ONTARIO — Mayor Randy Hutchinson highlighted the city’s acquisition of the former General Motors (GM) property and other successes at this week’s Ontario council meeting.
“The biggest story to come out of 2018 was the acquisition of the former GM property. I think that the property has a lot of potential,” said Hutchinson. “The property has a lot to offer businesses, business such as rail access and access to major highways.”
He explained, council and city administration have worked together to market the property in hopes of bringing jobs to Ontario and Richland County in 2019.
“By owning the property, the city can control its own destiny,” Hutchinson said.
He went on to recognize a decrease in Part I crimes and traffic crashes. Ontario Police attributed that statistic to increased residential and business patrols. The mayor highlighted two major street projects, completed with assistance from the Richland County Regional Planning Commission (RCRPC). The slip ramps at State 309 and West 4th Street were removed, and a handicap accessible crosswalk was installed at an intersection of State Route 309 and Lexington-Springmill.
“These two changes will make Ontario a safer place for work and recreation,” Hutchinson said.
The mayor also mentioned events like the annual Fourth of July festival, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Miss Ontario pageant and the city’s Concerts in the Park series.
“Our parks are it. Our parks are everything because we don’t have a downtown,” Hutchinson said. I bragged yesterday about our parks. It’s what brings people in.”
He thanked Ontario Youth Sports (OYS) for helping to plan the Concerts in the Park and all the community sponsors who financially support the event.
“Without the Ontario Youth Sports and the community sponsors, these free concerts wouldn’t be possible,” Hutchinson said.
At-large councilman Larry Arnold chimed in to share further praise for Ontario Youth Sports, led by Kenn Spencer. Arnold explained that Spencer was invited by the organizers of The Target Cup to speak on how to host an event. The tournament was held at Marshall Park last summer.
“The Target Cup, these tournaments, bring people from all over the state to Ontario, which means increased revenue for our local businesses,” Hutchinson said.
He urged everyone to “keep up the great work.”
“Looking back at 2018, the city of Ontario can be very proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Hutchinson said.
