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It’s hard to believe it is time to recap another fantastic year in our wonderful community. While we have had our challenges, we have also taken this opportunity to celebrate the heart of Johnstown, welcome new friends and neighbors, plan and invest in our infrastructure, and expand services for residents. Your Town Council and staff have worked hard to find ways to create new opportunities to support residents, bring much needed improvements to infrastructure and to celebrate what makes Johnstown “The Community that Cares”. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished together.
Planning for the Future:
During 2023, Council began work on projects for the long-term vision of the community and to partner with residents to address recreation needs. I invite the community to provide feedback on our draft strategic plan that will serve as a roadmap for our future. We launched a study to dive into the feasibility of an Aquatics Center. We completed an in-depth study of the future of State Highway 60 as well as a complete overhaul of the Town’s development code. These projects provide part of the vision for the future look and feel of Johnstown.
Your Community, Your Voice:
The 2023 community survey was completed. This survey will continue to provide insight into the priorities of Johnstown residents and areas of opportunity to improve. I want to thank all who participated; your voice is vital as goals and priorities are set for the future. I also want to thank those who provide ideas and constructive feedback via email, online submissions on our website, and through comments during our Council meetings.
We take those comments seriously and have implemented changes based on your feedback.
Community Programs:
We have worked to find ways to provide meaningful programs for Johnstown. This year we celebrated Arbor Day with the Annual Tree Giveaway Program, providing 125 trees to community members. The Police Department hosted National Night Out and Shred Day; both were wonderful opportunities to meet our exemplary Police Department staff. We partnered with Via Mobility to bring free transit services to local seniors and residents with disabilities. We have also worked with our area veterans in support of a lasting memorial to their service at I-25 and Freedom Parkway (aka Highway 402 or LCR 18).
Keeping Johnstown Moving:
2023 has been a year of investment in our roadways. We have prioritized safety and keeping traffic flows moving to reduce congestion. Transportation projects, such as the traffic signal at Carlson Boulevard and Highway 60, improvements to the I-25 Frontage Road, intersection improvements to High Plains Boulevard, and the massive Charlotte Street project are wrapping up. For various reasons, some of these projects did not go as quickly or efficiently as the Council could have wished, but our staff has been at the forefront in resolving those issues that have occurred, and for that, I truly appreciate their efforts. I appreciate your patience and support as we have navigated some rough waters in improving Johnstown’s roadways.
Water Quality and Service Capacity:
A new water storage tank west of CR17 and north of CR40 was completed and we are hard at work on the design of the new water pipeline that will improve water pressure and delivery for current and future residents in the southern area of town. A new water treatment plant will be under construction to replace the current 60+ year old facility. These are just a few of the many projects we’re working on to improve water quality, service capacity, and wastewater treatment service in our community.
Downtown Johnstown:
We unveiled the Downtown J and launched the new “Local Grows Here” brand tagline to encompass business, connection, history, creativity, family, and community. We will continue to partner with the Johnstown Downtown Development Association to celebrate our unique downtown.
Constant Improvement:
We are always looking for ways to improve our services to our residents. Whether it is remediating drainage issues, faster repair of street issues, or easier ways to find information about your town government, we want to work towards being the best we can be – then be better than that tomorrow.
What’s Developing:
Construction began on Buc-ee’s 74,000 square foot store and the creation of 150 full-time positions upon opening in 2024. Anchor tenants Wood Supermarket and Murdoch's will open in 2024 at I-25 and Hwy 60 in the Ledge Rock development. We also expect to see new sights at the I-25/SH402 exit. We are excited to welcome all our new merchants to the community.
2023 has been a year full of projects and planning for the future of Johnstown. The council and staff have been hard at work, providing high levels of service to our residents. Thanks to you, the residents of Johnstown, for your feedback, wisdom, and participation in this journey. I also want to thank the Town Council for their hard work and the many hours of meetings focused to make Johnstown a truly awesome place to live.
I am proud and humble to be your neighbor and Mayor. I wish your family joy, happiness, and blessings during this season and in 2024.
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