Since December of 2004, when there was snow and ice on the shores of the Rock River in Watertown, The Mayor’s Riverwalk Committee has been working with and in support of Mayor John David’s initiative for Watertown’s River Walkway expansion, which is included in TIF(tax incremental financing) District Number Five. In her Community Outreach capacity for the Coalition, and with the support of a DNR River Protection Grant, Ellen Rulseh has been instrumental in the committee’s formulation and work to educate itself and the community about the benefits of downtown/riverside revitalization, what TIF districts are and how they work. Recently, committee members authored a series of four articles which were published in the Watertown Daily Times and will be available in full text at rockrivercoalition.org/watertown by August 5th.
Excerpts from each of the four articles follow. The first, titled Detailed Planning Is Underway for Project, was written by Professor Steve Grabow of UW-Extension, Jefferson: “Initially, the Main Street Program sponsored a student-led conceptual design for a river walk expansion along both sides of the Rock River from Cady Street on the north to Church Street on the south. Subsequently, the city hired Vandewalle & Associates to lead the development of the City of Watertown Riverfront Plan, which was finalized earlier this year after extensive visioning and community input. This general master plan presents a redevelopment strategy to transform the riverfront into a vibrant focal point for the community and the region.” (Click here for link to full text.)
The second article, Watertown ’s River Walk Has Rich, Diverse Heritage, by County Board Supervisor Greg David, described the natural features of the Rock River as it runs through Watertown. The article concluded, “It is important to remember to enhance the natural features of the river walk area as it is redeveloped. By enhancing the natural habitat, we enhance our own. After all, the natural features are what drew people to the area originally. Preserving and improving the naturalcapital will honor this rich natural heritage and enrich the present day community.” (Click here for link to full text.)
The third article, Tax Incremental Districts, River Walks Aid Communities, described TIFs in this way: “Tax increment financing uses the tax revenues from new value on properties located within the district to pay off bonding and other types of borrowing for construction of public infrastructure improvements. In conclusion, success in downtown area is strongly correlated with the downtown’s ability to project a strong sense of place. The strategies to keep downtown strong must be multifaceted, and the provision of a river walk system, linkages with bike trails and urban plaza development are elements through which communities can revitalize and transform.” Steve Grabow; Denis Heling, Executive Director of Jefferson County Economic Development and Mark Weaver, National Park Service. Ellen Rulseh contributed to this article and edited the series. (Click here for link to full text.)
The last article, City Must Provide Funds for Walkway Maintenance, was written by John Steber, Director of Watertown Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. He called for support for maintenance needs and costs in planning for the river walkway. “If these considerations are taken into account and addressed, the expansion of the walkway will greatly improve the public’s recreational access to the river and it has the potential to turn an eyesore into an attractive and valuable public asset. This effort will also provide an opportunity to upgrade the present river walk facility, which has deteriorated badly in some areas and is in need of costly repairs.” (Click here for link to full text.)
On Monday, July 25 th, Watertown’s Planning Commission voted to approve the boundaries of and plan for TIF District Number Five, which includes the Rock River Walkway expansion. On Tuesday, August 16 th, at 7:00PM the plan will go before Watertown’s Common Council at City Hall, 106 Jones Street. Watertown residents who wish to make a brief statement in support of TIF District Number Five are encouraged to attend.
Photo caption: Mayor’s Riverwalk Committee members pictured are clockwise from the left, Gail Towers MacAskill, Main Street director; Mark Weaver, National Parks Service consultant; Yvonne Duesterhoeft, Jefferson County board supervisor; Dennis Heling, Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium executive director; and Greg David, Jefferson County board supervisor. Photo by Ellen Rulseh
