“riverfront” Archives
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2011 Norfolk Downtown Housing Study--The Art of the Possible
Press Release Mar 27 2011Here are the images I took of the out-brief from Norfolk Downtown Housing Study.
http://picasaweb.google.com/NorthForkRiverwalk/2011DowntownHousingStudy#
This will basically complete a portion of the economic analysis of the NorthFork Riverfront Development Project Master Plan that was not funded. [http://www.visioning2026.com/NorthFork/HDR/090731_NorthForkRiverwalk_FINALdeliverable_SMALLsize.pdf]This can now be used (when finished) with our existing marketing material to really promote the effort to developers. This gives the City an excellent road map on how to integrate this proposal with the City’s Park and Trails Master Plan. [http://www.visioning2026.com/NorthFork/NorfolkParksandTrailsMasterPlan.pdf] With TIF availability for the area this could really help kick off some efforts.
The individuals from the firm doing the study were really excited about the possibilities given their analysis of the 10 year housing needs supporting this new development in downtown Norfolk. I added some notes to the images to try and capture some of the high points. They included connecting this development to Veterans Memorial Park and the riverfront greenway to the north. They noted the opportunity of adding kayaking water barriers to divert stream flow below the spillway for improved water sports and vacating Nebraska Ave. Marty, one of the members of the firm, stated, “This will put Norfolk on the map.” He was really excited about integrating concepts from around the country right into this area. Nothing that he knows has put all the pieces together at this scale, downtown, housing, riverfront, recreation, trails, parks, multi-family, multi-generational.
The other thing I really like about the different housing units being considered is we have the opportunity to create a mini-community right in our downtown district. This in my mind implements the concept of a project that a few of us documented several years ago (2005) considering a vertical multi-family multi-generation housing unit in downtown Norfolk. [http://www.visioning2026.com/background/] [http://www.visioning2026.com/docs/NORFOLK-THIRD-MILLENNIAL-CENTER.pdf]
I think this further supports the need to collect data and better understand the water quality of the North Fork. We are helping the City and community get ahead of the curve on future challenges. This is coming together with the Norfolk Sanitary District leading the way on the “best” method for the community to replace the failing retaining wall below the spillway.
Hats off to the Norfolk Housing Authority to allow this design and analysis team to expand the horizon for our community. -
Riverpoint Arts Festival Moves to Johnson Park
Press Release Sep 23 2010Arts Festival is to be held Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Johnson's Park from 12pm-6pm. After enjoying the Lion's Day Parade that morning, come to the park for an afternoon full of fun and various art! One-of-a-kind artwork for sale by local artists and live music from 3-6pm by The Abstract, Maverick, Mo Doogus and Glenn Woody Henkel.
Food vendors offering BBQ, Hot Dogs, Funnel Cakes, Carmel Apples and more! There will also be a talent contest (12:30-1:30), parade awards presentation (1:30-1:45), Dum Corp Expo and Pep Band performances (1:45-3:00) and a scarecrow contest. The Kids Zone will include make & take crafts, treasure find, pumpkins decorating, spray paint art wall, treasure find, and Ditzy the Clown.
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Sioux Falls, SD Greenway Trails Similar to North Fork Greenway Opportunities
Press Release Sep 9 2010A local resident with extensive trails experience visited and road the Sioux Falls Trail system along their local river. Cheryl Johnson made the following comments during a recent trail ride. "Notice that they have some trails that run right next to the street (no grass terrace) where there isn't much room for a trail otherwise. Also, it runs right next to a railroad at Falls Park, with just a row of trees between. The trails connect ball parks, dog parks, playgrounds along the river. This river isn't much wider than the North Fork, and isn't as controlled." This situation is very similar to the potential North Fork Greenway as described in the Norfolk Park and Trail Master Plan.
http://picasaweb.google.com/NorthForkRiverwalk/SiouxFallsTrails#
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North Fork River Greenway Highlighted
Press Release Jul 22 2010City of Norfolk Park and Trail Master Plan presentation slide material highlights the value of the greenway along and near the North Fork river.
The Trail System was voted at 40% as the most valued part of the park and trail.
63% percent of the voters in the survey indicated extending the trail system into additonal neighborhoods as important.
Johnson Park was ranked 4th behind Skyview Park, TaHaZouka, and Cowboy Trail their favorite park.
43% of survey voters agree or strongly agree that the North Fork Riverwalk Development is important to the development of the community.
66% agree or strongly agree that trails increase the property values.
Trails Recommendation #1 is to create a better north/south pathway system between NECC in the north and TaHaZouka in the south.
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NorthFork Riverfront Development Project Board Meeting Notes
Press Release Jun 18 2010FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NorthFork Riverfront Development Project, June, 16th, 2010
The monthly June 16th, Wednesday, noon meeting covered the personnel support and safety for the upcoming Comedy Flotilla, June 19th 11AM and continued support even with recent flooding and loss conditions. *** Subsequent to the meeting the event has been cancelled for this year as due to the North Fork water levels remainingl high, flood water quality, and local events due to the 100 year flood.
The board agreed that we should be identified as the NorthFork Riverfront Development Project.
Co-chairman Darrel Novacek explained the grant application to allow for issuing state tax credit certificates to future financial donors for the project’s future expenses. Also several letters of support are expected from different organizations that will be partners in future efforts along the riverfront.
Additional grant applications efforts were discussed and the consideration of resubmitting an USDA economic feasibility study covering a more restrictive area of the overall project.
The results of the City’s Park and Trails Master Plan was discussed and how we can support those City Wards and neighborhoods. In addition the board wants to investigate how an economic development corridor can be established using a Planned Unit Development designation allowed through the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The board postponed discussion on hiring a engineering firm in support of the Norfolk Sanitary District desire to replace the river pilings and any changes to Johnson Park’s direct access the North Fork by the public for such activities as a walking/biking path and rafting/canoeing/kayaking activities.
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Comedy Festival Flotilla on the North Fork
Press Release May 23 2010
Viaero Great American Comedy Festival comedians will join community participants in floating and paddling down the North Fork River, Saturday, June 19, 11 AM.Bring your canoe, inner tube, stock tank, home made floating device and a life jacket and join in "bringing fun back to the river." Some canoes and inner tubes will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Access to the river will be from just North of the Benjamin Ave bridge and from behind National Champion Liquor, 1100 Riverside Blvd. Exit off the water will be just beyond the railroad river bridge and prior to First Street mill dam adjacent to Miller Property (old trailer court). Temporary docks will be installed, volunteers to help portage the floating devices, and transportation between ending and starting points.
Viewing will be from the trail bridge Southwest of the YMCA and the Winter Park and 4th Street Park. We are looking for volunteers to help as well as participate in paddling on the river.
For additional information contact Mark Hall by email: northforkriverwalk@gmail.com.
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Earth Day Cleanup on the Riverfront
Press Release Apr 7 2010Calling all community volunteers!
Help clean-up the North Fork riverfront in Norfolk, NE on April 24th, 9 AM - noon.
For more information visit the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Events website for further details and registration form.
Read more about the project in the Special to Daily News article on surveying the area and removing volunteer trees and pruning those that should be kept.
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Area Resident Explores Latest San Antonio Riverwalk Developments
Press Release Apr 7 2010Norfolk resident, Cheryl Johnson, recently visited the latest extension of the San Antonio's riverwalk and their new dual path. This is probably closer to what could be invisioned for a riverfront development along the North Fork of the Elkhorn River in the middle of the downtown district and connected neighborhoods. Check out some of these latest riverfront images and visualize these paths and features along the North Fork.
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Financial Campaign Kick-off Meeting
Press Release Apr 24 2009
From FundCampaignKickOff On April 23, 2009 the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project kicked-off the financial campaign to raise $300,000 to pay for the Master Plan effort being performed by HDR Engineering, Inc., Omaha, NE. Over $80,000 have already been raised which represents just under 30 per cent of the funds needed
Mr. Jim Miller, Chairman of the Board of Directors, charged the campaign solicitors with the "make it work" address.
Darrel Novacek is the Fund Campaign Chair in charge of raising the monies.
The meeting was held at Webb & Hazel McNally's "club house" home, 103 South 5th St, downtown above Western Office Supply.
Photo album is posted at the Picasa NorthFork Riverwalk website.
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Riverfront Case Studies on Other Communities
Press Release Apr 11 2009The NorthFork Riverwalk Visioning Sessions will incoporate case studies of 6 communities with features that citizens should consider for goal setting and future implementation. HDR Engineering Inc. is preparing these case studies as part of Task 2 of the Master Plan contracted effort.
Five of the six riverfront projects being introduced include the following with some referenced website links for additional background:
- Antonio, TX; http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_River_Walk - Naperville, IL http://www.napervilleriverwalk.com/
- http://www.napervilleriverwalk.com/future.htm
- Paducah, KY; http://www.ci.paducah.ky.us/paducah/riverfront-master-plan
- Frederick, MD;
- Wilmington, DE http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/
The Wilmington Riverfront has generated nearly $67 million in fiscal revenues for the city, county and state since 1996.
http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=11&cntnt01returnid=41
http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/uploads/pdfs/riverfrontmap.pdf
- Antonio, TX; http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/
