2007 brought positive growth in the form of new businesses. We welcomed Grave Scape and Look at Me on Providence Street, All Wear Clothing, and Black Swamp Customs on Waterville Street.
Jacky's Depot business was purchased by Brian Carol and is working out lease terms with the village. The building at 6726 Providence Street was sold to U-Gene Group LLC.
Hope United Methodist Church, Community of Christ Lutheran Church, Rexam Beverage Can Co and Anthony Wayne Plaza, the Shops at Blue Creek, have all done major remodeling, renovations or additions.
All of these businesses and projects help to strengthen our economic base. We will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to build and support our area businesses. We will also work hard to build and maintain a solid financial base for the community through economic growth and pursuit of grants. The Village is currently moving forward with the Downtown Grant Planning, which will help to strengthen our current downtown business sector. This includes applying for a $400,000 Tier Two Downtown Revitalization Grant.
Residential building has slowed all over the area, but the village issued 25 new home construction permits. In August, contractor registration began and so far 49 contractors have registered. This is a great tool for our residents.
The new fire services contract with Waterville Township now includes Fire Marshal and fire prevention language as well as traditional fire and EMS services.
Many discussions with Lucas County and the Village of Waterville resulted in an agreement on new water and sewer service areas. The State Route 64 waterline was completed to the east boundary of the water service area.
In 2007, the village welcomed a new Finance Director, Jordan Daugherty. In 2008 we may face additional staff transitions, but we will continue to work hard to provide quality services to our residents.
Maintenance of our infrastructure is important, and in 2007 we completed four major street projects. We continue to improve village streets with a State Issue II resurfacing project.
The 2007 Cherry Fest was very successful, thanks to the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce. The village approved a major Parks & Recreation Improvement Plan sponsored by the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation. Construction was begun on a new restroom facility in the park. All of these show a community committed to enhancing quality of life. We will continue to work with the Metro Parks, Northwest Ohio Rails to Trails, the YMCA and other entities that can help to promote well planned recreational development.
The village had a successful audit by the State Auditors for the years 2005 and 2006.
In 2008 we will continue to work closely with the neighboring communities such as Waterville Township, the Village of Waterville, and entities such as the Lucas County Community Improvement Corporation to develop a prosperous area.
We will work hard to ensure a positive, progressive future for the Village of Whitehouse.
Thank you and may God bless the Village of Whitehouse.