Greenwood growing, looking at taking care of comfort, cars

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The Greenwood village commission reported an unexpected revenue surplus of $11,000 at it’s November meeting.

Village chairman Roland Joly said the excess tax revenue comes as a result of new businesses recently established in Greenwood.

“The (Acrobat Research) call centre opened in September and, since that time, we have had three other businesses open,” explained Joly.

A retail business joined Acrobat at the Greenwood Mall and two others - a tool business and a coffee shop - have opened on Central Avenue across from the mall.

“It’s another indication that the village is considered a good place to do business.”

Need comfort of our own

Recent weather-related power interruptions prompted Commissioner Frank Martin to question whether it would be prudent to have the Greenwood civic building designated a local comfort centre. The Kingston fire hall and Lions hall are emergency comfort centres under the county’s emergency management plan. Reports the the Annapolis mess at 14 Wing Greenwood has also served as an unofficial emergency shelter generated discussion among the group, with commissioners questioning who this service is available to.

“Are only military people able to go there?” asked Martin.

Noting “it can be a long walk to Kingston, especially in bad weather,” commissioners agreed there should be a designated comfort facility within the village boundaries. The matter will be furthered in discussions with the county, the base and the Kingston fire department to better understand the procedure for dealing with emergencies.

Taking a look at Bridge Street

A preliminary engineering report indicates changes are needed along the Bridge Street corridor between Greenwood and Kingston in order to improve safety and traffic.

Commissioner Al Belliveau said the proposed Bridge Street study, which will examine traffic volumes and issues from exits 17 and 18 on the 101 through the village of Kingston and to Greenwood on Bridge Street and Central Avenue, is now “going full blast.” Traffic counters have been in place keeping track of vehicle volume and patterns.

The initial report by CBCL Limited suggests several projects need to be undertaken. Belliveau said some of the suggestions include changing the intersection at Bridge Street and Central Avenue and installing a turning lane on Bridge Street. There is also concern about the “long-term viability” of the Bridge Street street.

“How long can that structure last, given the amount of daily traffic and wear and tear by the big fuel tankers that must take that route to the base?” asked Belliveau. He said the committee looking at the study and its recommendations “is very serious and committed to making changes.”

Membership is comprised of representative from the villages of Greenwood and Kingston, 14 Wing Greenwood, the Kingston fire department and the Central Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce.