Times Observer file photo City of Warren map of different areas of development in the riverfront project. The City of Warren has acquired the land in areas 2 and 3 as of two weeks ago.

The city will host a public meeting to get input about the city’s riverfront development project at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The meeting will take place at the Allegheny Community Center, also known as the Warren Senior Center, located on Clark Street on the second floor of the TWAC building.

City engineer Chad Yursic will give a brief presentation updating the public on the details and reasonable timelines for the various phases of the development. Additionally, the city invites community members to come and share their ideas, thoughts, and suggestions for the riverfront project.

“The city doesn’t have a monopoly on great ideas,” said Mayor Dave Wortman. “We want the community to help generate ideas because it is a community project.”

The aim of the project is to enhance community engagement and promote economic development in the downtown area, which will contribute significantly to the growth and vitality of the city

“Thanks to grants from DCNR, and other sources, the city was able to acquire the land in area two and three,” said Wortman.

Area 1 of the project will concentrate on installing a boat ramp to facilitate easy access to the Allegheny River. A floating dock will also be attached to assist kayaks and provide pedestrian access via a stairway. The engineering for Area 1 is nearly complete, and the city is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary permits from various regulatory agencies. It is anticipated that engineering and permitting for this project will be completed by mid-2025.

Area 2 will focus on the Breeze Point Landing area. This area currently features a restroom and a gazebo, both of which may be removed to make room for a newer, more user-friendly restroom and additional amenities. These new facilities aim to enhance the boat ramp and dock, thereby increasing activity in the overall downtown area.

Area 3 of the project will involve the development of a public walking trail extending eastward from the boat ramp along the Allegheny Riverfront toward Market Street Plaza.

Finally, Area 4 will focus on the development adjacent to the TWAC Building.

“Your voice matters to us,” said city manager Mike Holtz. “We want to reiterate how important it is that residents try to attend.”

A Zoom link will be available on the city website for those unable to attend in person. The city will also follow up with a survey to gather as many ideas as possible.