Dear Thiensvillians,
The Christmas lights are up in the downtown area once again. Our little Village is always beautiful – but never more so than now. Let us be thankful for the year that is passed and look forward to the exciting year to come.
In 2017 we continued to make improvements to our capital infrastructure. In addition to completing Phase II of the Village Park Reimagined project, we refurbished Molyneux Park, added a cut through from Spring Street to the bike path and completed important sanitary and storm sewer system work in the southeastern portion of the Village around Madero, Luisita and Riverview. After encouragement, the railroad company has begun to move forward on the crossing repairs that we have all anticipated for some time. In this endeavor I would like to thank Village staff and our legal team from Houseman and Feind. Their diligence and hard work in this regard continues to contribute mightily to the cause. When the infrastructure improvements are combined with private sector investment, like the new Port Washington State Bank building on South Main, and all the redevelopment projects that private homeowners have and continue to undertake, it is clear the Village just keeps on improving.
Next year we will move forward on further improvements, some of which are already planned and others which will emerge in time. For example, on the infrastructure side of the equation the Village will be moving forward to resurface Green Bay Road plus, in all likelihood, conceive and execute other road maintenance – particularly if we can get favorable pricing for such repairs. We will continue to move forward on the Village Park Reimagined Project, and I encourage all of you to mark your calendars for a Park Gala to be held on Saturday, June 2nd – be on the lookout for more information regarding this exciting event. Finally, we will continue efforts to encourage current businesses in Thiensville to expand, attract new businesses to come into Thiensville and encourage developers to come forward with plans for a variety of underutilized parcels in the Village. Bear in mind that our property values are advancing nicely, and we have the good fortune to expect high quality developments that will only enhance that long-term trend. Patience in this regard has, and will, continue to bring great rewards. If you have potential development ideas or contacts for new businesses or development ideas in the Village, don’t hesitate to contact me or Administrator Robertson.
The Village remains in excellent financial shape, and we continue to proceed on a balanced budget/debt-free basis. You should have noticed a small decrease in your tax bill to the Village for this year and, when an old TIF district from the distant past expires shortly, the taxes property holders pay to the Village will be further reduced. The Board and Village staff are happy that the taxes residents pay to the Village are declining and are committed to using our resources wisely to maintain and enhance the excellence of our services.
In conclusion, 2017 was a great year for the Village of Thiensville. I look forward to seeing you around in 2018, which will be even better!
Best wishes for the New Year!
President Van Mobley