Visions needed for downtown

News Virginian
Published: December 16, 2007

Throughout the fall, we have pointed to Waynesboro's abundant potential. Leaders in many communities would relish the opportunity to build on even one of our town's amenities. Almost none could hope to do so in a location as unique as Waynesboro's. To reiterate:

- The ends of two of America's most scenic driving routes, Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, are situated at the edge of Waynesboro city limits. Thousands of travelers drive these roads each day. Many are on recreational trips and are looking for interesting places to pull off, savor the sights, grab a bite to eat and maybe spend the night.

- Skyline slices through the picturesque Shenandoah National Park, which also sits at the city doorstep. The park features campsites, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a wide range of recreational and educational programs, not to mention some of the country's best hiking trails.

- Before entering Waynesboro's downtown from the east, Skyline and Parkway travelers cross the South River. Here is a symbol of much that is wrong but could be right about our city. The river could -and should - serve as a hub in a vibrant downtown, replete with cafes, shops and possibly a nature center tied to the national park. Instead, riverfront property remains underdeveloped.

- Also just outside of town is roughly the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches to Maine in the north and Tennessee in the south. Hikers from across the country are drawn to this remarkable slice of America. Like travelers on Skyline and the Parkway, some likely would spend time and money in a fun and inviting riverfront town just off the trail.

- In addition to the scenic routes just outside the city, travelers, tourists and recreation lovers could be drawn from Interstate 64, nearby Interstate 81, Staunton and the George Washington and Jefferson national forests a short drive to the west. 

- The city's thriving west-end retail district already pulls in plenty of shoppers from throughout the region, including some seeking to escape the bustle of Charlottesville and Harrisonburg. The lure of a hopping riverfront district likely would entice plenty to turn shopping excursions into all-day outings.

We could go on, but you get the idea by now and we have made these points before. We believe in our town. We see a clear path toward long-term prosperity. What we do not yet see are firm, decisive steps being taken by our city leaders to advance Waynesboro along that path.

Riverfront plans have languished with little evident action. Officials have invested considerable energy debating whether to repair tennis courts or erect ballfield lights, but rarely seem to get around to discussing the big picture and the future of the city.

So it has gone for decades. Most of the amenities we cited have been here for more than half a century, through all of the years that succeeded Waynesboro's heyday, when General Electric served as the city's principal economic engine. Yet as time has passed, downtown has steadily slipped and the city has neglected its abundant opportunities almost as a way of life. Fortunately, the foundation for all that Waynesboro could be remains in place. All that is needed is for the work to begin. That, we believe, starts with those of us outside city hall's doors, the people who live and work here. Our future is tied to the city's.

Clearly, we cannot bank on the hope that our leaders will act, no matter how obvious the benefits, without prodding. We must insist on action. And so we call on our city leaders to produce a clear, concrete plan to spur downtown to life, capitalizing on the vast opportunities that are all a part of Waynesboro's unique location.

Undoubtedly, our leaders care about this town, as evidenced by their willingness to serve. We are sure that if their intelligence, time and energy are deeply invested in the mission of revitalizing our downtown, badly needed change will happen. That is what is needed now. The status quo has been maintained long enough.