Welcome back to warm weather season! Our city is buzzing with summer activities, outdoor dining, and community events. As we transition into these warmer months, please keep a few important things in mind.
Safety is our top priority, especially around school zones and construction areas as school lets out for summer. You’ll notice increased foot traffic downtown as businesses set up their outdoor seating, and work is temporarily underway on the Taylor Park flag pole for repainting. Our police officers are on foot patrol throughout the community – be sure to say hello when you see them!
As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, remember to be mindful of safety with BBQs and campfires. Our local shops and restaurants are ready to welcome you, making it the perfect time to explore downtown.
Mark your calendars for the Second Annual Ward 5 Block Party at Barlow Street School on July 12th, 11 AM – 3 PM. Come join your neighbors for this wonderful community celebration!
OUR NEIGHBORS’ EVENTS
– Vermont Dairy Festival (69th) – Village of Enosburg Falls, June 5 starting at 6 PM through June 8 until 4 PM
City News
HOUGHTON PARK STORMWATER PROJECT
The Houghton Park stormwater project will begin in the coming months to create additional water storage capacity for heavy rain and snowfall. The underground system will reduce sewer and septic runoff into our brooks while remaining hidden beneath the park. For more information about the project, visit our city website or contact your Alderperson.
Events
Check out some of the upcoming events in our great city.
– Theatre Camp – limelightacademy.org – June 16-July 11 & July 14-August 8, K-8th Grade at the Highgate Manor
– Saint Albans Recreation – stalbansvt.myrec.com
– Day Camp – Rec Rascals (4 & 5 y/o)
– Day Camp Summer 2025 (6-12 y/o)
– June Rec Days
– Teen Adventure Camp 2025
– WARD 5 BLOCK PARTY – July 12, 11 AM – 3 PM
Join us for grilled burgers and hot dogs, live music, family games, and our first-ever Ward 5 Pie Baking Championship! To enter the pie contest, email erik@ward5vt.com.
Every month I attempt to highlight upcoming events, activities, and community opportunities that are open to the public, are hosted by a non-profit organization or city department, and don’t hold any political or religious biases.
City Board Highlight
Every month I highlight one of our amazing city boards and commissions whose work helps make our city a better place to live. This month, I’m excited to feature the Planning Commission.
The **Planning Commission** advises the City’s planning program, discusses new initiatives for growth and development in the City and drafts the Municipal Plan and Land Development Regulations. The commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:00 PM at City Hall, with remote attendance options available. Few other local boards have more of an effect on long-term planning and projects in our community, making this volunteer board’s work essential for shaping St. Albans’ future development.
Join a Board: https://stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=B3C46B2E-6B0B-40D0-8F53-88D776D64DD0
GET INVOLVED
Have a question, concern, or suggestion for our ward? Reach out to me at erik@ward5vt.com. I’m here to listen!
Note: This newsletter is shared by me as a neighbor and engaged community member. It is not an official release from the City Council and does not represent the Council’s official positions or views.
Join A Board
The most effective City Councils depend on commissions and advisory groups to provide guidance that aligns with our community’s desires and needs. Information about these boards can be found on the city website here: stalbansvt.com/boards. We’re continually looking for motivated individuals who want to become more involved in our city. Check out the current board openings at: stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=B3C46B2E-6B0B-40D0-8F53-88D776D64DD0