July 15, 2021. Our program featured Phillipsburg Mayor Todd Tersigni. Easton Rotary has a long tradition of hosting meetings featuring the Mayor of Easton, so it was high time that we had an update on what is happening across the river. Good things are happening. After a long steady decline, the population has started to increase. Taxes are holding steady and property values have increased.
The long-awaited deal for the former Ingersoll-Rand site became the largest commercial real estate deal of its kind. The sewer plant has been updated and caps have been placed in various areas to eliminate the unpleasant odors that have plagued certain areas in town. New businesses are opening including a Shammy Shine location, CVS, and new restaurants. Improvements have been made to recreational sites in town with repairs to fields, fences, and stands. The riverfront redevelopment process is underway with plans for an event center and apartments. The Neighborhood Preservation Program has a five-year $150,000 grant to help beautify the Main Street area, make improvements to the parks, and assist local businesses. Hundreds of blighted properties have been cleaned up.
The Police Department has been moved into safe quarters. Students are enjoying a fabulous new High School. The police force has over 30 officers and have been working hard to rid the town of heroin traffickers. The Music in the Park series is back on track and the annual Pork Roll Palooza plans to return in October. We have seen the amazing renaissance in Easton and it’s exciting to know that such positive trends are emerging in Phillipsburg.