A lot happened in Bloomfield in '06

The past year has been highlighted by changes both big and small for the town of Bloomfield and its residents.

But one highlight has been the relief of finally getting a community grant for a new fire truck after being twice turned down.

Town Council President Eric Harrah explained, "We got the fire truck coming ... that is great news for the town of Bloomfield ... even though we had to double the match."

Now the town has the chance to get rid of the older two engines, Harrah added. That will save the town money that was going toward the upkeep and certification of the engines.

Downtown revitalization may soon be a reality for Bloomfield.

"We have had the initial meeting with the engineer for the downtown revitalization grant," Harrah explained.

The meeting allowed the town council to understand the project and its guidelines, he said.

"I'm not looking to try to make Bloomfield a showplace ... just functional," Harrah added, noting that safer downtown sidewalks is a priority of the revitalization.

Harrah hopes to start the sidewalk project at the square and work down Main Street.

Decorative street lighting would also be an added benefit to the town, he noted. But stretching the dollar is important in the project.

A recent town sewage and drain pipe survey conducted in September and October will answer the question of adding more flow lines to the town's water system.

The report has yet to be finished.

"We also finished the $40,000 grant smoke test that examined manholes in town," Harrah said.

Results from the smoke test will point to areas in the water lines that allow fresh water into the town's water system, he said.

"We've got a lot of rainwater going into our water plant," Harrah stressed, noting that the results will offer a possible solution.

The past year has also brought a change in downtown business in Bloomfield.

Longtime business staples such as Chaney's and White's closed their doors after years of serving Bloomfield and the surrounding community.

"It doesn't look good. It's a shame to see them go," Harrah said. "I don't know the reasons (for closing); those are their choices but I'm sure their business has been hurt or they wouldn't be gone."

Metal Technologies opened its doors after renovating the old KPT building on the town's east side.

"I'm thrilled with Metal Technologies and its growth," he said.

The past year also brought change to the Bloomfield Police Department when Tom Franklin replaced Bob Richardson as department head.

"I'm very happy with it ... having Tom (Franklin) in his position," Harrah noted.

This year was also the first for a Christmas program that was spearheaded by the Bloomfield Police Department.

The program provided food, clothing and toys to Bloomfield children and their families during the recent holiday season.

"It went great, but it will grow next year. We've got a good start and hope to make a lot bigger ... there's a need for it," Harrah stressed. "I'm glad to see the police officers getting involved with that ... Kenny Tharp and Tom Franklin started it."

Overall, Harrah said that 2006 was a good year for the town of Bloomfield and its residents.

"We haven't had too many problems that I can think of," he said. "Nothing negative."