BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
2003 was a good year for Clarkston. Mayor Sharron Catallo can attest to that.
The completion of new water lines and pavement was by far the biggest accomplishment for the city last year, according to Catallo. The project had been in the works for two and a half years.
Catallo cites the success of the project to the cooperation of residents, who she believed had to put up with a number of inconveniences throughout the project’s duration.
‘Basically, they were great about the whole thing,? Catallo said. ‘They put up with a lot.?
Accomplishing such a large venture for a community of Clarkston’s size was another aspect Catallo was especially proud of.
The project’s completion has received positive feedback so far from residents.
‘It really helped the visual aspect of the community,? Catallo said. ‘In the long run it will be very beneficial.?
Setbacks from ice storms earlier in the year forced the city to use funds to remove damaged trees. Catallo noted that natural disasters can take a toll on a city’s budget.
A welcomed addition to the city was a new front-end loader for maintenance. Catallo believes it was the right thing to purchase the updated piece of equipment as it’s technological features have helped city workers a great deal.
Looking ahead to 2004, Catallo hopes to focus on the city’s sidewalks next.
‘I’m a big sidewalk person,? Catallo said. ‘They’re a great way to join up neighbors.?
Pulling up the existing sidewalks and completely redoing them is a plan Catallo would like to see happen. However, officials will need to first investigate where funds will come from. Catallo hopes to find a way to make it inexpensive for residents.
In addition to updating sidewalks, Catallo would be excited to look at ways to update Depot Park. Again, the issue of funding would be looked at first.
‘In 1994 when the park was first established, it was such a nice community event,? Catallo said, noting she’d like to see another activity like that happen again. ‘The park is used all the time, especially with an influx of little ones around.?
All in all, Catallo sees nothing but good things for Clarkston in the year behind the city and the one to come.
‘Everything worked out really well,? Catallo said. ‘I didn’t put myself in the position to make one thing the top priority over another with so many variables to deal with.?