Supervisor Patrick Casilio delivered his annual State of the Town address at Samuel’s Grand Manor in Clarence on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, before about 200 people. The luncheon was sponsored by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce. The supervisor focused on several major developments in the year ahead, including the opening of the town’s new state-of-the-art Highway Department facility, which in just a few weeks will replace wooden garages that are 100 years old.
New Highway Department Facility
“As part of the project Clarence Center is getting a new pocket park with a 50-person open pavilion and bathrooms to service the new park and bike trail users,” he said. “We are not done improving for our residents. With funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Town is refurbishing Fogelsonger Park. Many people live around the park now and there was a need for a new pavilion.
The Town will also be taking advantage of the pickleball craze by converting the Highway Department’s old garages into Clarence’s first indoor recreation center. “The rehabbed building should have enough room for two full-size basketball courts. The modified floor will also accommodate volleyball and pickleball courts, he said.” The building will operate year-round and will be available for special events.
The Town was awarded $3.5 million for the construction of sidewalks on Sheridan Drive, adding more than five miles of five-foot-wide sidewalks along Sheridan Drive. While it will take several years to progress through the contracting and design phase, these sidewalks will link Transit Road to Main Street, and allow safe pedestrian access.
Vision Sheridan
Sheridan Drive was long known for its past construction, planned for high volume, high speed, pass-by traffic. Today we want Sheridan to be known as a place and destination, not just a road. By making the area safer and more convenient with a center turn lane, upcoming sidewalks, and current and future neighborhood businesses, we believe this is the successful roadmap for Vision Sheridan.
Eastern Hill Mall
Supervisor Casilio also focused on the future of Eastern Hills Mall not as a traditional mall, but as a town center mixed-use community. “We have proactively rezoned all 106 acres to ensure that it remains a viable option for investment and improvements that will give our current and future residents and visitors a place to be proud of. I continue to advocate for multi-story buildings along Transit Road, and low-density townhomes within parklike open space adjoining our existing residential neighborhoods.”
He said involved stakeholders are currently analyzing sewer infrastructure for both capacity and construction. Once this task is accomplished, the remaining review process should proceed smoothly, allowing for phase one of the Town Center community to be initiated. Phase 1 will begin to turn the mall inside out, improving the site's aesthetics, green space, and connectivity. It is only a matter of time before we have people living at the Eastern Hills Mall site, creating a 24-hour heartbeat, where our businesses and community events will grow and thrive.
Supervisor Casilio closed his State of the Town with a note of gratitude: “It is a team effort with everyone pulling in the same direction that makes this job for us to service you better. I would like to thank the Town Board, department heads, and town employees for working together and every day, doing what’s best for the Town.
Read the entire State of the Town
View the Visuals from the address