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Published: 12 November 2019 12 November 2019

Effort is Part of Territorial Charter Days Community Improvement Projects

Silver City -- Finding cost-effective measures to slow traffic in Silver City is an ongoing public safety challenge, and Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Bettison and town staff invite residents to come out and be part of the solution this Saturday, November 16th, when volunteers will paint a 3-D crosswalk at the intersection of Yucca and 23rd streets.

"This community public safety improvement project is designed to test this idea and see if it slows drivers down," said Bettison, who represents Silver City District One residents. "Public safety is always of the utmost concern to town staff and the town council, and this crosswalk is a way to test its effectiveness. It's also a fun way to get to know your neighbors, meet our public safety staff and participate in a community project that benefits everyone."

Volunteers are asked to meet at the corner of Yucca and 23rd streets at 9 am, dressed appropriately for the weather and for painting, given that the 3-D crosswalk will be painted directly on the street. A light lunch will be provided, and the event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Councilor Bettison said she expects to finish by 1 pm.

This "Charter Days" work project is the final one of 2019.  Each year, town staff work with town councilors and the mayor to create volunteer work projects in each of the town's four legislative districts, designed to improve the town, help build stronger neighborhoods and community and introduce residents to town staff, particularly public health and safety staff, including police officers and fire fighters.  

Earlier this year, District 3 Councilor Jose Ray rededicated Jaurequi Park on Spring Street in honor of former District 3 Councilor Greg Jaurequi, whose family ran a small grocery store, which served much of the Chihuahua Hill neighborhood.  In August, District 4 Councilor Guadalupe "Lupe" Cano hosted a "National Night Out" to "recognize the tremendous work that all our first responders do to keep us safe, day in and day out." Lynda Aiman-Smith, district 2 councilor, worked with her constituents to create a "parklet" at the historic Water Works building on Little Walnut Street, by planting native plants, installing benches and creating a labyrinth, or meditative walking path. In October, Mayor Ken Ladner and community youth volunteers beautified a number of water catchment ponds in the median of Hwy 180 West between Pope and Little Walnut streets.

"These Territorial Charter Day volunteer work projects are designed to bring people together and help them remember that each of us, by working together with our neighbors, can help Silver City become an even better place to live," said James Marshall, assistant town manager. "It's really inspiring to see children and police officers working side-by-side, and it's important to remember that we are all responsible for making our neighborhoods and our community the best it can be."

For more information, please contact the Town of Silver City Community Development Department, at (575) 534-6349.