Editorial: Years of planning paying off

Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002 | 9:09 a.m.

Residents of Henderson got some good news this week when the city's redevelopment agency reported that three developers with good reputations and solid finances responded to the bids seeking ideas for major improvements to Water Street. Known as the heart of old downtown -- many people still call it the Main Street of Henderson -- Water Street treaded while other parts of the fast-growing city swam by over the past 20 years. But beginning about 10 years ago, with the Water Street Beautification Project, planners began working toward the day when this street, which is home to City Hall and the courthouse, would regain its prominence.

The Henderson Redevelopment Agency may now be on the verge of realizing this goal. The proposals submitted by the three developers center on a mix of commercial and residential development that would consistently attract people to this mile-long street. The developers would build on sites cleared by the redevelopment agency. The vision is for those sites to contain new construction that will boost the street's image and fortunes. A major proposal for one of those sites -- 3.6 acres across from City Hall -- fell through in July of last year after more than two years of on-again, off-again negotiations over financing.

The nature of redevelopment, however, is to rebound from the inevitable failures. The redevelopment agency spent $4.2 million upgrading the utilities along Water Street, adding storm drains (flooding had been a major problem), and making the street more pedestrian friendly. It spent $200,000 on improvements to business facades. Businesses are now beginning to open along the street, a trend that can continue with careful development. During the attention to this historic section over the past few years, one business owner offered some excellent advice: "Water Street should stay Water Street." If the Henderson Redevelopment Agency takes that advice to heart while reviewing plans submitted by the bidders, we see great things ahead for this vital area of the city.