Cohen has been with the city since 2016, where he came to work after 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy.
A closer look
City manager Alison Ortowski announced the news during the Dec. 3 city council meeting. She noted that under Cohen’s leadership, there have been 35 capital improvement projects completed, and there are still more underway.
There had been seven miles of sidewalks made and 14 miles of street repairs while Cohen has been in office. Other big items project Ortowski mentioned included the expansion of North White Chapel Boulevard and two bridge replacements over Kirkwood Branch—one temporary and the new bridge that is currently under construction.
“He's very committed to making sure that no matter what occurs, we have the tools necessary to ensure a service reliability,” Ortowski said. “We have focused on installing emergency generators at our critical facilities, developing a team approach to our rapid response team to better respond in emergency situations.”
The background
Cohen held various roles in the Navy, including serving as the public works director at both the Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and the U.S. Atlantic fleet headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia.
He was also director of waterfront services and construction operations at the U.S. Naval base in San Diego, according to the city website.
What else?
Mayor Shawn McCaskill praised Cohen's ability to always work on issues he brought up, whether it was about potholes or a question about how certain things worked.
“The way you deal with our residents, and that personal touch that you bring, it's very special and very important and very meaningful,” McCaskill said. “Thank you for what you've done. You've made this community a better place, and I'm grateful for your help as a council member.”
In their own words
“I really appreciate the opportunity to serve and be part of a wonderful community, to be part of a wonderful leadership group,” Cohen said. “It's been a blessing for me. It's been a real privilege and an honor to serve with you and alongside you.”
