Mayor Unveils 'Chart the Course' Capital Improvement Plan for Medford

After being sworn into office for the 13th time Monday, Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn outlined a capital improvement plan that will look to spend eight figures on city and school improvements over the next two years.

"This community along the mystic must now demonstrate leadership to rebuild our infrastructure, expand our tax base and provide the best in educational opportunities," McGlynn said before a packed house at Medford's council chambers. "Today, I offer both an ambitious agenda for the term ahead and a challenge to the citizens to continue to help meet the demanding goals necessary for better government."

The proposed plan, which will be paid for in a bond, includes:

• A total of $3.3 million to overhaul computers in Medford Public Schools and implement wireless internet. "(The) investment will allow our students to become familiar with the online course requirements, and facilitate their access to the expanding digital world," McGlynn said.
• A $2.5 million investment in the currently-closed Medford High School Pool. "In recent years, $6 million dollars in expenditures have improved the buildings and grounds at Medford High School," McGlynn said. "We are now prepared to rebuild the pool."
• A total of $350,000 to refurbish the track at Hormel Stadium. "The stadium will become a multi-use field for our athletes and be available for rentals to assist in paying down the bond," McGlynn said.
• Eight million dollars to construct a new Public Works facility. "The sustainable design of this building will accommodate changes in operational needs leading to a more efficient operation of the department," McGlynn said.
• A total of $250,000 to assess conditions at the Medford Police Department, and $2 million in improvements to Medford Fire Department facilities.
• A bond for a new parking garage on Governors Avenue. McGlynn did not specify how much the bond would cost, but previous estimates pegged the price of the garage around $8 million. "The cost of the garage will be borne by the user and not the taxpayer," McGlynn said. "...In order to continue to expand our economic base, the garage is paramount to our success. Small businesses cannot survive without parking. Chevalier Auditorium cannot be profitable without additional parking."

McGlynn said he has requested the city council to hold committee of the whole meetings on Jan. 10 and Jan. 24 to discuss the proposed projects, which he dubbed "Chart the Course." He called on Medford residents to get involved.

"While visionary leadership is a prerequisite to change, the people must actively participate for those changes to take root," McGlynn said.