Office Of The Mayor
Thomas M. McMahon


Mayor’s Report To City Council
July 28, 2008

Public Safety

I will be accompanying Chief Heim on the 25th Annual National Night Out on August 5.  National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police – community partnerships.  It sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  For more information on National Night Out 2008 in Reading, call my office at 610-655-6234.

Financial

We are continuing to interview Community Development Manager candidates. Interviews for this position opening will conclude August 15.

Interviews for the Managing Director’s position opening are now on track to be completed by August 30.

Economic Development

It will be showtime at the Reading Movies 11 and IMAX starting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8.  Admission the first week will be $1.00.

Neighborhoods

Code compliance: Over the last several weeks we have devoted a considerable amount of time to addressing some properties with major code violations. We will continue to bring pressure on property owners to make sure that rental properties have proper zoning and housing permits.  The “last chance” notices will be mailed this week requiring completed paperwork by August 15, 2008.
For those displaced or evicted from dangerous and unsafe properties, we will be working with local agencies to provide information and support for affected tenants.

On the evenings of August 4 and 11 (weather permitting), Centre Park Historic District will be presenting “Movies in the Park” for the children and families of the District starting at dusk.  For more information please call 610-375-7860 or go to their website at www.centrepark.org.

Miscellaneous

The ribbon cutting for the exciting new Angelica Creek Park and the unveiling of the plans for the Environmental Center this morning are yet another example of our ability to move forward in a positive direction from a situation that began as a negative one.  As you know, the park was renovated into a wetland with stabilization of the stream banks, walking paths, and other amenities that will serve this community for many years to come. 

I would like to thank everyone involved in this effort, especially Cindy Kauffman for organizing and directing the effort, our public works people who really cleaned up the park, the Office of Neighborhood Development for the murals, Alvernia College for the refreshments and sound equipment, Albright and the Reading School District.

The ribbon cutting for the City Park Playground will take place this Wednesday, July 30 at 10:15 a.m.  I hope you’ll join me there.

The Centennial Celebration for the Pagoda is gearing up for Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9.  We have very special activities and events planned for both days.  For details please call 610-655-6234 or go to the website at
www.readingpagoda.com.  We could use a few more volunteers to help with the celebration.  If you would like to be a volunteer please contact my office at 610-655-6234 or the City Clerk’s Office at 610-655-6100.

This is a reminder to City of Reading residents to call 1-877-727-3234 to report
graffiti. The city/county graffiti eradication is set to begin within the next week, based on priorities already identified.