THE CITY A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MIKE
W
e enter the New Year under a cloud of uncertainty as the coronavirus pandemic remains everpresent and cities across the country — Wilmington included — confront a rising tide of gun violence on our streets. Still, there is much cause for optimism as we look ahead to 2022. In the coming months, we will continue to welcome scores of new residents and businesses who will make Wilmington their new home. And as businesses both large and small are drawn to our City, they will bring with them hundreds of new, well-paying jobs. We’ve seen it already with Investor Cash Management and Citi, among others. New B&M Meats, along with Light Action’s multimilliondollar sound stage and the new CP Furniture factory, is poised to revitalize the Seventh Street Peninsula, while the Riverfront East development project will begin in earnest. Also, before the end of the year we will open the longawaited South Wilmington Wetlands Park. We are excited to host the Atlantic 10 Women’s Conference Championship Tournament at the Chase Fieldhouse, March 2-6, 2022, and then the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club in August. More importantly, federal ARPA funds will not only help to solidify the City’s financial situation as we emerge from the pandemic, we will initiate an unprecedented investment of $22M in historically underserved neighborhoods while also supporting workforce development and nonprofit community programming.
50 JANUARY 2022 | OUTANDABOUTNOW.COM
It is our expectation that by making our people and our neighborhoods stronger and more prosperous, coupled with the incorporation of proven violence-reduction models, we anticipate a more peaceful, more just City in the coming year. This year is already shaping up as a transformational one for Wilmington. And as we welcome back many of the events that bring us together as a City — from the popular Wilmington Art Loop to concerts and theater shows to sporting events and festivals — I continue to urge all residents to take all necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. That means getting vaccinated and boosted and tested for the virus, as well as following CDC guidelines regarding mask wearing, social distancing, and other preventative measures so we can finally put this scourge behind us. And when that day finally arrives, I have no doubt that our wonderful City will bounce back and thrive like never before. A City is nothing without its people, and we have some of the best. With everyone working together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. And I will continue to work with you to see that Wilmington’s has a brighter future ahead – one that is healthier, safer, cleaner, more efficient and more prosperous than ever. Have a Happy New Year!
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