Mahomet Mayor Patrick Brown joined the Mahomet Chamber of Commerce this morning to present his vision for Mahomet.
In his first six months in office, Brown, the Mahomet Board of Trustees and the Village staff began to implement the changed vision for Mahomet that Brown promised in his campaign. Through collaborative and strategic planning, the Village should have the first draft of a comprehensive 5-year plan started within a couple months.
Brown said he believes the role of government is to serve the people. In this, the Village spent the summer months revamping troubled streets and focusing on essential services such as the police force, water services and parks and recreation.
Many subdivision streets which were constructed during the housing boom almost 10 years ago will need attention in the next couple years. The Village hopes to soften the financial blow with a 10-year outlook plan on road construction.
Eastwood Plaza received a major facelift over the spring and summer months as the road was completely rebuilt with curb, gutters and storm drains included. The Village budget did not allow for State Street to receive the same care, but with resurfacing material, the road will last another 10 years. The Village also resurfaced Division Street.
Brown hopes businesses will be attracted to the newly widened IL Route 150. With no commercial developments in site, Brown said the Village could face penalties from a grant agreement which helped fund the road construction.
The Village is also looking into a storm water master plan.
Brown noted that with the development of quality, essential services to the Mahomet community, he will also lead a Village administration initiative to provide excellent customer service to Mahomet residents. He wants to set a listening and understanding tone which will lead to respect and a helpful environment.
He believes this change will not only enhance a residents experience when working with the Village staff or Board of Trustees, it will also bring residential and business growth to the Mahomet area.
The Chamber of Commerce announced record membership numbers (119) this morning. During Tuesday’s Village of Mahomet board meeting, Village staff announced there are already 60 new housing permits in 2013. This exceeds the 50 in 2012 and 48 in 2011. Before the market crashed, the Village received 107 building permits.
Brown said he doesn’t want businesses to leave because of the Village of Mahomet, he wants the Village to be the reason businesses stay in Mahomet. Brown emphasized the he believes through partnerships with the Mahomet-Seymour School District and community leaders, the Village of Mahomet can see sustainable growth.
