Mayor’s Corner

by Mayor Jeff Anzevino

Hudson & America 250

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer season and that students are relaxing and having some fun during their time off from the regular academic schedule. As this time of the year is filled with graduation parties, cookouts and vacations, please be safe, be kind and enjoy a little extra time with family and friends.

On the heels of the Western Reserve Academy’s 200th anniversary and June being the month that David Hudson first stepped foot inside the boundaries of Hudson (Range 10, Town 4) back in 1799, our nation is celebrating our 250th anniversary this year, officially our semiquincentennial (1776 – 2026).

Hudson is proud to help celebrate our nation’s anniversary with some special projects and celebrations. While Hudson’s legacy project involving our downtown gazebo was included in our 2026 budget, much recent discussion and engagement with the community took place, so as to better understand what our residents value and exactly how they would prefer to see this project unfold. As such, the structure – which was last renovated 50 years ago – was repaired and retained in that exact form. An ADA add-on lift is being planned, and a new concrete pad was installed around the gazebo, as well as improvements to stormwater runoff, landscaping and electrical connections. A dedication ceremony for this important landmark is planned for July 6.

Additional celebrations to honor our nation will include the Lighting Our Legacy Festival and Fireworks event, which is planned for Friday, July 3, at Barlow Farm Park (rain date is July 5). This event will also include food trucks, musical entertainment and children’s activities. An event fitting to honor our nation and to help recognize the importance of coming together as a community.

One piece of legislation that was passed on June 2 was the ability to accept funds from the Hudson Community Foundation to cover the purchase price of a transportation van to be used for senior citizen medical appointments, prescription fulfillment and pre-determined trips for essential needs, such as groceries and home goods. The city will use its existing software to manage the scheduling, and two part-time drivers will be utilized to operate this service Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I am proud to have been involved in the collaboration to bring this project to fruition and happy to support this important service for our more mature residents.

Remember to sign-up for our weekly E-News delivered right to your email inbox and continue to look to the various resources and publications, so as to stay informed on the events happening in our city and on our greens. Please also consider engaging within our community, either as a volunteer at events, with various nonprofit organizations or on a city board or commission. Engaged residents add value and perspective to our community as well as help maintain the fabric that makes Hudson so charming, unique and welcoming.

As always, reach out with any questions, lead by example and value People over politics.

Thank you.

-Jeff