Friday, April 3, 2009

Map Of Riverwalk Project

I used Google Earth to draw this map of the path of the Riverwalk Project.  The path is drawn free hand based on Trustee Sweet's description in todays WDT article title Walkways Receive Federal Boost .  I find it interesting that some communities actually received Federal Money for the projects.  From what I read in the WDT article it sounds like those communities were well organized and actually shovel ready for the project [bash].  Some other municipalities are going to improve their sidewalks.  Now that is a great idea [bash].

While you look at the map of the Riverwalk route, you may notice that it goes in front of The Old Chamber of Commerce Building.  This property was a topic of concern at a VB meeting back in February.  To view it Click Here.  One final thought:  The St Lawrence River is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.  there is no doubt about that.  You need to keep looking in the direction of the River as you venture along the Riverwalk.  If you glance the other way, what you will see is disgusting, ie some of buildings and properties are not kept up or the building are just ugly.  The Riverwalk is like a pearl necklace.......a beautiful piece of jewelry meant to adourn the neck of a woman.  But do you know what you get when a pearl necklace is put around the neck of an ugly woman.  You still have an ugly woman and no money in your pocket [bash]

1 comment:

Hammonite said...

JC- Thanks for mapping this out so we can see the scope of the project. I tend to agree that the riverwalk route loses it's allure in the area between the public beach and the small municipal lot . I think they need to re think that area.

While I understand that there are variables involved in planning the route, I would implore the village to consider a path which is not only esthetically pleasing , but a route which helps foster the economic development of the area.

In the " big city " the urban planners refer to these as " connnective corridors"

In my opinion , why does the walk have to go in a circle ? I think people can turn around on thier own. The walk should hug the shoreline as much as possible streamlining access to the center of town from the farthest reaches. (For example Bonnie Castle, Riveredge, past Thomsons etc. ) In addition , off of the riverwalk would be "fingers" which can funnel tourists and locals to various areas of the village. JC this is where you plan to improve the sidewalks could be implemented.

I agree that along with the Riverwalk project a plan needs to be implemented to deal with dillapidated buildings ,crumbling sidewalks,and the like. While they are at it, the village needs to look hard at improving the availabilty of parking in the village as well . I grew up in Baldwinsville, NY which went through a " remodling phase" In fact many of the business owners in the village secured grants ( with the help of the village) to improve thier storefronts.....

Without the support of the community as well as securing the appropriate planning and resources, the project will not be successful. Its a big ambition that indeed may take years to complete.