Riverfront development plans taking shape
Published on Thu, Dec 18, 2008 by Carmell EmoryRead More Local News
Plans to revamp Marysville's riverfront got a boost from staff members' attendance at a recent conference devoted to waterfront development.
Community Development Director Gloria Hirashima and Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew attended the first annual Waterfront Conference in _(location)_ on _(date)__. During the December 8 City Council meeting, Hirashima and Ballew presented their findings to councilmembers and proposed a new waterfront development project for the downtown area.
The presentation was modeled after the success of Bremerton's shoreline and downtown area renovation project, which was completed in ___(date). Councilmembers were impressed by the strategic methods Bremerton employed during the city's redevelopment phase.
Bremerton's success was attributed to a clear understanding of the issues and critical problems, and vigorous community involvement. Bremerton's waterfront businesses and recreational areas have already derived benefit from the first phase of the redevelopment project. Ballew and Hiroshima reported that the city's restaurants are busy, hotel rooms are occupied, and the parks have been a huge success within the community.
Staffers indicated Bremerton's success was due to the way city leaders considered the development as a whole, not as individual projects. Bremerton used an inclusive plan to partner with community groups, yet maintained a narrow focus on the final vision of the venture.
Now that Marysville representatives have seen the success of another waterfront urban area, councilmembers feel that the city can benefit from the same achievement. The city's initial goal is to identify the waterfront district and summarize the key issues of concern within that district. City leaders are hoping the proposal will excite community members and civic groups, urging them to become involved with the project.
Hirashima and Ballew believe that by creating an image for citizens, through maps and handouts, that people will "work aggressively to realize the vision of the plan."
Stayed tuned in the New Year for updates on the waterfront development project. Public City Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at City Hall in Marysville, 1049 State Avenue.
Community Development Director Gloria Hirashima and Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew attended the first annual Waterfront Conference in _(location)_ on _(date)__. During the December 8 City Council meeting, Hirashima and Ballew presented their findings to councilmembers and proposed a new waterfront development project for the downtown area.
The presentation was modeled after the success of Bremerton's shoreline and downtown area renovation project, which was completed in ___(date). Councilmembers were impressed by the strategic methods Bremerton employed during the city's redevelopment phase.
Bremerton's success was attributed to a clear understanding of the issues and critical problems, and vigorous community involvement. Bremerton's waterfront businesses and recreational areas have already derived benefit from the first phase of the redevelopment project. Ballew and Hiroshima reported that the city's restaurants are busy, hotel rooms are occupied, and the parks have been a huge success within the community.
Staffers indicated Bremerton's success was due to the way city leaders considered the development as a whole, not as individual projects. Bremerton used an inclusive plan to partner with community groups, yet maintained a narrow focus on the final vision of the venture.
Now that Marysville representatives have seen the success of another waterfront urban area, councilmembers feel that the city can benefit from the same achievement. The city's initial goal is to identify the waterfront district and summarize the key issues of concern within that district. City leaders are hoping the proposal will excite community members and civic groups, urging them to become involved with the project.
Hirashima and Ballew believe that by creating an image for citizens, through maps and handouts, that people will "work aggressively to realize the vision of the plan."
Stayed tuned in the New Year for updates on the waterfront development project. Public City Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at City Hall in Marysville, 1049 State Avenue.
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