PITTSBURG — Securing large investments to boost the local economy, creating jobs and providing quality public amenities were key accomplishments this year, according to city leadership.
In a State of the City video presented on Thursday night, Mayor Juan Antonio Banales said Pittsburg is dedicated to long-term growth and quality-of-life improvements – all guided by the newly adopted “Envision Pittsburg” general plan.
The mayor also said the city is excited and proud of the $200 million in long-term investments that are expected to drive economic development and provide other benefits for residents.
“At the same time, we are focused on addressing the overall jobs and housing balance in our community. Key to this effort is maintaining industrial designated land, which we have done,” said Banales.
In a video that featured Banales and other city officials touting Pittsburg’s achievements and vision, the mayor said the city is focused on Pittsburg Technology Park, which is undergoing approval by the city council. AVAIO acquired the defunct Delta View Golf Course to develop the site.
Banales said the technology park will generate revenue for the city and school district while at the same time creating jobs and business opportunities.
City Manager Garrett Evans said the city will continue to improve public infrastructure, increase public safety, and seek economic development opportunities to enhance the lives of residents.
Evans added that fiscal responsibility has been a core value for the city, with reserves remaining strong despite record-high budgets. One of this year’s significant infrastructure projects included a $60 million water treatment plant upgrade, which broke ground over the summer to deliver almost 3.3 billion gallons of safe water annually.
Additionally, the city focused on parks – providing necessary upgrades, maintenance, and expansions.
‘“Both the tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts at Oak Hills Park resurfaced over the summer, reviving these neighborhood staples to ensure the community has safe and quality amenities that encourage residents’ healthy and fulfilling lifestyles and provide opportunities to live, work and play in their communities,” said Evans.
The city also received grants from the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta Conservancy to redevelop Central Harbor Park with features such as fire pits and a new police substation.
In terms of public safety, Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese said crime rates in the city have been lower thanks to community support in reporting suspicious activities and his dedicated team of officers.
Albanese said his department has 88 full-time police officers, with nine more currently in the police academy.
“Our violent crime rate has reduced to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, and property crime reduction to a rate of 21.23 (per 1,000 residents),” said Albanese.
A key initiative for the police department has been expanding its traffic enforcement team to ensure the safety of the community and continuously reduce retail crime.
“We continue to support our commercial liaison officer position. This role alone strengthens partnerships with local businesses, addressing their safety concerns and creating a collaborative environment to prevent crime,” said Albanese.
During a question-and-answer session Thursday night, Banales was asked what the city plans to do with the closure of some major businesses, such as the USS-Posco Industries warehouse, which ceased operations this year, and the exit of seeds and pesticides company Corteva Inc.
Banales said the city will continue to seek out and attract other businesses to Pittsburg.
Source: www.mercurynews.com