At his State of the City Address, held Thursday, August 16th at the Old Opera House, Mayor Scott Rogers declared a special announcement for the “Historically Hip” city of Charles Town.
The evening commenced with Jefferson High School JROTC performing the Posting of the Colors under the direction of Major Phil Suydam. Daryl Hennessy, Charles Town’s City Manager, welcomed guests and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by welcome remarks from Michael Garcia, Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, Rainer Kissel, District Representative for U.S. Congressman Alex Mooney, and a greeting from U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito read by Mr. Hennessy. Special remarks were made by Brian Muys, Associate VP of Public Relations at American Public University System, before Mayor Pro Tem, Ann Paonessa, welcomed Mayor Rogers to the stage.
During his Address, Mayor Rogers highlighted the “Historically Hip Charles Town 2040 Comprehensive Plan,” a plan that he said “is the blue-print for the future of the city and articulates a vision of what we want Charles Town to become in the future.” The Mayor said, “this plan includes goals to guide growth, encourage new investment, support affordable housing, promote a sustainable economy, increase connectivity, expand arts and entertainment, and provide a more equitable future for all citizens.”
The Mayor also presented several Notable Achievement Awards to some commendable organizations who have played a unique role in leveraging growth for Downtown Charles Town. He stated these Charles Town organizations “have made sustained and notable contributions to the community for several years.” Mayor Rogers presented his Arts and Culture Award to the Old Opera House, the Community Partner Award to American Public University System, and the Business and Economic Development Award to Bank of Charles Town.
Following the award presentations, Mayor Rogers unveiled his special announcement, revealing Historic Charles Town’s Main Street designation. After completing the two-year West Virginia ON TRAC program, Charles Town has joined 14 other select communities in the Mountain State that are following a proven, national approach to transforming and revitalizing downtown communities. The Main Street West Virginia program focuses on a nationally known “Four Point Approach” surrounding areas such as economic vitality among new and existing business, physical and visual asset design, community and location promotion, and the organization of sustainable revitalization efforts. Mayor Rogers stated, “We are committed to providing the necessary local resources to help our Main Street businesses realize the full potential of the program and look forward to our official kick-off for that special program.”
The evening concluded with a Mayor Meet and Greet Reception in celebration of the City.
