The year 2007, Kenilworth's 100th Anniversary, is all but over and the new year is almost upon us. In 2008 a new Administration will govern the borough.

As I mentioned previously, the borough is moving towards creating a sewerage utility authority. The purpose for this is to have a more fair and equitable way to allocate sewer charges to both residential and business properties and to remove those charges from the tax bills where they currently exist. There are a number of benefits to doing this, one of which is that it should lower charges to senior citizens who are on fixed incomes. This was recently and successfully implemented by the Township of Clark and we are working with them and their engineering firm to implement it here in Kenilworth. Last month the governing body conducted the first of several public forums to present details of the plan and to answer questions. In addition, for those of you who were unable to attend, the forum was videotaped and should be viewable on Comcast TV-36 shortly.

Although it has been this Administration's policy to have all capital projects completed before year end, the late adoption of our budget delayed their start. Accordingly, this year's projects will not begin until Spring of next year. Just to remind everyone, street repairs approved in 2007 are as follows:

• Epping Drive
• Carnegie Avenue - mostly funded by grant from DOT
• Red Maple Lane
• Lincoln Drive (Partial)
• Fairfield Avenue

The Facilities Committee which has been on hold while the governing body considers a proposal from a local developer, will most likely be disbanded or reformed under the new Administration. The developer has offered land to the borough along North Michigan Avenue for the new public safety building as part of a proposal to develop age restricted condominiums on adjacent land. The governing body hired professionals to conduct traffic and planning impact studies on the feasibility of the proposal in order to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with it or not. These studies have not been completed and most likely will not be before year end.

The Pride in Kenilworth and the Centennial Committees co-sponsored this years Oktoberfest on October 7th. Once again the event proved to be a big success. Also, both committees launched the holiday season with a day of festivities on Sat., Dec. 8th. The day began with the arrival of Santa at the Recreation Center, followed by breakfast with Santa; story time with Mrs. Claus and craft time with Santa's helpers; and rides in a horse-drawn Victorian carriage. Admission for all activities was free. A holiday tree lighting ceremony, featuring Yuletide carolers, a community carol sing-a-long and other festive entertainment began at 6 p.m. in front of Borough Hall. Hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and other light refreshments were served. The evening festivities, which marked the conclusion of a yearlong schedule of events in recognition of Kenilworth's Centennial Celebration, featured the Centennial 50/50 raffle drawing. Congratulations to Jane Mc Hale who was the first prize winner.

As the borough's 100th Anniversary comes to an end, I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Chairwoman Shirley Maxwell and the entire Kenilworth Centennial Committee as well as the many residents and businesses that made the year's events so extraordinary. A very special thank you goes out to the Schering Plough Corporation for their substantial financial contribution without which the events would not have happened or would not have been as successful.

As I am retiring from public office at the end of the year, this will be my final message to you. I would like to thank the borough's employees, the numerous businesses, committee members and other volunteers for their help and support during my Administration. It has been my great honor, pleasure and privilege to represent the borough as an elected official for a good part of the past two decades. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to serve!

Gregg David,
Mayor