Over a hundred residents, business owners, employees and city officials came out to witness the anticipated Crown Point State of the City address given by the gregarious man of the hour, Mayor David F. Uran.
Those who endured the brisk and windy weather were treated to libations during the pre-networking mix and mingle hour. The atmosphere had an infectious buzz with many laughs, hugs and smiles going around. Everyone was excited to hear what the Mayor has in store for the coming year.
“The Mayor has worked with a lot of the business owners and the new projects coming up will be great for the city. It will raise our property value and create jobs, which is a win-win for all of us,” expressed Crown Point Clerk - Treasurer, Kristie Dressel. “The city of Crown Point has moved forward. We still have the ‘mom and pop’ stores and we want to keep them, we respect them, yet at the same time we are still growing and we want to advance within the future of the new economic of the city.”
Mayor Uran highlighted developments such as a new city hall location, the four-lane expansion of 109th, a new Fire Sub-Station, an interactive online portal where residents can have access to things such as paying for permits and bills, a $250,000 recreation park, an upcoming business corridor on west 125th and the upcoming Bulldog Park.
“You’re going to see a brand new civic center and concession area where you’ll have an 85 by 200 ice skating rink,” shared Mayor Uran. “We’re going to start enjoying winter months here in Crown Point, we don’t want you to have to go away.”
The Mayor further expressed that during the summer months, the park will transform in to an outdoor event center where concerts and weddings can be held. He also highlighted that although calls for service from the Crown Point Police Department went up, the “battery, crime and burglary went down.”
Pete Land, Crown Point Chief of Police reflected on the Mayor’s positive stats.
“It’s a blessing because he knows why I’m asking for the things I need and he also knows that we’ve got growth, which is great. His vision is awesome, he’s a tireless person, and he’s from here. He only wants the best for Crown Point.,” said Land.
There was also a presentation for this year’s Youth Achievement Award. Michael Kroeger and Nathan Davids were the lucky recipients. Guests were treated to a highlight docu-video that went in depth on the volunteer and community activism the two gentlemen have engaged in. Both Kroeger and Davids were awarded a $500.00 scholarship check for exceeding the 40 hour community service requirement. Combined, the young men have provided 240 hours to the city.
Those in attendance also had the ability to vote live via mobile for the The Building Improvement & Investment Award. The businesses that were in running were: 2nd Life Resale, Leeps Waterplace, Coyne Veterinary Center, Off Square Brewing and Pops Commercial Development. After Mayor Uran presented his State of the City, the votes were in. The tied winners were: Coyne Veterinary Center and Off Square Brewing.
Longevity awards were given to Colonial Nursing & Rehab, St. Anthony’s Village, Gruel Brothers and Superior Petroleum for their respective 58, 79, 80 and 97 years of business.
“There was a great response from the community in terms of people interested in businesses and residents that have been serving the community for years,” expressed Mayor Uran. “There are business that will hit their 50 and 25 year mark next year and that shows the commitment the residents have to do business with the city of Crown Point.”
As the attendee’s were polishing off their delicious meals and desserts, Mayor Uran left the room with remarks of good fortune.
“We talked about last year and the great job on your residents being involved, we talked about 2018 and how its going to be. It’s a good time to be a resident of Crown Point, a good time to be a visitor of Crown Point,” stated the Mayor. “We believe in what we’re doing, we believe in what you’re doing and the partnerships that we have are fantastic.”
