The College of Southern Idaho is playing a key part in expanding opportunities in Jerome, its mayor said Wednesday at his annual State of the City address in front of Chamber of Commerce members.
“We are grateful for our partnership with CSI,” David Davis said.
He noted that Jerome is within the CSI’s taxing district, and said college officials have made efforts to benefit the city, first with planning a 20,000-square foot building on North Lincoln that will be used for training and teaching. The announcement was made in 2022 and construction is expected to begin this summer.
And CSI will bring collegiate sports to Jerome by playing soccer games on a Jerome field that is now under construction. CSI announced the addition of the soccer program in the spring.
Construction of Southside Park along East Nez Perce Avenue is ongoing and won’t be ready for athletes of the new soccer program to play fall’s games, but will be ready for the 2025 season, Davis said. CSI will pay for bleachers and scoreboard for the field.
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The approximately 17-acre park, to include two full-sized soccer fields, shelter, paths, parking and possibly pickleball courts, was made possible through federal American Rescue Plan Act monies plus funds from the Jerome Urban Renewal Agency.
Davis named the recently completed new police station as a top accomplishment of the city.
The old station on Lincoln Avenue was cramped and outdated.
Jerome Mayor David Davis stands for a portrait Jan. 8, 2014, outside Farmers National Bank in Jerome.
It took 20 years of discussion and planning to bring the new station on First Avenue East. First, a bond failed so as an alternative, the city decided in 2015 to start putting money aside each year.
The police station’s open house was held in September, and Davis said the effort met the city’s goals of being able to pay cash for its construction, plus refurbish an existing downtown building.
Davis said he is looking to further improve the city’s downtown area. Street reconstruction, which will include adding new street lights, ADA ramps and improving sidewalks, will begin on parts of A Avenue and Alder Street this year, and on Main Street and Lincoln Avenue in 2025.
He noted several new businesses which will soon open in Jerome, including Tommy’s Express Car Wash, Urgent Care, and Pizza Factory. Shambaugh & Son, a construction/engineering services business with locations across the country, will locate west of Rite Stuff Foods, he said.
The firm specializes in commercial construction and food processing.
“They obviously see something in Jerome,” Davis said.
City councils in Twin Falls and Jerome swore in new members Tuesday night as outgoing city council members were thanked for their service.
While single family home permit numbers have declined in the city, construction of multi-family dwellings is “vibrant,” Davis said, and the buildings will have attractive exteriors.
Davis also promoted volunteerism.
“If anything, we need your help,” he said, urging people to get involved in volunteer efforts to serve members of the community.
A cleanup day, which organizers will ask for residents to pitch in, is scheduled for May 4.
