KENT — In 2022, after years of volunteer planning by the Streetscape Committee, the first phase of construction of new concrete sidewalks and granite curbing for the town center was accomplished. Work began on Aug. 1 and was completed before cold weather.
Planning and design work is now underway for the second phase that will provide new sidewalks south and east of the main intersection during the coming year.
Technical upgrades, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), for the town hall’s large meeting room will help withhybrid meetings and video conferences, adding capabilities made necessary during the pandemic. The equipment was installed in the fall.
The Eric Sloane Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 2 with a special exhibit, visiting dignitaries, and speeches, followed by a luncheon.
In early August, the town assumed responsibility for the Soldiers’ Monument in honor of Civil War veterans at the intersection of Routes 7 and 341. Plans for renovation of the nearby historic Swift House to allow for public use continue to develop as cost estimates are being gathered.
The environment and green energy options were the subject of an October Green Energy Initiative forum sponsored by the Kent Memorial Library at Kent Center School. The event attracted a large audience and remains an ongoing interest for the town and the region.
Speed and traffic continue to be a concern to residents.
A referendum vote in mid-December failed to earn approval for the hiring of a second state trooper who would have served as a School Resource Officer at Kent Center School, but when school was not in session, would have provided additional traffic control coverage to the town.
