above the businesses. Again, it has the bones of being something special, but it really needs some attention,” he explained.