It all seems like a blur to him now, but Mayor Glenn Andersen reflects that 2010 saw new growth for the Town of St. Paul, including more business development on the east end of town and downtown, sidewalk replacement, and new traffic lights at the corner of 50th Avenue and Highway 881/40 Street.
There was a lot of talk about a new medical clinic for St. Paul in 2010, and the community voiced its commitment to build a new clinic at the east end of town for local doctors. “The clinic is a high priority for our council,” Andersen said, adding the committee dedicated to the medical centre was still working on trying to secure government funding for the project. “We’re getting there. The thing is we have to make sure all our ducks are in a row.”
Another highlight for the year was Oct. 18 municipal elections, in which Andersen was acclaimed as mayor. Andersen felt that with newcomer Don Padlesky joining the incumbents on town council this year, there was a good mix of fresh new blood and more experience at the table. “Our council is, politically speaking, young. That’s an interesting thing for St. Paul.”
Most of all, he finds the highlight of 2010 to be the energy in the business and social community. When he walks into a place of business in St. Paul now, he doesn’t automatically recognize everyone in the store or restaurant, which he believes is one indication there are more new people coming to St. Paul all the time. “That’s a good sign that our economy is growing.”
In 2010, the town did not do any work on the walking trail that wraps around St. Paul. However, Andersen said that in 2011, the town has budgeted to extend the trail alongside Lagasse Park so that eventually, it will connect to the portion running alongside the golf course.
He sees new development in store for 2011, for instance, with a new building slated for construction in the empty lots across from the movie theatre on 50 Avenue. He points out that town council is keen on finishing sidewalk replacement in the downtown up to the landing pad on the west end of town, and in setting more funds aside for residential sidewalk replacement.
“I think St. Paul’s in for another good year, especially with downtown revitalization.”
