Hudson, you've come a long way: State of the City lauds past, present

April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
Hudson City Manager Thomas Hudson talked about 2023 and coming projects during his State of the City at the Country Club of Hudson on Feb. 22.
Hudson City Manager Thomas Hudson talked about 2023 and coming projects during his State of the City at the Country Club of Hudson on Feb. 22.

"What would David Hudson think of the city today?"

That was the question Thomas Sheridan, city manager, asked near the start of his State of the City Address on Feb 22 at the Country Club of Hudson.

The question takes heightened importance as Hudson celebrates its 225th anniversary this year. Hudson Township was founded in 1799, four years before Ohio would be declared a state.

David Hudson traveled 56 days from Connecticut to get to his property, Sheridan said.

"At one point, he had to stop at Brandywine Falls," Sheridan said. "He walked from there to his property, which is near where Seasons Road is now."

Guests at the State of the City watch as Thomas Sheridan, the city manager, relates the high points of 2023 in Hudson.
Guests at the State of the City watch as Thomas Sheridan, the city manager, relates the high points of 2023 in Hudson.

Sheridan did not linger long on the past, however. He highlighted several programs in the city. For example, Hudson piloted its snowplow program, where the city would plow the driveways for low-income seniors 65 and older and those with disabilities. There was one hitch, however.

"We haven't had a lot of snow," Sheridan said. "Perhaps next year we will use this service."

Other highlights include:

  • Hudson had 24 new businesses come in last year. Sheridan added that while some businesses have left, "we have companies coming in."

  • After the train derailment in East Palestine, city officials reviewed and updated its emergency operations plan.

  • The city hosts 144 public events very year, which includes concerts, the Farmer's Markets, the Home and Garden Tour and Ice Cream Social, the Christkindlmarkt and Memorial Day parade. New events last year was a Veteran's Day ceremony, a holiday lighting ceremony and the Birdsong Public Art Installation.

  • Hudson has 350 miles of streets to plow when the area does get snowfall, Sheridan said. "That's about the distance from here to Washington D.C."

  • Hudson treats 1 million gallons of water a day, which is the equivalent of 10 football-sized swimming pools.

One highlight this year for Hudson is that the city will celebrate its 225th anniversary, said Thomas Sheridan, city manager.
One highlight this year for Hudson is that the city will celebrate its 225th anniversary, said Thomas Sheridan, city manager.

There also are many projects coming this year and the future, Sheridan said.

One large project for this year is the anticipated comprehensive plan for the city. This includes Phase 2 of downtown planning and work along the state Route 91 corridor.

Another project the city hopes to start, Sheridan said, is creating a bridge over the Hines Hill Road railroad track.

Golfers could see a new clubhouse at Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club in 2025.

So, going back to the question brought up earlier: how would David Hudson would feel about the city named for him?

"I think he would be very happy," Sheridan said.

Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson State of the City highlights new businesses, projects