Strengthening Connections

There is the potential for an additional/improved roadway connection between Broadway and the riverfront. This will help to remedy the current vehicular pattern which forces all access to the very ends of the corridor which are also the ends of the park. At the southern end this can feel particularly remote as that is the less active end of the park on a daily basis and no new improvements or redevelopment has yet occurred on th larger adjacent sites. A more exciting set of connection can be make in the existing alleys that already link Broadway to the riverfront. With some investment, these can be transformed into active, vibrant downtown spaces, and likely locations for restaurants, shops, and other uses while drawing people in both directions. Made attractive with new surfaces, furnishings and artwork and made safe with added lighting and visibility, these alleys wold be ideal complements to the Broadway corridor streetscape improvements. These would also allow opportunities for additional seating and access for emerging downtown uses. An additional advantage is the creation of easy, appealing walkways from Black River Landing parking to the potential restaurants and shops along Broadway. It’s a well- established factor in downtown redevelopment that visitors will walk added distance from parking when the route is visually appealing, safe, and direct.