In a recent interview on "Your Town Matters" on CHCO-TV, St. Andrews Mayor Brad Henderson provided an update on several pressing issues affecting the town. The conversation, hosted by Vicky Hogarth, covered various topics, from recent vehicle break-ins to power outages and housing developments, reflecting the challenges and growth within this vibrant community.

Addressing Crime and Public Safety

The interview began with a discussion on the recent spike in vehicle break-ins in St. Andrews. Mayor Henderson expressed frustration over the incidents and the lack of significant legal consequences for the perpetrators. "It's frustrating to see no results actually happen for things that actually send real lessons," he said, emphasizing the community's need for stronger preventative measures and more robust judicial actions. Henderson also urged residents to report all crimes, no matter how minor, to help build a comprehensive case for increased law enforcement resources. "The more we have to say crime's increasing, the more resources we can ask for," he added.

Power Outages and Community Impact

The mayor also addressed the issue of frequent power outages, a recurring problem, especially during unusual times such as summer. Henderson highlighted the economic impact these outages have had, noting that the July 1, 2024 outage alone cost the local economy over $100,000. He has been proactive in engaging with NB Power to address these concerns and announced a public meeting scheduled for August 21. "I said enough is enough, right? We need answers," Henderson stated, explaining his persistent efforts to hold NB Power accountable and find long-term solutions.

Housing Developments and Community Growth

The conversation then shifted to housing developments, particularly the new residence project at the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC). Henderson acknowledged the slow progress but remained optimistic about the benefits these projects would bring. "The good news is it is moving ahead. I call it the snail's pace," he said, referring to the NBCC project. He also mentioned the Compass Housing project at the former Blue Moon Motel site, which is progressing well and expected to provide much-needed housing for various community members, including young professionals and seniors by November 2024.

Municipal Plan and Amalgamation

Another important topic was the update to the municipal plan to incorporate the recently amalgamated areas of Bayside and Chamcook. Despite mixed feedback from residents, Henderson stressed the importance of creating a plan that respects the rural character of these areas while integrating them into the larger St. Andrews community. "It's really how do you integrate Chamcook and Bayside into your municipal plan while also realizing that they have their own rural plans," he explained. The mayor is committed to ensuring that the new plan reflects the diverse needs and preferences of all residents.

Summer Tourism and Economic Outlook

Finally, Henderson provided insights into the summer tourism season, noting that while Kingsbrae Garden has seen a significant increase in visitation, other businesses might be feeling the pinch due to the overall economic climate. "My early indication is, I think as a community as a whole, it's slightly down, is my assumption," he said, attributing the potential decline to the broader economic challenges faced by many.