Gaithersburg’s mayor expressed hope for the future day labor center that will serve his city, as well as the hiring of a new police chief, during his annual State of the City address this past week.
Early in his speech, Sidney Katz told citizens the day labor facility, which has generated so much controversy over the past year, will be a positive step.
Gaitherburg officials originally took charge of the project, assembling a task force to study possible locations. But in the fall, the city gave up after numerous failed site suggestions and handed the project over to Montgomery County, whose executive picked a locale just outside the city limits last month.
As for leadership of the police force, Katz praised Mary Ann Viverette, who has served as chief for two decades and brought Gaithersburg acclaim as the first female president of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police. Viverette, however, will be leaving in May.
The mayor said the search for her replacement will end soon and he thanked city residents for their input in the process.
Also on the horizon are several major recreation initiatives. Katz mentioned the $25 million Indoor Aquatic and Recreation Center at Edison Park, which now has federal dollars to its credit. The city also will continue to redevelop its historical center of Olde Towne, an effort that included added trails and a new youth center.
