MAYOR FANUCCI DELIVERS 2021 STATE OF THE CITY
ADDRESS TO THE VINELAND CHAMBER

VINELAND, NJ:  Mayor Anthony Fanucci delivered his 5th Annual State of the City address recently via Zoom to members of the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce.  The positive tone of the speech reflected on the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, achievements during the past year in the face of enormous challenges, and an agenda for 2021 which continues to move the city forward.

“2020 was a challenging year to be sure, but progress continued in the City of Vineland,” Mayor Fanucci said.  “From re-development efforts of blighted properties, public space and infrastructure improvements, and public safety enhancements; to strong code enforcement, new recreational opportunities, and economic development growth, the record is strong.”

“We could also not be happier that the Health Department recently held their initial Covid-19 vaccine clinics after receiving a small shipment of the Moderna vaccine.  First shots were administered to individuals in New Jersey’s phase 1a priority group. Additional clinics are being planned based on vaccine availability.  For more information on testing and vaccination clinics, please monitor the health department’s website and the city’s social media accounts.”

The Mayor addressed the impact of the pandemic on the city budget stating, “It has been challenging, but so far manageable, mainly because of the smart choices we made over the past four years in putting our fiscal house in order.  While we did see a decrease in revenue during 2020 from areas like court fees, user fees, and permits, property tax revenue to date has remained fairly stable.”

“To offset expenses directly related to managing the pandemic, we applied for and recently received approximately $1.5 million in additional emergency funding available to Vineland from the 2020 cares package,” Fanucci said.  “Further, as we contemplate the 2021 budget, we will do so in a fiscally responsible manner that minimizes tax revenue increases while maintaining current city services and adequate reserve funding.”

The Mayor reported that growth in our retail and industrial sectors remains vigorous for both new companies moving to the city, and existing companies expanding.

“In fact, there is currently over 1.5 million square feet of new commercial and industrial construction underway or approved to begin,” Fanucci continued.  “This includes new manufacturing operations like Comar and Rovognotti, and expansions at established companies like Northeast Precast, Davy Cold Storge, Freshwave, Del Rey Farms, Safeway, and Garton’s Rigging.  Consumers can soon enjoy a new Starbucks at Landis and Orchard, a new Dunkin at Lincoln and Dante, and a new Burger King near Delsea and College.  There is also a new Wawa, Family Dollar, and Shoprite on the way, among many other projects.”

The Mayor also spoke about immediate plans for the future.  “Moving forward, our 2021 agenda provides support for our residents and business community, and outlines specific projects and initiatives to continue making progress despite the on-going challenges the pandemic presents,” Fanucci said.  Short-term goals for the year include:

*   New road projects including the entire length of Palermo Avenue and Burns Avenue from the Boulevard to Main road. Resurfacing projects are scheduled for portions of 20 residential streets including 2nd, 6th, and 7th streets; and preservation projects for portions of 24 residential streets all totaling nearly ten and one half miles.  Many of these also include sidewalk and drainage improvements.
*   Extension of water lines on North East Avenue to Forest Grove Road, along with water main and service lateral replacement in parallel with road projects.
*   Finalize approval from the NJ Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration to publicly bid the Garden and Mill signal project.
*   Launch of a new electric and water outage management system to improve Municipal Utility customer service.
*   Complete the design for a new Fire Headquarters.
*   Seek grant funding to construct a new inclusive special needs park modeled after the nationally recognized Jake’s Place in Cherry Hill.
*   Install Fishing Line Recycling Stations at local fishing spots.
*   Apply to participate in the NJDEP’s Illegal Dumping Collaboration and Deterrence Initiative
The Mayor closed the nearly 20-minute speech recognizing the city staff, council members, and the entire Vineland Community.  “Thank you to the hundreds of city employees who have gone above and beyond to provide services, protect and serve our residents, and accomplish big things. And to neighbors who have checked in on each other, residents who have donated to help families in need, and business owners who have adapted to ever changing rules as the pandemic has evolved, our continued gratitude.”

“I thank the members of City Council for doing the hard work of governing and serving our community through their legislative roles. I look forward to your continued creativity, your partnership, and your sharing of a common vision of a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Vineland.”

“And, most importantly, Vineland residents.  Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your Mayor. I wake up every day thinking of how to improve this city that I love.  Together, we will continue to meet these once-in-a-generation challenges. Together, we will prioritize, we will adapt, we will innovate, and we will succeed,” the Mayor concluded.