You’ve been hearing about it for months, this idea of reinvesting in and revitalizing Duluth’s western riverfront neighborhoods. Mayor Don Ness first broached the topic in early March during his state-of-the-city address.
A lot has happened since then. The idea actually is quickly moving forward. And there have been plenty of opinions voiced and questions and concerns raised. All of which makes an opportunity to hear directly from the mayor on this topic an opportunity not to be missed.
Such an opportunity presents itself Tuesday when Mayor Ness is the featured guest at a public forum, his vision for our city’s western riverfront the only item on the agenda. The forum is at
8 a.m. at the Inn on Lake
Superior. It’s hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Duluth. It’s sponsored by the chamber and the News Tribune. The public is invited.
Ness’ vision for the St. Louis River corridor has its roots in 2009 and a summit he organized with more than 70 stakeholders. The idea that emerged is to turn the long-neglected area into a scenic hot spot filled with outdoor adventure and recreational opportunities and attractions. The corridor is to become the kind of place where people will be eager to visit and/or to live.
“The most important goal is to enhance and promote the incredible natural amenities along the St. Louis River that will not only bring visitors to businesses in the area but more importantly will make these neighborhoods a great choice for a new generation of homebuyers,” Ness told the News Tribune Opinion page Friday. “As we get more folks to move to Duluth to take new jobs at AAR, Cirrus, Altec and Maurices, I want Realtors to be excited to show them the incredible lifestyle possible along the St. Louis River. That’s not happening today and that has got to change.”
Change takes money, of course, and Ness has an idea for that, too. He wants to reinstate a half-percent sales tax in Duluth on restaurant meals, beverages and hotel stays. The half-and-half tax expired in 2012 after revitalizing the Canal Park area. The Legislature this year gave the Duluth City Council the authority to reinstate the tax. The council is expected to consider it this summer.
The reinstated sales tax would generate an estimated $1.25 million a year to pay for a rebirth of the city’s western riverfront.
“I think the most important message is that tourism is only one of four key elements of our St. Louis River plan,” Ness said. “Environmental cleanup, job growth and strengthening the housing market in the traditional neighborhood are all key components of the overall plan. The use of the half tax will allow us to make investments in outdoor recreation and environmental learning, which will help bolster our efforts on all four priorities.”
The idea has the potential for transformative change in an area of Duluth that has garnered little attention for decades. It has the potential even to bolster Duluth’s population, a number that remains frustratingly stagnant despite aggressive efforts and a sense of improvement.
So who wouldn’t want to know more about all this? Tuesday’s the chance. Have your questions and comments ready.
Learn more Tuesday
What: Public forum featuring Duluth Mayor Don Ness and his plan for Duluth’s St. Louis River corridor
When: 8 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Inn on Lake Superior, 350 Canal Park Drive, Duluth
Contact: For additional information or to register your attendance, contact the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce at (218) 740-3743 or at
www.duluthchamber.com
.
