Pocono News Section

Sunbury Riverfront Project Underway

Sunbury Riverfront Project Underway - Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 04:09AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday March 17 2010
Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table. MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} A controversial project to revitalize Sunbury's riverfront has finally gotten underway. The $9 million project originally called for cutting out a chunk of Sunbury's floodwall. That idea was met with great resistance, and has now been scrapped from the plans. As crews begin to mark out the areas they'll tackle first, people in the city are excited about a riverfront project that has been years in the making. Paul Shuey, of Sunbury, noted, "It's something different. Sunbury doesn't have too much stuff around here. Something new like that, people will get excited over." The first phase of the project will take place closest to Front Street, in Merle Philips Park. Project Coordinator Tom Deans said, "The first phase calls for curb realignment, construction of a sidewalk, installation of trees and Victorian lights from Race Street to Bainbridge." The second phase will begin in early May and focus on the river side of the floodwall. It will include restoration of the wall and replacement of acres of eroded land. Officials say the goal of the project is to provide easier access and help people reconnect with the mighty Susquehanna River as it flows past Sunbury. Deans explained, "There will also be an amphitheatre, a fishing pier, and a marina as part of the second phase to provide recreational opportunities." Handicapped access will be made available near the amphitheatre. Some call the $9 million price tag for a recreational project frivolous. Peter Edwards, of Sunbury, noted, "It could go to places that need it elsewhere." But others believe the riverfront changes will make the city a better place. Deans added, "Sunbury has an awful lot going for it. Making it look better enhances it's opportunities." The first phase of the project- in the park- should be completed in about six months. The second phase- on the river side of the floodwall- is expected to wrap up in less than a year.