**WARDLY NEWS – January 2025**
====== HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ======
Hello, neighbors! I’m Erik Johnson, your Ward 5 City Councilor, here to keep you updated on the latest happenings in our ward and across St. Albans. I’m always available to hear your thoughts, concerns, or ideas. You can find more info, event details, and stay connected with Ward 5 at http://ward5vt.com.
== WARD UPDATES ==
1. **4-WAY STOP @ LINCOLN & FERRIS**
During the past year, several residents have expressed concerns about the Ferris and Lincoln intersection, particularly regarding vehicles running stop signs on Lincoln Street and general speeding issues. Following discussions with nearby residents and a review of city ordinances, we have reinstated the four-way stop at this intersection.
2. **COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT**
The ‘Five is Vibe’ team is working on more exciting wellness events. Our next event is the Ward 5 Winter Block Party, more info below. If you’re interested in taking part in our wellness team, please email erik@ward5vt.com
3. **NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH**
Districts 3 and 4 have launched neighborhood watches after receiving strong interest from residents. If you’d like to start a neighborhood watch in Ward 5, please contact me, erik@ward5vt.com. I can help arrange meeting space and coordinate starting it up.
== CITY NEWS ==
1. **INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS @ FEDERAL & LOWER NEWTON**
The City has installed new traffic signals at Federal Street and Lower Newton to prepare for the upcoming residential development and new city road. The lights are not yet active, pending line striping and several other project completions.
2. **CITY COUNCIL MEETING**
The city council will be meeting again on Monday January 13th. You can find the agenda and information about other committee and board meetings on our city’s brand new website at http://stalbansvt.com.
3. **TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY**
Our City Police have made excellent progress in reducing crime and protecting our community. However, safety requires more than just police officers—it’s a shared responsibility that falls on all of us. As we travel through our city, let’s be mindful drivers: follow traffic rules, be courteous to others, and use crosswalks when crossing streets. It’s important to remember that we’re all sharing these roads together. Let’s work as one community to ensure everyone gets home safely.
== UPCOMING EVENTS ==
– **WARD 5 WINTER BLOCK PARTY**: Join us on Saturday January 18th from 1-3 for a Winter Block Party at Everett Johnson park behind the Barlow Street School. We’ll have a chili bar, hot cocoa bar, snow painting, music, fires, snowman building contest and more!
– **HARD’ACK WINTER CARNIVAL**: The St. Albans Recreation Department is once again planning the Hard’Ack winter festival on Friday, February 28. Visit: https://stalbansvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30165 for more information.
== GET INVOLVED ==
Have a question, concern, or suggestion for our ward? Reach out to me at erik@ward5vt.com or 802-393-8160. I’m here to listen!