Monday, March 3, marked the first day that our town’s pavilions became available for rental this year. To ensure fairness, reservations must be made in person so that residency can be verified, and on the first day, each person is limited to one rental. Understanding the high demand, I arrived early in the morning to accommodate residents—some of whom had been waiting since the previous day. I handed out reservation numbers, allowing those who wished to return later to do so by 7:30 a.m.
By the time Town Clerk Karen Hawes opened her office at 8:00 a.m., more than 65 residents were waiting to make their reservations. Thanks to an efficient system, her office was processing nearly one reservation every two minutes. By 9:45 a.m., over 80 reservations had been completed, and by the end of the first day, a total of 110 reservations were secured.
I would like to extend my appreciation to Councilman Peter DiCostanzo, Town Clerk Karen Hawes, and her staff for arriving early and ensuring the reservation process ran smoothly.
Exciting Park and Pavilion Updates
Our town is actively investing in park improvements. Fogelsonger Park is currently undergoing refurbishments, including the construction of a new pavilion modeled after the popular Town View Pavilion, which has become the most requested rental due to its round tables and attached restrooms. The new pavilion at Fogelsonger Park will be completed in a few months and available for summer rentals. By the end of summer, Fogelsonger Park will also feature new lit pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts. New playground equipment is also planned, along with the potential addition of a wooden Robert Leathers playground.
At Clarence Center Station Pocket Park, last year’s new pavilion will soon have picnic tables, just in time for warm weather. Additionally, the bathrooms remained open all winter for those using our bike trails. This spring, the public will be able to enjoy taking a break or eating lunch at the new pavilion.
Future Recreation Center
The town is also making progress on the development of its first Recreation Center. The Parks and Highway Department recently completed the interior demolition of the old highway garage, which is being transformed into a space for various recreational activities. Plans for the facility include twin basketball courts, along with the ability to accommodate volleyball and pickleball. Architectural drawings for the renovation are being finalized, and updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Highway Department and Infrastructure Updates
Highway Superintendent Jamie Dussing, who also serves as Vice President of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, was recently in Albany advocating for increased funding for the CHIPS Improvement Program for local roads. Clarence currently receives approximately $400,000 annually in CHIPS funding, which has remained unchanged for years.
In other highway updates, winter brush pickup has continued on a call-in basis. Post-winter street sweeping will begin in mid-April, with regular brush pickup scheduled to start in the first week of May. Residents are reminded not to stack brush or leaves in the street.
The town continues to invest in improvements and services that benefit our residents. We appreciate the community’s engagement and look forward to a great season ahead. Stay tuned for further updates.
Clarence Chamber Awards Gala
I am excited to attend the upcoming Clarence Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala on Thursday, March 20 at Samuel's Grande Manor, an event that showcases the hard work, dedication, and success of businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a positive impact in our community. This gala is a special opportunity to come together, celebrate achievements, and recognize those who go above and beyond to support the growth and vitality of Clarence. It is always inspiring to see the talent and commitment within our town, and I am eager to celebrate those who help make Clarence such a wonderful place to live and work.