New housing, parks, and job opportunities are a few of the things Plymouth residents can expect to see in the near future, according to Mayor Mark Senter. During his annual State of the City Address Monday, Senter gave an update on the city’s progress in implementing its 2013 Comprehensive Plan.
As part of that effort, he said the city’s park facilities have taken a major step forward, with more improvements planned later this year. “This spring, we will be cutting a ribbon on the new Mary Beth Hunter Tennis Complex in Centennial Park that has been talked about for years, Senter said. “Engineering is still underway for the second phase of the Greenways Trail, and hopefully a canoe launch will be readied near River Park Square sometime soon.”
Meanwhile, work continues to establish more of an identity for the City of Plymouth. Senter said that with the gateway signage nearly complete, attention is now turning to installing 22 wayfinding signs to direct people to various destinations around the city.
During his address, Senter also highlighted the continuing redevelopment of the city’s downtown. It will take a big step forward this June, with the groundbreaking of the River Gate South apartment project. Senter also praised efforts to preserve the Rees Theater, calling it one of the city’s greatest downtown assets. “I love the idea of Downtown Plymouth becoming an arts and entertainment destiny,” they mayor said. “We have a great beginning with Wild Rose Moon, Encore, Heartland Artists, and the city’s Friday concerts at River Park Square. Let’s all make this a goal, working with Discover Plymouth.”
However, he said the area west of downtown also needs some attention. “With mostly railroad property, that section of the city needs a makeover,” he said, “and I still think housing is the answer.” Senter said Plymouth is also working with the Marshall County Board of Health to clean up the two motels on the city’s north side.
One challenge Plymouth faces, according to the mayor, is the nationwide trend of big box stores closing, as more people choose to shop online. However, what the city’s losing in retail, it’s making up with new industries. “Pretzels, Incorporated has taken over the shell building and currently have approximately 130 workers preparing to get that business up and cooking by the middle of March,” Senter noted.
Meanwhile, Senter also renewed his calls for increased dialogue with the city’s Latino community. As part of that effort, he said a new Latino festival is in the works for this September.
You’ll be able to hear Senter’s entire State of the City Address this Sunday at noon on Maximum Impact.
