Just wanted to give you a thumbs up on all of the work you are doing on getting the message out to people with regard to the waterfront in Charleston.

As a Charleston resident I find it refreshing to see individuals, not of political standing, reaching to make the changes that are necessary for the survival of our fair city.

I had the opportunity of seeing your design plan and am very impressed with the thought and work put into such an enterprise.  This is just what Charleston needs.

My husband and I are over the road truck drivers.  We are rarely home but keep in mind that I pay taxes in WV, for anyone who reads this and thinks its none of my business.

I travel across country and, I have to say, am quite embarrassed at times to tell anyone where I'm from.  WV has gotten a bad reputation in that we are still thought of as backward hillbillies, inbred, walking around with one short leg and one long one, the meaning being walking in the hills all of the time. 

Charleston needs a facelift and an updated one at that.  While in Charleston the last time I made a trip to the mall, and to my astonishment, the 3rd floor has new tables and tilework.  FINALLY!  I mean, how much money do they have to squander away before any improvements are made for God sakes.   On that note I'd like to discuss the Clay Center.  I've visited there a few times and, wow, what a gorgeous facility.  The only time, to my dismay, that the place looked like it was being used by the "middle-income" people was during Easter when I visited with my niece.   The idea for something like that was very much needed, along with this waterfront plan of yours.  What is wrong with the "Waterfront Committee"?  Some gardens?  Get a grip people.  This city needs something more, something that will make people from out of town stand up and take notice.  Something that, when seen from the interstate, will grab their attention enough to make them want to visit.  That can only help this city out.

As I was saying, I drive across country and see alot of the riverfronts that are out there.  Memphis grabs your attention, Louisville grabs your attention, Laughlin, NV grabs it also.  Charleston needs to think of the long term goals.  Stop putting up piddly ideas like a garden and do something that, in the long run, will serve our community.

Thanks for your time.

Jeanne

Thank You Jeanne,

Your kind words are welcome to hear!

I feel the same, Charleston is surrounded by plenty of trees and wildlife.

To answer your question about the Waterfront Committee, I honestly can't really answer it.

They seem to already have a decision made as to exactly what Charleston needs and will get before we have even been asked. I say this because at the Corp. of Engineers meeting last Thursday at the Civic Center, just as the meeting was breaking up one of our Waterfront Committee members loudly said that some confusion must be out and that Sasaki Associates would be in Charleston July 28th and that a marina was out of the question and any buildings.

I take it that Charleston has retained a Landscaping firm to do a Landscaping design for 120,000 dollars when we could have hired someone here for a lot less. I don't doubt for one second that we have capable people here for something that simple.

My opinion is that they either don't want to do the necessary work to find a developer or they are affraid to ask anyone with money in Charleston for anything since everyone is broke from donating to the Clay Center.We could have a very nice Waterfront for the Multi - Millions spent on it and the Waterfront would make money!

I'm sorry that you won't be here for the meeting this Thursday, if you have any ideas of your own please feel free to send them to the web site and I will get it to the meeting.

Thank you again for your interest and support for our city and my design!!!!!!!