Says objectives embody concerns of residents, officials and staff

By Greg Ellison

(Jan. 27, 2022) Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall on Monday reviewed the goals and objectives he set for 2022 after hearing from other elected officials, staff and residents.

“I sent a social media request to the public to send in their ideas,” he told the Town Council.

Tyndall said residents’ concerns were combined with suggestions from council members and department heads.

“The first goal is to maintain and create safe, inclusive public spaces,” he said.

Ideas listed in this category included continuing to pursue the plan to build a new community center, improving the walking path at Stephen Decatur Park, replacing playgrounds infrastructure with inclusive recreational equipment and establishing a dog park in Berlin.

Further objectives were renovating the Veterans Memorial on Main Street, redeveloping Burbage Park, finalizing a sustainable path for Heron Park, identifying locations for a skate park and creating a pocket park on the corner of Flower and Bay streets.

The second goal is supporting diverse art and cultural activities in town.

This list includes holding a Flower Street Festival, introducing an annual Homecoming Parade, developing a gospel festival and exploring options for an outdoor concert venue.

Goal three involves enhancing safety for the community and town staff.

To that end, Tyndall mentioned continuing to evaluate the use of speed cameras, developing a pedestrian and bicycle safety program, as well as creating an emergency community response team.

Tyndall also mentioned working with the State Highway Administration to install traffic lights on both ends of Main Street.

“Where it intersects the highway,” he said.

Also, exploring potential locations for roundabouts in town was on the list.

The fourth goal involved management and maintenance of infrastructure.

“The focus is on stormwater and flood management projects,” he said.

Tyndall said replacing broken liquid fuel generators with natural gas models is under consideration.

Other objectives include completing an electric rate study, replacing aging water meters, street maintenance and renovating the old police station in Town Hall.

“Review a parking study and work towards a solution for parking,” he said.

The next goal discussed was increasing interconnectivity between neighborhoods.

In addition to working with SHA to install crosswalks, other aims are building a pedestrian bridge across Route 113 at Bay Street and launching phase one construction for the Rails for Trails pathway project.

Further 2022 goals for Berlin include promoting environmental stewardship and managing natural resources.

Under this category  Tyndall mentioned instituting the Berlin Beatification Committee, installing a water bottle refill station, expanding recycling programs and providing composting options.

Increasing tourism and supporting the business community was another goal.

“Rebrand the town as a destination community,” he said.

Improving Berlin’s financial position was the next objective raised. That includes providing equitable funding for Fire/EMS services, maintaining the current property tax rate and finalizing the American Rescue Act spending plan.

The final goal is transparency with residents, which includes increasing online document access, filling vacant seats on advisory commissions, completing a strategic plan and implementing short-term rental regulations.