Op-Ed: Camillo's 2020 Year in Review

Greenwich CT

30 December, 2020

6:40 PM

Description

2020 Year in Review: An Op-Ed by First Selectman Fred Camillo As I finished my first month in office one year ago, neither I, nor anyone, could have imagined what was in front of us. The year 2020 began - we were excited, enthusiastic and energized. Then, the progress of the first few months of 2020 suddenly halted as the Town, state, nation, and the world needed to shift gears and prepare for something not experienced since 1918: a worldwide pandemic known as COVID-19. While this unpredictable virus presented one of the most challenging years in anyone's memory, it also offered silver linings in the form of opportunities. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.) The possibility of a complete government and economic shutdown was discussed in mid-March. That scenario would have led to an economic collapse and caused just as much misery and suffering as this deadly virus itself. Facing that and other uncertainties, Town officials, the business community, and our residents stepped up, acted quickly, and averted the feared worst case scenarios. Holding virtual meetings began almost immediately, after just a few short trial runs. Working with Zoning and Public Works officials, options such as outdoor dining, something being planned for the future, was now urgently needed if our restaurants were to survive. This resulted in the transformation of the look and atmosphere of Greenwich Avenue and a few other parts of town where restaurants went outdoors. This is something we are committed to continuing on a permanent basis, too. Long-standing issues, concerns and problems were addressed. Projects and ideas including: A new Eastern Greenwich Civic CenterThe complete redesign of Roger Sherman Baldwin ParkThe beautification of Greenwich Avenue with public safety enhancementsEnhancement projects in each section of townThe establishment of a town energy policy advisory committee tasked with developing a town energy policyRecycling of additional items out of the solid waste streamThe embracing of public-private partnerships (P3)Following the P3 initiatives, supported the acquisition of 73 acres of Aquarion landThe selection of a new fire chiefThe reorganizations of both the Greenwich Police and Fire departments and increased public safety initiativesThe creation of a storm preparedness policyEmpaneling a committee that addressed and resolved the Greenwich Plaza air rights issue, saving the town a valuable assetWorking with developers and property owners in downtown area with focus on enhancing properties under private ownership to compliment town improvements currently under way and being plannedMultiple public parking solutions aimed at improving access to shopping and diningThe first ever night meetings of the Board of Selectmen, which will resume when in- person meetings are allowedIncreased and daily presence on social mediaWeekly and consistent communication with the town's residents were established While the ship of state is alive, well, and following a prosperous and healthy course, the new year will present challenges related to normal pressures as well as those associated with the virus. We need to maintain our vigilance, staying focused and determined, standing strong in the face of the health threat this disease will bring in 2021. The coming new year also will continue to offer a landscape fertile for more innovation and progress. Our collective efforts will yield benefits that will be enjoyed by both the present and future generations of Greenwich residents. It is with this optimism and gratitude that I thank the people of Greenwich for keeping their eyes on the ball, and for working together to ensure we come out of this pandemic in a more efficient and effective state. I also would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, safe, and successful new year. Together, we will make the town of Greenwich an even better place to work, visit and in which to call home.