WARDLY NEWS
September 2025 🌞
Welcome to the September edition of Wardly News! As summer transitions to fall, we’re enjoying cooler mornings and evenings while leaves begin showing hints of color. September in Saint Albans offers that perfect blend of summer’s lingering warmth and autumn’s refreshing crispness.
This month brings renewed energy as families settle into school routines and local businesses prepare for seasonal shifts. I hope you’re enjoying the farmers’ market bounty and looking forward to upcoming fall festivities.
Regarding concerns about the city’s role in real estate acquisitions: municipalities naturally work with real estate to serve citizens through infrastructure maintenance, property records, and development guidance. When properties like the Saint Albans Messenger building become available, the city evaluates potential public benefits. The brownfield project on Lower Newton demonstrates how municipal involvement can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant developments.
Property acquisitions are primarily funded through Vermont’s TIF program established 15 years ago, designed to improve property values and expand the tax base without increasing burden on current taxpayers. City Council members serve as volunteers without compensation or direct property connections. The recent property reappraisal was state-mandated and doesn’t change the approved budget – it simply updates allocation based on current values. The city is working on options for significantly impacted residents.
📢 CITY NEWS 📢
HYDRANT FLUSHES
The city maintains fire hydrants to supply water during emergencies. These hydrants require regular flushing, which caused the brown water some experienced last week. This sediment needs to be flushed through – a necessary maintenance process most municipalities handle semi-annually. Thank you for your patience during this critical service.
COMMUNICATIONS
City staff is developing an electronic newsletter similar to this one. Please email suggestions for regular topics to erik@ward5vt.com.
BARLOW SCHOOL PARKING
To address drug activity and littering concerns at Barlow Street School Park, I’ve requested ordinance updates to limit evening parking. After consulting with neighbors, we believe this will help our police department address illegal activities. Residents needing overflow parking can use city streets – most Ward 5 roads offer parking on at least one side during evenings.
#DidYouKnow – City Paving Projects
The city manages paving through competitive bidding to ensure fiscal responsibility. Public Works prioritizes roads based on traffic volume, condition, and maintenance history. Despite Vermont’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles and occasional utility work requiring street openings, the city proactively addresses major issues within budget constraints.
JOIN A BOARD #GetInvolved
Effective City Councils rely on commissions and advisory groups. Find information at https://stalbansvt.com/boards and current openings at https://stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=B3C46B2E-6B0B-40D0-8F53-88D776D64DD0
⭐ UPCOMING EVENTS ⭐
Check out some upcoming events in our great city.
– NW FARMERS’ MARKET – Every Saturday until October 25, Taylor Park
– ST ALBANS BAY FARMERS MARKET – Every Thursday, 4:30-7:30 PM, St. Albans Bay Park
– FESTIVAL OF TREES – Keep an eye out for upcoming details about this year’s Festival!
I highlight events that are public, hosted by non-profits or city departments, and free from political or religious biases.
🏛 CITY BOARD HIGHLIGHT: Police Advisory Commission 🏛
The Police Advisory Commission links our community and law enforcement, advising the St. Albans Police Department on implementing 21st Century Policing strategies and assisting with the established “Road Map” as amended by City Council.
Join a Board: https://stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=B3C46B2E-6B0B-40D0-8F53-88D776D64DD0
✅ GET INVOLVED ✅
Questions or suggestions? Reach me at erik@ward5vt.com. I’m here to listen!
Note: This newsletter is shared by me as a neighbor, city councilor, and engaged community member. It is not an official release from the City Council and doesn’t represent the Council’s official positions.