Spring is here and summer just around the corner. And we are turning the corner on COVID too. Re-opening stages are underway, and vaccines are available—so let’s all get inoculated! Change is underway here in town, let’s work as a community to have an enjoyable summer.
Bill Smith is again Town Manager, while a search is started. Granby welcomes back Bill Smith to his former role, after the passing of Town Manager John Ward on March 17. Bill said, “We all mourn the passing of John, our good friend and an accomplished public servant. I was humbled and honored to be asked to serve Granby again while we seek a full-time Town Manager. After consulting with my wife Rhonda, I accepted this interim responsibility. Town Hall continues its hard work to serve Granby, now with several new staff who are delightful to work with. Together we will work on building a path forward out of this pandemic era.” Readers might remember that Bill served for 39 years as Granby town manager, retiring in 2017. At that time, it took six months to complete a search and hire his successor, and the Board of Selectmen are moving forward and hoping to reduce that time.
Services are re-opening. Many town services are re-opening, with masks and social distancing still in place. As the Executive Orders are subject to change, it’s advisable to check first. But as of this writing: Town Hall is open, including the Town Clerk’s office and many others. With limited office space, it’s advisable to check with the department first by phone or email, to avoid a potential wait. The Granby Library is open without appointment Monday–Saturday for adults and teens, and by appointment for visits to the Children’s Room. Cossitt Library is closed. Granby Senior Center will be gradually re-opening starting May 3, with capacity limits and updated membership cards to facilitate contact tracing. Granby Parks and Rec summer camp registrations are open as are Holcomb Farm facility rentals.
Town improvements are underway, with bridge replacements on both Griffin and Hungary Roads starting this spring. The Town is also working with the State DOT to finish the last improvements to the roundabout project, and to start the Town Center realignment. School improvement projects are moving forward, with the School Project Building Committee working to submit grant applications to the State for Phase 1 alterations to the Granby Memorial High School including construction of a kitchen and reconfiguration of the cafeteria, choral and instrument areas as well as school roof and cafeteria.
Be safe and well, get outside and enjoy the sights and smells of spring in Granby!
Jim Lofink