WORCESTER - Mayor Joseph M. Petty opened his fourth term Tuesday night, declaring that while the state of the city has never been stronger more work needs to be done to keep positive momentum.
In an address during the city's inaugural exercises at Mechanics Hall, Mr. Petty said the city cannot afford to rest on its laurels. He called on his fellow elected officials to join him in focusing on long-term solutions to problems facing the city.
"We need to craft a vision of what we want our schools and our city to be now, and for decades to come," Mr. Petty said. "This is the work that is ahead of us. In short, there is no quick fix to the problems that affect our city. It can take years to work to do even a small amount of good.
"The work we do is slow; it is methodical and it's long as our city's history," he continued. "Today and every day forward, we must build the city we want to leave our children and our grandchildren. Our city is changing and growing, and the work that is ahead is how we will improve the city of Worcester. We will work on these issues and many more and we will make progress no matter how small or how slow. We will move forward, working together."
An estimated 325 people attended the inaugural exercises, which included the swearing-in of the 2018-2019 City Council and School Committee.
Under Worcester's charter, the mayor has no executive powers. The city manager is the city's chief executive, while the mayor's primary duties are to chair both the City Council and the School Committee.
Mr. Petty opened his address by reciting a litany of achievements the city has experienced during his previous three terms in office. He pointed out that Worcester's bond rating, property values and graduation rates are at historic highs today, while its crime rate is at a historic low.
"The state of our city is strong because we have stayed the course over many years," Mr. Petty said. "We have been conservative in our budgeting and prudent in our judgment. We move forward, because we move forward together. Beyond the growth that we've seen, the most noticeable change to our city has been the culture change from one of pessimism to positivity. The progress we have made is evident and undeniable."
Moving ahead, Mr. Petty said, the city needs to have a conversation about housing.
With average rents approaching the cost of average home ownership, he said now is the time for Worcester to build its neighborhoods through home ownership.
"By moving families to home ownership we can free up units in the rental market for those who need them most," he said.
The mayor also called for a comprehensive plan to address deterioration of Worcester's three-decker neighborhoods. He said three-deckers are the most problematic properties when it comes to public safety, fire safety, public health and code violations.
"Our downtown is coming to life, but our triple-decker neighborhoods have not seen a corresponding investment," Mr. Petty said. "While the resale market for these properties is strong, there is no comprehensive program in place to encourage owner-occupancy, beautification, nor requirements about energy efficiency.
"The goal of this plan is to build safer, more walkable and livable neighborhoods," he added. "This will require a whole-of-government approach and the weight of our community and private-sector partners to create these tools. I am confident that we can bring our strengths to bear and imagine smarter, cleaner and more vibrant neighborhoods."
Mr. Petty also called for:
• A continued investment in Green Hill Park, the flagship of the city's parks system.
He said he would like to see improvements made to the pavilions and the petting zoo so the park can attract more visitors, especially families.
• Expansion of the recreation offerings in city parks so more programs can be offered to families and your professionals.
• The jump-starting of stalled city plans to create a linear park along the west side of Lake Quinsigamond that will provide jogging and biking trails to Lincoln Street.
• The state Legislature to fund a master plan for Regatta Point at Lake Qunisgamond, to fully realize the recreational and economic impact the state park can provide for the city.
• Continuing to move arts and performances into public spaces, such as parks, alleys and streets.
"All of these spaces should be opened to the arts community for performances," Mr. Petty said. "We must move art out of the traditional cultural institutions and meet the public where they truly are every day."
• A continued push for a new Burncoat High School and Worcester East Middle School, to follow the building of a new South High Community School and Doherty Memorial High School.
• Expanded access to Worcester Technical High School during after-school hours for students who want to learn the trades but are unable to attend the high school because of the long waiting list to get in.
"I am proud of our city, and I am still proud to be your mayor," Mr. Petty said. "Now let's get to work."
Members of the new City Council are: Morris A. Bergman (at-large), Khrystian E. King (at-large), Konstantina B. Lukes (at-large), Candy F. Mero-Carlson (District 2), Mr. Petty (mayor and at-large) Sarai Rivera (District 4), Sean M. Rose (District 1), Gary Rosen (at-large), George J. Russell (District 3), Kathleen M. Toomey (at-large) and Matthew E. Wally District 5).
Mrs. Lukes was also sworn in, as vice chairman of the council. She got the position by virtue of her second-place finish in the November mayoral election.
School Committee members are: Dianna L. Biancheria, Dante A. Comparetto, Jack L. Foley, Molly O. McCullough, John F. Monfredo and Brian A. O'Connell.
Mr. Foley was elected by his colleagues as vice chairman of the school board.