If you are looking for a job, business at Harmons is getting busy and they are advertising for more help. It also looks like Café Rio and Little Caesar’s Pizza may be coming to Santa Clara too. The City has issued 30 resi-dential building permits since July 1, 2016, and another 15 applications have been submitted for review, mostly located north of Pioneer Parkway in the Heights. Several new land development projects have also been submitted and are currently being reviewed in this rapidly developing part of the City. They include several proposed short term rental properties similar to the very successful Paradise Village at Zion project, (which is also expanding). The Planning Commission and City Council have been reviewing the benefits and concerns with these unique projects. There is a huge demand for vacation rental investment properties in the region and the wonderful views of Snow Canyon, quick access to the National Parks, local shopping and recreational amenities are drawing developers to Santa Clara.

The City is finalizing plans to expand and improve the west parking lot at Gubler Park to provide access to the new Pickleball courts, which have become increasingly popular with residents. The landscaping work has begun on the Highway 91 project near the cemetery and a new City entry sign is also under construction northwest of the Pioneer Parkway intersection on the west side of the highway. You will soon see a sign very similar to the existing stone entry sign on Santa Clara Drive near Lava Flow Drive, as you drive into Santa Clara from Ivins. City Crews finished paving the cemetery parking lot in addition to the City Yard recently as well. We have some very talented and versatile employees in the Public Services, Parks & Power Depart-ments who work together to keep the City beautiful and well maintained. Thanks to all of the City Staff for their good work.

Thanks also to the members and leadership of the Santa Clara/Ivins Public Safety Department. The Santa Clara & Ivins communities were recently ranked #2 in the State by The SafeWise Report: 2016 Safest Cities in Utah. Check out their website at http://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-utah/ for more details. The well-being of our citizens is critically important to our community and the dedicated men of women serving our community do a great job in these difficult times, and I appreciate their efforts on behalf of my family.

November 8th is Election Day and it’s important to get out and vote. The buildup to this year’s election has been an interesting experience to say the least, but no matter who you are for, or who you are against, it’s critical for every citizen exercise your freedom to choose and vote. Prop 1 is also on the ballot and would provide the City with additional funds for local street maintenance. If you support expansion and improve-ments to the City trail system then this is an important decision. I encourage everyone to study the issues facing our community, state and nation, and form your own opinions, then exercise your rights and vote. Wal-ter H. Judd said “People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote — a very different thing.”

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and families will soon be gathering to celebrate and give thanks for the bounty we enjoy. I’m grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make it possible. I’m also thankful for those currently serving to protect this great nation and pray for their safe return to their families. Veterans Day is November 11th. Take the time to thank a veteran this year for their service. I hope you enjoy a great Thanksgiving holiday. Until next month, stay safe Santa Clara.

Mayor Rick Rosenberg
mayor@sccity.org