Debut looms for Lynn’s Web site

LYNN – A new virtual gateway to City Hall is nearing completion and is chock full of fresh images and essential information designed to acclimate residents and visitors to the city.James Marsh, chief of staff for Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr., said the city’s new Web site is just about finished and should be up and running next month.”It has a fresh, clean look to it that is more user friendly,” he said. “From a resident’s standpoint, it’s easier to navigate and find what you’re looking for, and for visitors, they can effortlessly view pictures of all that the city has to offer.”Modeled after the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey’s Web site, Marsh said he gained inspiration from its wide range of information and images of the city for its viewers.Upon entering the new site, drop down boxes are available to view individual pages of business links, city attractions, community links, including schools and churches, and the history of the city.Scenic pictures of Lynn Shore Drive, Lynn Woods, the waterfront, and local parks, ponds, and lakes offer a virtual sneak peak into the city.At the moment, the Web site is still in draft form and is being tweaked daily with the input from city officials, department heads, and residents as to what they would like to see on the site.”We really listened to people and incorporated their ideas into the site,” he said. “Before, the site was restrictive and difficult to find information. But now, it’s much more comprehensive and consistent.”The current Web site was designed in 2002 when Clancy took office and costs approximately $3,500 a year to operate.The new site, which Marsh began to construct last year, cost roughly $7,000 to create and was funded through a technology grant from Comcast and Verizon.”We just grew out of the old site and we have wanted to expand for a long time,” he said. “People don’t realize that we have a lot to offer in the city, and this new site really showcases all of its jewels.”In addition to the new look, local businesses will also be able to list their information on the Web site as a link for users to access.