Free energy audits available for some
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
Published: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 2:15 AM EDT
Time is running out for downtown property owners in Washington to receive energy audits at no cost to them.
The energy audits, which can costs thousands of dollars, are the first step in applying for grants of up to $250,000 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Those grants, available through the Main Street Program, helps downtown building owners and tenants generate jobs, create more efficient buildings through energy-savings initiatives and conserve natural resources.
Bianca Gentile, hired by the city last August as a special-projects researcher and grants writer, found a resource for the free energy audits as she carried out her duties.
“Unfortunately, this free energy audit offer is nearing completion. Fortunately, there are five businesses which have made use of this audit,” reads an e-mail from Judi Hickson, a volunteer with the Washington Harbor District Alliance.
Gentile, in a brief interview Monday, said about two weeks remain for interested parties to apply for the energy audits.
Scott Jay Campbell, an owner of The Lofts condominiums, said this about the energy audit he received:
“On Monday, April 12, we had an energy audit conducted on our building at 213 N. Market St. This free audit was arranged by Bianca Gentile, special projects. The Washington Harbor District Alliance (formerly DWOW) helped to publicize this opportunity to downtown building owners. ... As property owners, we were asked to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire that detailed our current energy usage. It took about 30 minutes to complete. The auditors then toured our building, asking questions related to our energy consumption and collecting additional information. The auditors will issue a report detailing their recommendations for our building. (Generally such an audit costs about $5,000 and is the owner’s responsibility.)
“Bianca Gentile had discovered a rare opportunity for a free audit, offered through the state energy office. An energy audit is a fundamental requirement for establishing a baseline energy consumption level, and this allows for eligibility for any energy grants offered, through the State of North Carolina, or the federal government. These grants can pay up to 50 percent of the cost of updating and adding energy-efficient services to an existing building.”
Inner Banks Artisans’ Center, Ruff Kuttz, Greg Ward Photography, Century 21 The Realty Group and Dr. Mark McCoy, a dentist, were the other recipients of the first energy audits, Gentile said.
Gentile said she’s pleased with the response of downtown property owners.
“I’ve heard that very few communities have had such a favorable response,” she said.
Anyone interested in the energy-saving grants should contact Bianca Gentile at 402-6888 or the Washington Harbor District Alliance at 946-3969.
WHDA to host Movie in the Park series
By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
The Washington Harbor District Alliance will unveil its latest project, Movie in the Park, next weekend with a screening of “The Blind Side.”
The film will be shown Friday beginning at dusk in downtown Washington’s Festival Park, according to WHDA Executive Director Beth Byrd. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
The film series was inspired by the success of the screening of an East Carolina University football game in the park, Byrd said. That effort was coordinated by Mac Hodges, vice president of promotions for WHDA; Hodges is joined in the planning of the film series by Byrd, Lydie Jennings and Brownie Futrell.
“We worked together as a committee to pull this together,” Byrd said. “The big hurdle was finding enough sponsors to do this, so we thank all of them.”
Those sponsors include F. Ray Moore Oil Co., Wells Fargo Advisors, Dr. Angie S. Rhodes, East Carolina BBQ & Grill, Tayloe’s Hospital Pharmacy, First South Bank, Pirate’s Grill & Pub, State Farm Insurance/Mauri F. Evans, Buckman Investments LLC/Jim Buckman, N.C. Estuarium, Frank’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, Tranter’s Creek Resort & Campground, Morris Insurance Agency, St. Clair Trucking Inc. and the Washington Daily News.
The series will feature six movies, one per month through October. The movie screen will be affixed to the fence adjacent to the former Maola building on the Washington waterfront, Byrd said.
There is no admission charge, and participants should bring folding chairs or blankets. Glass containers are prohibited.
Washington’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce have signed on to sponsor the costs of a movie, according to Byrd.
“It’s really been a collaborative effort of the entire community to bring this to everyone,” she said.
The film series supports WHDA’s mission.
“Our mission is to bring more people downtown. This is a free, family friendly event,” Byrd said. “I think all of our events are pretty family friendly.”
Those attending the movies are urged to bring a picnic supper or visit an area restaurant for one of their box specials, she added.
With “The Blind Side,” which is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, WHDA presents actress Sandra Bullock in her Oscar-winning role. Bullock fans may recall that, for a time, she was a student at East Carolina University.
The series continues on June 18 with “Field of Dreams,” and on July 16 the cult-classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will be shown. “The Eagle’s Farewell Tour” will be screened Aug. 13, That screening is sponsored by the chamber. “A Bug’s Life” is set for Sept. 17, and participants are invited to wear the largest pairs of glasses they can find in order to appear “bug-eyed.”
The series concludes Oct. 22 with a showing of “We Are Marshall,” the story of the ill-fated Marshall University Thundering Herd football team killed in a plane crash after playing ECU in November 1970.
“Mac has sent an invitation to Marshall alumni to come to Washington,” Byrd said. “We’re showing this movie, and that’s when Music in the Streets and Smoke on the Water will be held. And ECU is playing Marshall that weekend.”
MITS lineup offers variety
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
Published: Thursday, May 20, 2010 2:15 AM EDT
Travis Proctor starts the evening on the main stage before moving to the Turnage Theater for an 8:30 p.m. performance. Admission to the show at the Turnage is $5 a person.
Travis Proctor is a solo acoustic musician who has performed at many North Carolina and Virginia fairs and festivals, including the Down East Festival, the Blooming Festival, the Hospice Regatta and the North Carolina Seafood Festival. He spent the last two winter seasons performing in Marathon in the Florida Keys.
A brief memorial will be conducted for C.J. Rudd, the son of Joel and Cindi Rudd. He attended Southside High School. Rudd died May 26, 2009.
Also scheduled to perform are The Deplorable Folly Players, Michael Pilgrim, The Shakedown with Jim Daniels, Gene and Gina, Burning Down Alliance, Jimmy Valley, Robin Potts and the Cat’s Pajammers with Sandrea Davis.
Former Beaufort County Idol performers Jonah Taylor, Amanda Rose and Tongia Holley are scheduled to perform, too. They will be followed by 12-year-old Angel Dotson.
Down East Rods & Classics members (and sometimes their guests) are scheduled to display their vehicles during the street festival. The Music in the Streets Shaggers also are expected to show off their fancy footwork Friday night.
Also expected to appear Friday night is Gray-Haired Granny, a UNC-TV personality and an author of children’s books from North Carolina. Her appearance has been arranged by the Beaufort/Hyde Partnership for Children. She is expected to read from her new book, “Charlie, the Dimpled Dragon.”
“We’re just so excited to have her with us for the evening,” said Lisa Woolard, executive director of the partnership. “And the message of her new book, ‘Charlie, the Dimpled Dragon,’ is more important than ever. It actually promotes dialogue between adults and children about bullying.”
“I’m thrilled to be able to come and entertain the children on Friday,” Granny commented. “And since bullying is such a serious problem today, I want to do all I can to help children understand the importance of accepting others’ differences and being kind. Plus, I’m delighted to give away 300 copies of ‘Charlie, the Dimpled Dragon’ to the young ones.”
Granny’s two readings are set for 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Other nonprofits expected to have a presence at Music in the Streets are REAL Crisis Intervention and the Little Washington Sailing Club.
The street festival takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the third Friday each month from April through September. It is held the fourth Friday in October as a lead-in event to Smoke on the Water, held the fourth Saturday in October.
After Friday’s event, other Music in the Streets events take place June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 22.
Entertainers interested in performing during Music in the Streets events should contact Marc Brunon at Notes Cafe, 143 N. Market St., or by calling 252-940-4688. Any vendors or nonprofit groups interested in reserving a space (a 10-by-10 space), reserving a larger space or selling food at Music in the Streets events should call Beth Byrd, Washington Harbor District Alliance director, at 252-946-3969.
City awarded grant for its Festival Park
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
Published: Thursday, May 13, 2010 2:15 AM EDT
Washington has been awarded grant to help develop Festival Park, the open space along the Pamlico River between the N.C. Estuarium and the former Maola building on Water Street.
The city will receive $295,000 from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
“Last Friday, I’m happy to tell you, that grant was approved,” Joe Taylor, a representative of the Washington Harbor District Alliance, told the City Council at its meeting Monday. “We’re excited about moving forward.”
Taylor said the team that worked on the grant application is prepared to do what it takes to bring the project to fruition.
The grant award is the culmination of an effort by several Washington residents, organizations and city departments, Taylor noted.
“This is great news,” said Mayor Archie Jennings. “I could not be more proud of this community at this moment.”
Jennings said he is pleased that different segments of the community put aside their differences and worked for the good of the city and its residents.
By accepting the grant, the city must provide a like amount of funding for the project. That would provide nearly $600,000 to help pay for some Festival Park components. Under terms of the grant, project construction must be completed within three years.
The city’s draft capital-improvements plan includes $600,000 for the Festival Park project. In January, the council added the Festival Park master plan to the city’s parks and recreation master plan.
That master plan calls for a performance venue, public restrooms, a children’s play area, picnic shelter and benches, among other things. Susan Suggs, who helped develop the master plan, believes Festival Park will be a complementary addition to the city’s waterfront.
Several private groups have said they are willing to help pay for Festival Park amenities, possibly allowing the city to decrease its obligation toward the project.
City officials believe Festival Park will support live performances, provide open space where people may relax, create play areas for children and provide opportunities for access to the Pamlico River.
Second ArtWalk is well-received
By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
Art connoisseurs flocked to downtown Washington on Thursday evening for the spring ArtWalk, presented by the Beaufort County Arts Council and the Washington Harbor District Alliance.
A dozen or so local galleries and merchants were hosting shows and guest artists during the event, according to BCAC Executive Director Joey Toler.
For Toler, the evening began with the official opening of this year’s BCAC Members’ Exhibit, which showcases approximately 100 works by some of the area’s finest artists.
“There were huge crowds from where I sat,” Toler told the Daily News on Friday. “I believe a lot of people started out here, since our reception started a little earlier than ArtWalk.”
In addition, Charisma Boutique Inc., I Can’t Believe It’s A Book Store, Pamlico River Antiques, Russell’s Men Shop and Whimsy’s offered what Toler called an “art element” in addition to their usual merchandise. Local Plein Air painters were also at work throughout downtown Washington during ArtWalk.
Seven lucky individuals were recipients of prizes offered by participating artists and galleries. Winners of the ArtWalk drawing were Shawn Watters, Elizabeth Picone, Mary Morrison Dixon, Sara Woolard, Barbara Lawrence, Doug Dosher and Fran Roper.
Thursday’s event was a follow-up event to last fall’s well-received Art Walk, and this one proved to be just as popular, according to Toler.
“Everybody was surprised. Everybody had wonderful sales,” he said. “It was just a wonderful night. It was a nice, warm evening and everybody was just loving it.”
The event also brought in visitors from outside the immediate area.
“We had several people from out of town, and they said it was wonderful to be able to come to Washington and have something like this to do,” Toler said. “Anybody who says the arts don’t have an economic impact on the downtown area needs to get out and talk to some of these gallery owners.”
For those who missed ArtWalk, the participating galleries are open on a regular basis.
And visiting the Washington Civic Center Gallery, where the Members’ Exhibit is on display, is always an option. That show is slated to remain on display through June 30.
The Washington Civic Center Gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Occasionally, the Civic Center is closed for private functions, so the public is encouraged to call the Beaufort County Arts Council in advance to verify hours. For more information, call 252-946-2504 or send e-mail to beaufortcountyarts@embarqmail.com.
Merger creates Washington Harbor District Alliance
Contributing Editor
Washington’s City Council endorsed a new organization that is focusing on improving the city’s Harbor District, but the new entity has some familiar faces.
The Washington Harbor District alliance is the product of the merging of Downtown Washington on the Waterfront, Historic Downtown Washington Merchants Association and Citizens for Revitalization.
Ross Hamory will serve as president of the new organization. Beth Byrd will serve as its director. Chris Furlough, who was selected to lead Citizens for Revitalization, serves as the WHDA Board of Directors’ vice president for economic restructuring.
“I’d like to bring that (merger) up before the council and ask for your endorsement,” Hamory said to the council during its meeting Monday.
Mayor Archie Jennings termed the merger as an “appropriate” step in development of the city’s central business district.
“Calling this group the Washington Historic District Alliance reflects both the City Council’s recent decision to name our historic downtown business district and waterfront the Harbor District and the inclusive nature of he process we have used to get to this point,” Furlough is quoted as saying in the document. “The work of the C4R committee and DWOW has been successful because both have been inclusive in their membership and outreach. To make our harbor district a vibrant place to live, work, shop and visit we need an organization which brings everyone together to work (toward) these goals, and that is what this merger does.”
The document notes that downtown merchants agreed to be represented by Mac Hodges, who was vice president for promotions in the DWOW organization. Hodges is now affiliated with WHDA.
In 2008, the city the city charged Citizens for Revitalization with reviewing two previous studies of Washington’s downtown/waterfront area to help develop a new revitalization strategy for that area. The group was tasked with taking several elements from each of the studies and combining them into a new strategy for how best to use the downtown/waterfront area.
That strategy was adopted last year, and efforts to implement it in phases are under way.
The merger is a result of DWOW and Citizens for Revitalization determining that C4R’s planning work had been completed and the challenge facing the group was to effectively implement the strategy. The merger creates the appropriate entity to implement that strategy, according to WHDA officials.
Saturday Market preps for return
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
Saturday Market is preparing to return to Washington’s Harbor District on April 17.
Saturday Market, which runs from 8 a.m. until noon each Saturday from April 17 through Oct. 16, is a project of Downtown Washington on the Waterfront. The farmers market component of Saturday Market is held on the west end of Stewart Parkway.
“April 17 is the opening gala,” said Tom Miller, chairman of Saturday Market.
Miller said vendors and artists may want to take advantage of free spaces on the opening day of Saturday Market. Usually, vendors pay $10 for a space at Saturday Market.
“We’re expecting kind of a light start to the market,” Miller said, adding that the free spaces are being provided to vendors and artists to help draw people to the opening of this year’s Saturday Market. “We expect to be in full bloom by late April.”
Some Saturday Market Vendors grow some of their produce in hothouses, but other vendors don’t, Miller said. The cold weather hurt vendors without hothouses more than it hurt vendors with hothouses, he noted.
Miller said people who buy items at Saturday Market events help support the local economy.
The farmers-market part of Saturday Market offers fresh produce, jams and jellies, seafood, baked goods and other locally produced foods. Some vendors sell flowers and plants.
Aside from artisans exhibiting their work on opening day of Saturday Market, the Art Expo component of Saturday Market takes place the second Saturday of each month from May through October. The artisans display their work in the area adjacent to the red caboose between the Beaufort County Arts Council’s headquarters and the Peterson Building.
Members of the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association are scheduled to perform at each Saturday Market this year. Their jam sessions are free and open to the public.
Saturday Market traces it roots back to a farmers-market approach developed about eight years ago by Cam and Shirley Padgett of Chocowinity after they visited a similar market in Salem, Ore. The Padgetts served as co-chairmen of the forerunner to Saturday Market, which in past years was held on the third Saturday of each month from April through October.
Vendors and artisans interested in participating in Saturday Market should contact Tom Miller at 975-6479 or DWOW administrator Beth Byrd at 046-3969. E-mails concerning Saturday Market may be sent to dwow@washingtononthewater.com.
‘Harbor district’ is aired
Seven goals developed to start plan
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor WDN
The “harbor district” idea surfaced several years ago when talk about putting a mooring field in the Pamlico River off Washington’s waterfront began. At the Washington’s City Council meeting Monday, a refined version of the “harbor district” concept was discussed. The council took no formal action as a result of the discussion.
Chris Furlough, spokesman for Citizens for Revitalization, told the council that the group developed seven goals to help begin implementation of the reinvestment and revitalization strategy for the downtown/waterfront area recently adopted (in concept) by the council. The strategy calls for creating a downtown harbor district that includes activity centers and districts along with a diversity of uses while maintaining the public’s access to the Pamlico River. The plan calls for “investments” to improve the quality of life in Washington, with those investments being made by the public sector, the private sector and public-private partnerships.
“We are taking the first steps to initiating this things,” Furlough told the council.
To help ensure implementation of the strategy and to make sure it does not sit on a shelf collecting dust, Citizens for Revitalization developed seven objectives, Furlough said.
The seven goals follow:
• Creation of a “harbor district,” mainly for branding purposes. Branding a certain area of the city’s downtown and waterfront areas as the “harbor district” would help support the planning and implementation process for the strategy, Furlough said.
• Analyze possible revisions of downtown traffic patterns, including making Main Street and Second Street two-way streets.
• Begin planning for the realignment of Gladden Street and Stewart Parkway.
• Find grant funds, or other funding opportunities, to pay for public restrooms at the west end of Stewart Parkway and, later, somewhere east of Market Street and near the open space being called Festival Park.
• Modify the landscaping of the Harding Square area at the foot of Market Street to the Pamlico River.
• Begin design work, as funds become available, for the Festival Park area west of the N.C. Estuarium.
• Develop a financial plan to implement the reinvestment and revitalization strategy, possibly with assistance from the National Development Council and similar organizations.
Councilman Doug Mercer told Furlough and his council colleagues that several of the proposed projects may need to be accomplished in phases over several years. He also said the council, during its next budget-cobbling process, should discuss how to finance the projects.
Furlough agreed with Mercer that the city and Citizens for Revitalization should pursue funding opportunities to help pay for the proposed projects.
Mercer also said the strategy provides a concept and suggestions that can be modified as situations dictate.
“I think that you’ve got seven specific items is good for us,” Mercer said.
Council adopts downtown/waterfront strategy
Keeping committee active to move plantoward implementation
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
After adopting the strategy, the council charged Citizens for Revitalization committee with shepherding the strategy toward implementation. Mayor Pro Tempore Doug Mercer recommended the existing committee, which has about 22 members, remain in place until next summer, when its membership would be reduced.
Mercer praised the strategy as the product of two polarized groups that came together for the common good of the city. He said the two groups “melded into a very workable organization.” Mercer made the motion to adopt the plan.
Councilman Archie Jennings said the committee, when it comes to the strategy, should “act as (its) champion and maintain the momentum” it has picked up during the development process that resulted in the plan.
Before the council adopted the plan, it observed a presentation concerning the strategy. That presentation was made by Scott Lagueux, a senior associate with LandDesign, the firm hired to develop the strategy.
The strategy calls for creating a downtown harbor district that includes activity centers and districts along with a diversity of uses while maintaining the public’s access to the Pamlico River.
The plan calls for “investments” to improve the quality of life in Washington, with those investments being made by the public sector, the private sector and public-private partnerships.
Prominent components of the proposed strategy include a waterfront hotel, pavilions for public or private functions, small parks and green spaces and buildings for economic-development uses such as restaurants, a museum, a ship’s store and similar retail uses. It also calls for a “festival park” just west of the N.C. Estuarium, a public pier and a gateway to the downtown-waterfront area where Main Street, Stewart Parkway and Gladden Street intersect.
Under the proposal, Stewart Parkway would be narrowed, providing more green space along the waterfront promenade. Lagueux referred to the modified parkway as Stewart Lane. The strategy also calls for extending Water Street from Market Street toward Respess Street.
Lagueux said the proposal’s components should be done in phases during a 20-year period.
The strategy addresses these key points:
• Finding ways to link Main Street to the Pamlico River.
• Public and private parking areas for expanded commercial activity.
• Create an opportunity for up to $90 million in new “tax-paying” construction and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
• A premier space such as a performance venue for public use and assembly.
• Promote downtown as the city’s central business district.
• Develop a vehicle/pedestrian traffic circulation plan that connects people with various locations within the downtown/waterfront area.
• Establish a vision and reinvestment strategy that brands Washington’s downtown as a “central business district on the river.”
For additional coverage of the council’s meeting see future editions of the Washington Daily News.
WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS EDITORIAL
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Beach festival brings benefits
You’ve been hearing it for years: Washington needs
more events like the Pirates Beach Music Festival set
for Sept. 13.
It’s a wonder that the festival, in its sixth year, wasn’t
held here on the Washington waterfront instead of the
Pitt County Fairgrounds to begin with.
Now that it’s finally here, the public should do everything
in its power to make sure that it stays. After all,
the festival will be a huge benefit for area nonprofits
like the Turnage Theater, Washington-Beaufort County
Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Washington on the
Waterfront, the Beaufort County Arts Council and the
Washington Area Historic Foundation.
These organizations will receive $5 for each $15 ticket
they sell in advance of the festival.
In addition, festival founder Billy Dunn has been
known to be generous in donating proceeds made at the
festival to nonprofits, according to DWOW administrator
Beth Byrd. Look for Dunn to give the aforementioned
nonprofits money to go toward construction of a
performance venue on the grassy area adjacent to the
N.C. Estuarium.
Understandably, Byrd and DWOW hope that the festival
stays in Washington for years to come. Any way to
generate revenue for nonprofits, especially in a recession,
is welcome. And in this case, everyone should have
fun while doing it.
Area residents — and visitors — should discover it’s
more than worth it to shell out $15 a person for a day of
shaggin’ and having fun in the sun, especially knowing
that some of the proceeds go to a good cause right in
their backyards.
And who can resist the grooves of the Band of Oz, or
the laid-back swing of Chairmen of the Board? With any
luck at all, the weather will cooperate and it will be a
Sunday “fun day” like no other on Sept. 13.
So, bring a chair, bring a cooler, bring a blanket and
soak it all in.
Shaggin’ on the Waterfront
Downtown groups benefit from beach music festival
Washington Daily News
By GREG KATSKI
Community Editor
The Pirates Beach Music Festival is land-locked no more.
The festival, in its sixth year, is moving from the Pitt County Fairgrounds to the Washington waterfront adjacent to the N.C. Estuarium. It will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 13, with the first band performing at 1 p.m.
The lineup includes beach-music mainstays The Embers, The Band of Oz, Johnny Dollar Band and Chairmen of the Board.
Mac “Bear” Hodges, a Downtown Washington on the Waterfront board member, brought the idea to move the festival to festival founders Billy Dunn and John Moore after last year’s edition.
“I said, ‘It would be a whole lot better to carry this out to the river instead of it being at the Pitt County Fairgrounds,’” Hodges said.
Hodges, who attended last year’s festival with a group of friends, said he had a good time but that it was too hot at the open-air fairgrounds.
“We had to leave early because it was so hot,” he said.
Moore and Dunn were receptive to the idea, and after a tour of the waterfront, hatched a plan beneficial to them and Washington.
The founders, through Main Street Promotions, agreed to find sponsors and book bands if DWOW would take care of the logistics and obtain the necessary permits for the event.
DWOW, as well as several other area nonprofits, will receive revenue through advance ticket sales. Advance tickets for the event cost $15 each.
For each ticket purchased in advance at the Washington/Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Visitor Center, the Beaufort County Arts Council’s headquarters or the Turnage Theater’s box office, a part of the purchase price will go to the nonprofit that sold the ticket. Some of the revenue from tickets sold at the Visitor Center will go DWOW.
The Washington Area Historic Foundation also is selling tickets in advance, with the nonprofit selling its ticket allotment door-to-door, Hodges said.
“That kind of offer doesn’t come along every day,” said DWOW administrator Beth Byrd.
Dunn is expected to make an additional donation to the city that will go toward building a new structure on the grassy space between the N.C. Estuarium and the soon-to-open Pirates Grill and Pub, which is located in the former McQuay Building at the end of South Market Street, Byrd said.
Moore, master of ceremonies for the festival and a disc jockey at radio station WNCT-FM, said the move from Pitt County to the Washington waterfront was a “no-brainer.”
He called Stewart Parkway and the promenade running parallel “the most beautiful place on God’s green earth.”
The festival is intended to provide a family atmosphere, Moore said, with coolers, chairs and blankets allowed. In addition, alcoholic beverages in nonglass containers will be allowed.
Advance tickets for the festival are limited and going fast, Moore said. Tickets also may be purchased at Century 21, Travel Stores, Down on Mainstreet and Mimi’s, all festival sponsors, or for $20 each at the door.
Byrd said DWOW wants to keep the festival in Washington for years to come.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure it works out real well so we can do it again,” she said.
Moore is all for that.
“I couldn’t think of a better cause than DWOW,” he said. “Can it get any better?”
Public takes a look at proposal’s components
Strategy outlines vision for downtown and waterfront areas
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
But the bulk of the presentation focused on specific visions and recommendations to be included in the strategy.
Scott Lagueux’s presentation of concepts for revamping a three-block area of the waterfront drew applause. Lagueux is a senior associate with LandDesign, the firm hired to develop the strategy. He presided over a public forum where those concepts, developed by a charrette process over a period of weeks, were explained.
Feedback from the meeting will used to modify the proposed strategy before moving it through the public-hearing process and toward possible adoption.
“This is not a complete product. ... These are not complete plans,” Lagueux told the audience in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
A final draft of the proposed strategy is expected to be completed by Sept. 4, he said.
The proposal calls for creating a downtown harbor district that includes activity centers and districts along with a diversity of uses while maintaining the public’s access to the Pamlico River.
The plan calls for “investments” to improve the quality of life in Washington, with those investments being made by the public sector, the private sector and public-private partnerships.
Prominent components of the proposed strategy include a waterfront hotel, pavilions for public or private functions, small parks and green spaces and buildings for economic-development uses such as restaurants, a museum, a ship’s store and similar retail uses. It also calls for a “festival park” just west of the N.C. Estuarium, a public pier and a gateway to the downtown-waterfront area where Main Street, Stewart Parkway and Gladden Street intersect.
Under the proposal, Stewart Parkway would be narrowed, providing more green space along the waterfront promenade. Lagueux referred to the modified parkway as Stewart Lane. The strategy also calls for extending Water Street from Market Street toward Respess Street.
The existing Stewart Parkway-promenade area would become more pedestrian-oriented under the proposal, Lagueux said.
The proposal calls for a mixture of uses, including recreational, residential and commercial, in three target areas. Those areas are:
• Area 1, which runs from the west end of Stewart Parkway along Main Street to Respess Street, including everything from the south side of Main Street to the parkway.
• Area 2, which runs from Respess Street to Market Street along Main Street, including everything south of Main Street to the parkway and waterfront promenade.
• Area 3, which runs from Market Street to Bonner Street, including everything south of Main Street to the waterfront. It also includes the area south of Water Street between Bonner Street and the North Carolina Estuarium.
During his presentation, Lagueux said implementing the proposal would result in the loss of about 75 parking spaces in an area where there are about 1,020 parking spaces.
One man, who did not identify himself, expressed concern that losing those parking spaces could prove problematic if a revamped waterfront attracts even more people to Washington. The city may need to find additional parking for visitors and residents if that happened, he indicated.
“Other than that, I’m really impressed with everything you have done,” he said.
Jane Alligood, a member of the city’s Planning Board, said she’s “seen a lot of plans” for the downtown area over the years, with those plans calling for converting Main Street, now a one-way street, into a two-way street. She also said the idea of a parking deck as part of the parking lot in front of the Beaufort County Courthouse continues to have merit.
Alton Ingalls, a downtown businessman and former City Council member, said he wants the city to “make it easier to get downtown.” Accessing downtown from U.S. Highway 17 or Fifth Street can be difficult if a driver does not know where to turn to reach downtown, he said.
Washington resident Joe Davis told Lagueux his presentation was a “great, grandiose depiction” of what could happen in the downtown harbor district, but Davis wondered where the money to implement the strategy would come from. Public money probably should be spent on some projects such as the festival park, Davis said, but other projects related to economic development might better be accomplished with private money.
Lagueux said the proposal’s components likely would be done in phases during a 20-year period.
The strategy addresses these key points:
• Finding ways to link Main Street to the Pamlico River.
• Public and private parking areas for expanded commercial activity.
• Create an opportunity for up to $90 million in new “tax-paying” construction and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
• A premier space such as a performance venue for public use and assembly.
• Promote downtown as the city’s central business district.
• Develop a vehicle/pedestrian traffic circulation plan that connects people with various locations within the downtown/waterfront area.
• Establish a vision and reinvestment strategy that brands Washington’s downtown as a “central business district on the river.”
Hotel issue draws attention — again
Meeting held to elicit input from residents
Washington Daily News
Published: Thursday, July17, 2009
By TED STRONG
Staff Writer
At the first community meeting concerning developing a new revitalization strategy for downtown Washington,
area residents addressed what have become classic questions in regard to Washington waterfront development.
Does the city need a new hotel? If so, where? What about green space? How can the city attract more tourists? How about attracting more boaters?
Tom Richter, a member of Citizens for Revitalization, said the community will have to decide whether it can live with what he described as a “grand compromise,” which would essentially allow protected green space near the N.C. Estuarium in exchange for allowing private development farther west, where Stewart Parkway runs.
“We have enough room down there to do it all,” he said.
The strategy will focus on the area from the N.C. Estuarium to Gladden Street, and from the waterfront to Main Street. Citizens for Revitalization supports developing the strategy, which is being cobbled by Charlotte-based firm LandDesign. Thursday’s evening meeting came after consultants met earlier that day with “stakeholder” groups made up of people interested in or influenced by downtown development.
Scott Campbell said he believes the community needs to use the strategy to develop consensus.
“When we have built an effective consensus, we have to start massaging the city (government),” Campbell said.
Proponents of building a new hotel and those who prefer using an existing building or buildings to provide bed space spoke at the meeting. Dee Congleton said the former Hotel Louise building would be an excellent structure in which to put a new hotel.
Rhett Crocker, one of the LandDesign consultants helping to develop the strategy, said that reuse of buildings isn’t likely to be the sole solution.
“Let’s be honest,” he said. “There’s a reason there’s 200,000 square feet of empty space (in the downtown).”
Ross Hamory said he thinks a problem in terminology leads people to overestimate differences on the hotel question.
“We talk about waterfront, and what we’re talking about is water-view,” Hamory said. It’s not critically important that people be able to fish from hotel windows, only that they be able to see and access the Pamlico River, he said.
Crocker also spoke about the importance of connecting the Main Street business district to the waterfront.
“My first impression was that your Main Street backs up to your best asset,” Crocker said.
Austin Smithwick, with Park Boat Company, spoke about the importance of making the waterfront attractive
to boaters. He said planners and residents should think about features that will make boaters want to stop at the
waterfront, leave their boats and explore the downtown.
David Emmerling, executive director of the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, said people must be careful not to damage the river through overuse. And he argued that paddle sports — kayaking and canoeing — are the “sexiest thing going related to the water.”
“We have to be careful that we don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg,” he said.
Committee kicks off redevelopment planning
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Scott Lagueux, of LandDesign, discusses planning with attendees at Wednesday’s redevelopment meeting. (WDN Photo/Ted Strong) |
Members hope to win over ‘it’s just another study’ critics
Washington Daily News
By TED STRONG
Staff Writer
Washington’s Committee for Revitalization kicked off its latest planning effort for the downtown with a presentation from Scot Lagueux of LandDesign, the firm hired to draft the plan.
Among the topics of discussion are ways to counter critics of the plan.
Tom Miller, a board member of Downtown Washington on the Waterfront, said critics have been hostile in forums such as the Daily News’ “Sound Off” call-in feature.
“They’ve been brutal,” he said.
Lagueux recommended a highly open process to invite community input.
Tom Atkins, of the Board of Realtors, suggested the group promote the economic development ramifications of the plan.
Tom Richter, a board member of the Committee of 100, said this process would have assets prior studies lacked.
“It is long on what was missing in WKD (a prior study), which is a vision and reinvestment strategy,” he said.
Lagueux also outlined future steps in the process.
On July 16, the consulting firm will hold meetings during the day with specific people and groups likely to impact the process. It will also have a public meeting for input from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center.
From Aug. 8 to 10, the group will hold a longer workshop to help solidify plans. There will be other meetings later in the process.
The ultimate goal, Lagueux said, isn’t an exact blueprint, but rather a general direction forward.
“This may not be exactly the way it’s built, but it certainly makes a statement,” he said.
Miller said the plan, which will likely take more than 10 years to implement, should include some steps that can be taken right away.
“If we don’t do things to attract people into the downtown, when this bridge (on the U.S. Highway 17 Bypass) is opened, downtown is going to die,” he said.
Specifics needed to guide Main Street, waterfront development
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Washington Daily News Opinion Column
By Ross Hamory
In the Washington Daily News’ guest editorial on March 14, the writer expressed his views concerning the proposal made to the City Council by the Citizens for Revitalization Committee. As one who has championed the committee and has been involved in most of its meetings, I’d like to offer a different point of view.
The Citizens for Revitalization Committee did exactly what the council requested of it. It compared two previous studies, the Renaissance Plan and the W.K. Dickson Plan, and the recommendations of each study, many of which were redundant.
The committee then identified which of the recommendations are still pertinent to revitalizing the Downtown Central Business District (it must be noted that out of 10 Renaissance Plan Phase I recommendations, nine have already been implemented.)
After completing this task, many on the committee felt that both of the previous studies lacked the degree of specificity required to definitively guide development along Main Street and the waterfront. The group identified three parcels that need further study: Parcel 1 runs from Gladden Street to Respess Street bounded by Main Street on the north and Stewart Parkway on the south. Parcel 2 runs from Respess Street to Market Street bounded by Main Street on the north and Stewart Parkway on the south. Parcel 3 runs from Market Street to Bonner Street bounded by Main Street on the north and the river on the south.
I believe we need to develop a broad public consensus on the development of these three parcels, and I do not define development as simply building a downtown hotel with a view of the water.
The goals of having rational development while still providing green space, river access, a performance park, adequate parking and connectivity to Main Street are not mutually exclusive. They can be, and often are, compatible and support one another.
Over the past eight years, many buildings on Main and Market streets were bought by investors who assumed the economic boom would continue, real-estate values would escalate, and demand for vacation and retirement homes would remain high.
Since last October, all of these assumptions have proven false, and we are now faced with a large number of vacant buildings on Main and Market streets. Without a detailed plan accepted by a large majority of our citizens and the City Council as fair and realistic, our downtown will continue to drift from proposal to proposal with few, if any, projects coming to fruition.
As a community, we need to move beyond the green space versus hotel argument. We need to conduct a study which, while limited in geographic scope, will detail the type of development that will be permitted and encouraged on these three parcels.
These details will help ensure our citizens understand and have agreed to the concept of what our downtown could be. By doing this, we can raise funds to build such public venues as a performance park or public pier, while providing investors the assurance that if they propose a development activity which meets guidelines we determine, they will have public and political support.
One final note: For an urban-design study to be accepted by our citizens and adopted by the City Council, it must be conducted in a transparent and open manner as the Citizens for Revitalization have tried to do. This will help ensure that there is no hint of bias or undue influence. We will have wasted our time and the city’s money if the public is not vested in this process and accepts its outcome.
Clean-Sweep strikes high note ahead of music festival
Washington Daily News Lifestyles & Features
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Sprucing up just your thing? Then volunteer on March 28 event
By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
Downtown Washington will sparkle and shine after a “Spring Sweep” cleanup next weekend.
The event, planned for Saturday morning, is organized by Downtown Washington on the Waterfront with support from the city of Washington, Washington Garden Club, Washington Area Historic Foundation, Pine Needles Garden Club and the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation.
Community volunteers — including local Scout troops, clubs and organizations — are being recruited for the clean-up effort. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. by the red caboose adjacent the Washington Civic Center.
“This is in preparation for the Beaufort County Traditional Music Festival on April 4,” said Scott Campbell, vice president of the DWOW Design Committee. “What we’re attempting to do is get word out to anyone who wants to participate. And they can feel free to adopt a certain area.”
Volunteers will concentrate their efforts along Main and Water streets and from Gladden to Bonner streets, Campbell said. If enough people show up, Market Street will be included, he added.
“We’d like to see service organizations take it on,” Campbell said. “If we get enough people on a nice, sunny day, we could clean up all of downtown.”
With the inaugural Traditional Music Festival expected to draw thousands of visitors, Washington should put on its best face, Campbell said.
“This will make a difference in how Washington presents itself to people participating in the festival and who come here to shop,” he said.
And while the downtown area is picturesque, there’s always room for improvement.
“There’s usually a trash can that has blown over or a broken bottle lying around,” Campbell said. “This is going to be a very easy, general spruceup. It’s an easy thing to do, and it won’t take much time. Anything we do is better than if we don’t do anything.”
Although the city is providing trash bags and dumpster facilities for the cleanup, volunteers are asked to bring gloves, rakes, spades and trimmers if they have them.
“If you have a favorite broom, please bring it with you,” Campbell said with a laugh.
“Spring Sweep” is the perfect project for local service organizations wanting to make a difference, Campbell emphasized.
“If you’re looking for a fun and effective project, this is it,” he said. “We can all do a little bit to make it better for everybody.”
For more information or to volunteer for “Spring Sweep,” call Scott Campbell at (252) 833-4637.
Downtown revitalization groups starting to pull together
Friday, February 13, 2009
Washington Daily News Opinion Column
Isn’t cooperation wonderful?
The recommendation by Downtown Washington on the Waterfront that the city reallocate $15,000 that had been earmarked for alley improvements was a charitable move on DWOW’s part. The organization would like to see that money used to keep a popular storefront-improvement program running
It was a smart move on the part of the city to accept that recommendation and reallocate the money.
And it was a monumental moment when Gary Tomasulo, president of the Historic Downtown Washington Merchants Association, thanked the city and DWOW for helping move the money to the facade program.
It’s no secret that in years past Tomasulo and DWOW did not see eye-to-eye. It hasn’t been two years since Tomasulo accused DWOW of being a “bust.” DWOW, a nonprofit organization, is charged with renewing downtown Washington’s economy and developing a revitalization strategy to accomplish that goal.
At a City Council meeting in May 2007, Tomasulo and another member of the merchants’ group said DWOW accomplished little, if anything, in its three years of existence.
“There’s a few individuals ruining this organization,” Tomasulo said then. “Stevie Wonder can see what’s going on.”
These days, Tomasulo is singing a different tune, and a change in DWOW leadership likely is the main reason.
Just recently, the merchants’ group endorsed the Little Washington Sailing Club’s proposal to run a sailing-instruction program for youth. The program should help attract people to Washington’s waterfront and downtown, which is a good thing for downtown merchants, Tomasulo said.
After several years of playing tug of war with each other, DWOW and the merchants’ group are, for the most part, cooperating with and supporting each other.
It’s about time.
While each organization thinks it knows best how to improve downtown and the waterfront and work to do that, sometimes those views clashed. During the past year or so, the leadership of both groups have adopted the attitude that working together will help each achieve its goal to improve downtown physically and financially.
In summer 2007, city officials asked DWOW merchants’ group members to meet and try to work out their differences. It looks like that request paid off.
There are other groups, such as the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Citizens for Revitalization, with interests downtown, and their ideas should also be thrown in the mix.
As we’ve said before, groups should work together to improve downtown and not worry about who receives credit. All of our groups should concentrate on bringing more people and more money to downtown and the city. Revitalizing downtown should not restricted to “your” way or “my” way. It should be about “our” way.
Seems like DWOW and the Historic Downtown Washington Merchants Association have received the message.
Good for them, and good for downtown.
DWOW and City Take Action to Support Downtown Property Owners
Historic Downtown Washington
February 5, 2009
At the Monday, February 9th City Council meeting, John Rodman, Planning Administrator will present a request for city council action that will recommend the City move the $15,000 alley improvement appropriation to the Façade Improvement Grant program.
Gary Tomasulo raised the issue that the Façade Improvement program needed funding with the City Council. “The DWOW board feels that during these trying economic times, that the money that was to be used to start the next alley project would be better utilized by helping business owners”, said Downtown Washington on the Waterfront president Ross Hamory. “The alley improvements are an important component in the streetscape enhancements that we would like to see happen in the Historic Downtown commercial area. But with the Citizens for Revitalization Committee in the process of formulating a consensus driven vision for downtown - which will include streetscape improvements - the DWOW Board thought the money should go to something that would immediately help the downtown”.
The Façade Improvement Grant Program was started in 1991. Any business in the B1H district (business historic district) is eligible to apply for the grant money when they have completed exterior improvements to their property. Improvements include large items such as windows or roofing or smaller expenditures such as awnings or painting. The City contributes $1.00 for every $2.00 that the business puts in, up to $2,000 dollars. “We had 8 applicants waiting for this program to be funded; now with this shift in money, those people will be supported in their efforts. The grant program is truly a great example of a successful private-public partnership that helps to improve our downtown area” states John Rodman.
10,000 Colorful, Glossy Tri-Fold Brochures Promoting The Wonders Of Washington, NC Are Being Put Into Tourists Hands All Over The State This Month..
August 2008
Working together, three local groups, Downtown Washington on the Waterfront (DWOW) , the Washington Tourism Development Authority and the Washington Merchants Association along with the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development funded the project.
The pamphlet itself is eye-catching. It and contains a map guiding tourists to attractions such as the Estuarium and the Beaufort County Arts Council, the Turnage Theater and the Visitors Center. Stores and restaurant locations can be found as well as the Dock Master’s office.
Distribution is state wide with NC Welcome Centers, city Visitors centers receiving supplies. These are targeted at fellow NC residents who want to vacation near home. With the price of gasoline influencing destination decisions this is the perfect venue and time to get our message to people who we hope will decide to travel to the Heart of the Inner Banks.
The Washington Visitor Center on the corner of South Market and Water Streets also has a supply for travelers who wander up to their doors, or for residents who might want a copy to encourage relatives or friends to come visit this waterfront city. Tourist driving through and stopping at a motel will find one of these pamphlets enticing them to explore historic Washington.
DWOW Brings Six Racing Boats To Town
July 2008
Downtown on the Waterfront (DWOW) takes the lead on the water, purchasing six 420 Dinghy sail boats for teenage training and racing on the Washington waterfront. The boats come with sail, mast and rudder. They were acquired from the New Bedford Yacht Club in South Dartmouth, MA and were trucked here by Deep Water Transport of Washington.
Six local sponsors have generously funded the purchase, transport and initial expenses for the project. These six are East Carolina Sailing School, Inc., Carolina Wind & Yachting Center, Inc., Cypress Landing Reality, McCotter’s Marina & Boatyard, East Carolina Sailing Service and Robert B. Shearer.
The plans for the boats include training youth sailors, boys and girls,
in the art of sailing. DWOW plans include an emphasis on providing training for under-privileged children. The “420’s” are particularly suited for this type of activity and are used by many high school and college teams. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the “420” is so named in centimeters because it is 4.2 meters long (13.9 ft.). It is designed for a crew of two and is being used in several international races.
Another of DWOW’s plans will be to sponsor Wednesday night races on the waterfront. Points will be awarded each week and prizes will be given at the end of the season. Similar dinghy racing events are currently in place in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Md. and Beaufort, N.C. DWOW hopes that this type of activity will continue to draw people to the waterfront and the shops and restaurants on Main and Market Sts.
Tailgate Market Joins Farmers and Artisans
on Saturday, June 21st
Two months into the 2008 season the combined farmers market and artisans’ tent show have been drawing crowds of nearly 500 people each Saturday. The farmer’s offerings this week will show the full range of produce, fruits, flowers and nursery items that weekly shoppers have come to enjoy.
Joining the artists and farmers this Saturday is a swap meet on the adjacent parking lot across from the dock master. People interested in selling fishing gear, marine equipment, sporting goods and even tools will show their wares from their car trunks, trucks or vans. The public is encouraged to browse from 8 am to 12 noon this Saturday. Sellers will be asked to donate $5.00 to cover expenses.
Each week about 20 farmers and artisans exhibit their products. Local support is greatly appreciated.
Letter to the Editor which ran June 6, 2008
from President Ross Hamory
In his WDN front page article on Tuesday June 3, 2008 with the sub-headline: DWOW funding cut, Mike Voss notes that “some people” feel that the City should no longer fund DWOW. I believe that it is important to state that this is also the position of the DWOW Board of Directors.
Last February, our Board voted to no longer request funding from the City for operational expenses. It is the position of our board members that DWOW should be a grassroots, self funded organization relying on our volunteers and a part time office assistant to accomplish our mission. And that any requests for funds from the City should be only for specific projects which will directly benefit the community. This was communicated to the City Council at their February meeting.
Two months ago, after discussions with the City Manager and the Mayor, it was agreed that DWOW would request $60,000 to refurbish the alley adjacent to the Mecca. This request had the concurrence of the Historic Downtown Merchants Association, who has one of its members seated on the DWOW Board. The $45,000 which was cut from the DWOW line item in the City’s proposed budget, affects the completion of the alley project only, it does not affect DWOW’s operating budget.
In the opinion of our board, we have ample funds to continue the employment of our part-time office assistant, and to support such efforts as the Saturday Market, the Harbor and Waterfront Management plan, Pickin’ on the Pamlico, and other projects which will make our downtown a vibrant place to live, visit and work.
Ross Hamory
President, Downtown Washington on the Waterfront.
Saturday Market Combines Farmers and Artisans
Downtown Washington on the Waterfront is again sponsoring a Saturday Market beginning April 26. As in years past, the market will be held on the beautiful waterfront of Stewart Parkway in downtown Washington, the Heart of the Inner Banks. This is a perfect venue for artists and crafters to show their works. The event will run from 8 AM until noon weekly ending October 18th. This is the fourth year for this successful market. Over the years artisans have offered such items as exquisite jewelry, handmade children's clothing, award winning pottery, numbered prints of local scenes and wooden toys. Since this is a weekly market, it is expected the variety of craftspeople will change from week to week
New this year will be a Tailgate Market on five Saturdays during the summer. Each of those Saturdays will have a theme and vendors will be able to sell a particular type of goods from the back tailgate of their vehicles. For example, sporting goods will be the theme on one Saturday.
The good old standby, The Farmers Market will be available as well. For the past few years local crops of strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes and other favorites have been offered along with cut flowers, bedding plants and small bushes. Fresh local fish is sometimes available. Bakers have brought their homemade breads and cookies for market goers to enjoy.
The Saturday Market is always fun.... you can talk with the growers and the craftspeople, have the beautiful boardwalk to enjoy, stroll along the waterfront, and visit the restaurants and stores in Washington.
Ayers Alley Project
July
26, 2007 - Gary Tomasulo, of the Historic Downtown Washington Merchants Association;
Mitch St Clair of St Clair Trucking, the Contractor; Mayor Judy Jennette;
and Bob Trescott Executive Director of Washington on the Waterfront broke
ground in Ayers Alley for underground utility work and the replacement of
asphalt with brick pavers. The project, long in planning will require temporary
closing of the alley, which will reopen well in time for the opening of the
Turnage Theater this fall. Additional alley projects will follow.
Toys For Tots Gets Record Response at Flotilla
The
4th Annual Christmas Flotilla held on December 8th in downtown Washington
on the waterfront was also the sire of the official turnover to the US Marine
Corps of toys collected for Toys For Tots, a USMC campaign currently in its
59th year. The flotilla toy collection was coordinated by the Pamlico Sail
and Power Squadron (PSPS), a unit of the United States Power Squadrons.
According to Gunnery Sergeant Nichol Williamson, Toys For Tots coordinator with the USMC-Cherry Point, the flotilla campaign was a grand success. “In terms of toys collected for a single event, this was the 2nd most successful” stated Williamson. At final count, approximately 300 toys, 10 bicycles, and numerous stocking stuffers had been collected for area children.
The toys collected filled a USMC Humvee that had been positioned on Stewart Parkway as a collection point. Volunteers from the PSPS established ongoing collection sites in advance at Cypress Landing Yacht Club, Washington Yacht and Country Club, Beaufort County Hospital, and downtown at Periwinkle’s Antiques, Wine and Words II, and Stewart’s Jewelry Store.
The flotilla was presented for the first time by Downtown Washington On the Waterfront, Inc. The event included a performance by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band which concluded with a performance of “The Marine’s Hymn” as the lead vessel in the flotilla passed the reviewing stand with three Marines on the foredeck deck at attention in dress blues.
DWOW Does A Touch-Up
Downtown
Washington On the Waterfront (DWOW) held its Fall Clean-Up project on Saturday,
October 14, 2006. This season’s project was to paint the bases of the
lampposts on Stewart Parkway on the waterfront in Washington.
Several volunteers representing DWOW’s Design Committee spent the morning cleaning, scraping, and painting over 40 lampposts in an effort to spruce up the waterfront before several October events. Committee co-chairs Craig Newton and Maynard Hamblin led the clean-up effort.
DWOW chooses two downtown clean-up projects each year - one in the Spring and one on the Fall. Projects are chosen with the cooperation of the City of Washington. Volunteers from the organization supply the manpower to get the project completed.