Transform the Riverfront

• The long-term goal must be to connect the river and the lake so seamlessly that the lakefront extends into the heart of downtown. Boaters should be able to travel along the river and dock near Main Street. This ambitious goal represents a long-term vision; many questions about feasibility will need to be addressed, not least determining the amount and depth of dredging needed to open safe downtown access for a variety of vessels.
• Creation of the New Chadakoin Riverfront Basin as a significant destination and gathering place represents a major near-term opportunity
• Wide, highly visible, and potentially accessible from many areas, the location provides a significant opportunity to create downtown’s signature waterfront destination directly connected to Main & Washington streets, other areas of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Redevelopment of the edges of this area should include high-quality public walkways along the water’s edge combined with new open spaces that serve as public gathering places, a significant tourism attraction, and supporting residential and commercial development.
• Public access will be needed all along the water’s edge. The basin can be sued to host festivals and special events, and more regularly available activities may include canoe, kayak, or paddle boat rentals.
• Incorporate a fountain or a water playground with programmed fountains.
• BPU’s expansion to the south of the basin can support the plan directly and will coordinate the preparation for its expansion with the vision outlined in the UDP.
• Design of the Washington Street Bridge should include a stair case that connects it to the riverfront. The underside of the bridge should remain generally open and free of obstructions on the north side of the river.
• Public investment in this area will be needed to secure control of key land parcels, undertake design and development of public walkways and open spaces along the water’s edge.
• Creation of the basin will enhance the redevelopment potential of several parcels at its edges.
• The city is committed to development of a riverwalk linking downtown to McCrea’s Point and the lake, but only a portion of this network has been completed so far. Ongoing efforts involve obtaining commitments from landowners to allow public access and securing funds for building the walkways. The walk would comprise riverside walkways at least 12 feet wide and in time will become an increasingly important public and recreational amenity as access points from neighborhoods increase and new sections are completed. The riverwalk’s ultimate success will depend on establishing it as an amenity that enhances the attractiveness of development along the river.