Highlands council reviews 2024 accomplishments, grants and 2025 infrastructure projects; public discussion on clamp plant set Feb. 5

Council and staff used the Jan. 15 meeting to review 2024 accomplishments and outline priorities for 2025. Highlights reported to council included winning about $1.9 million in grants during 2024; maintaining an AA bond rating; a preliminary 2025 property valuation exceeding $1.3 billion, an increase of roughly $254 million year-over-year; completion of phase one of the sanitary-sewer project; Bay Avenue paving for the first time in 27 years; curb and rock replacement in parts of town for the first time in over 50 years; and updates to Veterans Park and other open-space improvements.

Council discussed several 2025 projects expected to go to bid during the winter to be completed before summer. These included sidewalk and pedestrian improvements (Water Witch to Willow), Washington Avenue paving, shorefront living-shoreline implementation following design and permitting approvals, and stormwater drainage work on Portland Road. Council also noted that Jones Creek dredging would depend on county-level decisions.

Council flagged the James T. White clamp plant as a redevelopment opportunity and announced an open public discussion at the Feb. 5, 2025 meeting to explore reuse concepts, potentially including a maritime museum component and educational programming in partnership with local colleges and Sandy Hook scientists.

Public-works staff (Spencer) also briefed council on sewer-system valve work and seasonal snow operations, reporting improved flow and reduced odor complaints while staff seek longer-term valve solutions.

Next steps: staff will prepare bid packages for capital projects, pursue living-shoreline implementation, coordinate with the county on Jones Creek dredging, and host the Feb. 5 open public discussion on the clamp-plant site.