Brighton mayor Dick McLean built a metaphorical bridge to the community in his first state of the city address Thursday.

    “We are going to build on what has been accomplished in the past, and focus on the policies and activities that will prepare us for the future,” McLean said, addressing the audience gathered at the Brighton Armory.

    “We will build a bridge together with one destination in mind, crossing over to the next level of achievements and improvements for the community,” he added. “Working together, the city council, city staff and Brighton citizens will build a bridge from the successes and challenges of the last decade for the common good of Brighton’s future. “

    McLean touted the many accomplishments Brighton realized on the growth and renewal fronts in the past 12 months.

    “Cooperation and a collaborative spirit have allowed Brighton to realize many improvements,” McLean said. “ The Brighton Armory, long empty and unsightly, saw a Renaissance and is now a great facility for cultural and learning opportunities. It shares parking spaces with the new library. These two facilities have been major pieces of the puzzle that have been missing in the core of our city and we are so proud to see their completion. These beautiful, state of the art facilities offer countless resources and activities for our residents.”

    He went on to list a number of other new businesses in the city and also pointed out the large expansion to the Adams County Courthouse and the ongoing construction of the Vestas plants. McLean praised the work of city staff in light of difficult economic times.

    “These are hard times and citizens need strong support from their local government,” McLean said. “We have dedicated staff, working hard to create a strong customer service focus. The one-stop center is a single-point of contact for walk-in customers through our application process, with assistance every step of the way. We’ve seen over than 700 permits issued and over 3,000 inspections. We are rolling out the new Innoprise software system that will allow savings of time and money for our customers and staff.  We are offering fee deferral and lowering our impact fees.  We have economic development incentive programs.  Everything possible is being done to ensure that we are competitive and fair in every way.”

    McLean, in a nod to preservationists and progressives alike, said the city plans support for both with continued local business support.

    “We’ll continue to embrace Brighton’s roots as an agricultural hub and protect its historical integrity,” McLean said. “At the same time, we will roll out the welcome mat to ensure that we reward those who bring new jobs and new sources of revenue to our city.  We will not ignore the many long-standing businesses, small and large, who have made Brighton their home for many years. The Small Business Resource Center is rolling out new educational opportunities and support to help sustain the businesses that have been the backbone of our community.”

    McLean also took time to outline projects on the city’s horizon.

    “Projects for 2010 include phase I of a new adult recreation center, the development of an outdoor aquatic park, the completion of the Adams County Government Center,” McLean said. “We have applied for a grant that would allow conversion of the old surgical suite at the new Learning and Resource Campus (formerly Platte Valley Medical Center) to a simulation training center for nurses and nursing students.”

    “As we cross the bridge to the next decade, we will continue to make Brighton a wonderful place to eat, shop and live, but we need your help, so please volunteer or assist,” McLean said. “Get involved.”