Dear Massillonians:  

HAPPY NEW YEAR and have a prosperous and healthy 2006.

When reviewing 2005, there are many things that should please us. Our economic development policies seem to be working excellently. As all of you know, our economic development program consists of industrial, retail-commercial, housing and recreational development. Let’s look at 2005 in these four (4) areas.

Massillon’s continued diversified industrial growth has made a statement and hopefully will continue this year. Smaller industries such as Genco, Premier Cultured Stone Products, Moments to Remember, Pamco, Alpha Omega and Expert Brazing Company have established or will establish their operations in Massillon. These types of industries are important to our City’s industrial health because all of us know that smaller businesses are the backbone of all industrial economics. Also, with the acquisition of the former World Kitchen, Ecodyne and Republic ( Oberlin Road) buildings and land, more smaller and/or medium sized industrial facilities will be established. I’m confident to say that both the “old” World Kitchen and Ecodyne buildings will be totally filled by the end of 2006, with more jobs being created for residents from our community. In addition, with approximately 400 prime acres that a local development company has acquired, a master development plan should be established and adopted for the former Republic Steel property on Oberlin Road. Preliminary discussions with the landowners have been held and I am confident the potential to develop these acres is unlimited and it could include different types of development. Regardless, these 400 acres represent a golden opportunity for Massillon and should create many possibilities for the future economic growth of the City.

There are several hundred acres in the southern portion of Massillon that have utilities present and companies looking to build new buildings are constantly looking at these industrial sites in which to locate their companies.

The second part of economic development revolves around the retail-commercial sector. In 2005, we saw the continued redevelopment of downtown Massillon with the opening of The Great Escapes Movie Theatre Complex, which was the first part of Lincoln Centre Phase III. The second phase should get underway sometime in 2006 with additional retail activity. Also, the completely rebuilt Meadows Plaza on Lincoln Way East is nearly complete. Target is open and the center will be completely leased in 2006. Massillon continues to remain a “hot” retail market and more commercial development will take place in 2006. Look for some additional news concerning more retail development on the southside of Massillon in 2006.

The City of Massillon remains a vibrant, desirable housing market. In 2005, 142 new housing units were built. These included 124 single-family houses, 16 condominiums and 2 duplex units. These housing units were built in the following school districts: 77 units in the Massillon City School District, 34 housing units in the Tuslaw Local School District and 31 units in the Perry Local School District. Look for more residential growth in Massillon in 2006, as long as interest rates remain relatively low and affordable. With the new 142 residential units constructed in 2005, that brings the total of housing units built in Massillon, since 1998 to 1230 units. That remains something all of Massillon should be happy about and continue to bolster our pride. It shows people want to continue to live here or move here and it is a sign of our desirability as a community.

As far as recreational opportunities, there probably isn’t a City in Ohio that offers its residents the recreational programs that we have here in Massillon. Our citizens are to be thanked again for the confidence in our City they showed in 1995 when the income tax was increased .3% for the expansion and total revamping of our Recreation Department. With the inclusion of The Legends Golf Course in our Recreation Department, our recreational opportunities have been expanded to better serve our community. Long term, The Legends Golf Course will bring additional revenue to our parks and recreation department. There is no doubt that the construction of The Legends has greatly enhanced the southeast section of Massillon and the entire City at large.

So, everyone can easily see that our economic development programs are working in all four (4) parts.

There is one issue that is extremely troubling for me and I will do everything possible to solve the problem. I am referring to the sporadic obnoxious odors coming from our Wastewater Treatment Plant. We have almost spent $35,000,000.00 of City/County revenues to update our plant to serve present and future residents and businesses. I am appalled that with the money spent and the expansion that is taking place, the smells seem to be getting worse. I have called a meeting for January 11, 2006 of all parties that are involved in this expansion endeavor. All of these parties need to understand that whatever it takes, we will eliminate these odors. I am not pointing fingers, at this time; however, our citizens deserve more for their money and everyone involved in this project will work together to solve the problem.

Another issue that will take additional studying is whether the City of Massillon should begin ambulance transporting in our Fire Department. There are pros and cons to this new City service. One thing that is for sure, is if we start to transport, additional revenues need to be created in order to afford this service. I would like to continue studying this issue and am suggesting the establishment of a Task Force Committee to do a more thorough study of whether transporting is a viable option for our City. This Task Force should consist of committee members representing the Fire Department Management (1), Firefighters Union (1), City Administration (1), City Council (1) and, of course, two (2) citizens at large. If anyone is interested, please contact me. Interest will determine whether this Task Force will be established.

In closing, everyone involved in City Government must continue to review our budget and watch spending. All of us must continue to work together to continue to make Massillon an even better community.

Sincerely,

____________________________________
FRANCIS H. CICCHINELLI, JR
Mayor of Massillon