I want to share with you some of our projects going on right now- First our recycling center is one of the most efficient recycling programs in the state. Our citizens are sorting recyclables and putting them in the correct bins. Cardboard is a big component for us, approximately 36% of our total. We have requested that our citizens break the cardboard down as flat as possible and place in the bins located inside the building. You are complying and that lessens the number of trips made to Boston Mountain Solid Waste District and therefore lowers our costs. Thank you for your help! We continue to increase our volume monthly and yearly. Our totals have grown from 24 tons in 2013 to an expected 28 tons in 2015. In the next 2 weeks we are going to be enclosing one wing which will increase our working floor space by 140%! This new space will allow us to be even more efficient and have capacity for the program to continue to grow. At least 90% and possibly 100% of this expansion will be paid for by a grant of $8,000-$10,000 from the Boston Mountain Solid Waste District. Thank you to the citizens who are participating in our program and we very much welcome those who haven’t yet. It is good for Greenland, the region and the planet. It is located by the community center and baseball park and open 8:30-3:30 Monday through Friday and 9:00-noon on Saturdays.

Another project well underway is the expansion of the walking trail at Taylor Park on Peerson Street. This part of our park is new and at least triples the acreage of the park. This trail will be a concrete, 6 foot wide trail and add 1/4 mile to the existing trail. The area will also include some exercise stations. We anticipate completion in mid to late September. Most of the cost of the project was funded by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield in the amount of $100,000. The proximity to the school opens up new possibilities for our children. We also have installed a new roof on the park bathroom. The skylights are much more effective. We plan to repaint the outside soon.

School starts Monday, August 17. This is an exciting time for the kids and they may not be paying attention to you as you are driving. One moment’s slip can be a tragedy. Things will be challenging for drivers for at least 2 weeks. Please pay attention and remember no cell phone use in school zones. It is against the law. While we can be proud of our recycling and parks, by far our biggest responsibility is the safety and health of our citizens. I would like to add that our younger citizens are our future.

As always if you have any concerns or questions please email me at: mayor@greenland-ar.com or call city hall at 521-5760.

Mayor Bill Groom