On Monday, April 30, we were hosts to a group of eight people from the Danville Regional Foundation, Danville, VA who were in town for several days to meet with me and a number of our board members for an overview of the downtown revitalization effort and our organizations involvement. It was an interesting day with much discussion on our various projects, partnerships with local government, restructuring the downtown economy by expanding tourism, waterfront development and the valuable role our organization and the private sector has played in this 35 year effort.
Danville fell on hard times when the Dan River textile mills and tobacco distribution centers closed a number a number of years ago. The Danville Regional Foundation, founded in 2005, has made targeted efforts to support community revitalization, including funding and aiding the River District master planning process since that time.
New Bern was chosen as a follow-up to a meeting the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) hosted in July 2011. I was a participant in the community revitalization roundtable discussions hosted by DRF that included people from not-for-profit downtown revitalization organizations and for-profit community economic development investors. The goal was to examine lessons learned from similar places and to understand how others perceive the needs and opportunities for attractive investment around and to the downtown River District. Questions addressed included: what capacities and conditions must be present to attract and retain private investment; what kind of non-profit implementation and support models could benefit comprehensive revitalization efforts in Danville; how can DRF support or catalyze the capacities needed to attract and manage revitalization resources and development?
Four major themes emerged: 1. Danville must find the “tipping point” at which collective momentum spills over and creates enduring, positive change. 2. The history of the River District can unlock financial and cultural potential for leveraging revitalization. 3. Recreational and cultural assets are key to connecting the River District with visitors and residents alike. Community capacity-building should happen side-by-side central revitalization plans and non-profits are also important players. Other recommendations by the roundtable participants re: public sector players were: maintain a strong focus on infrastructure, parks and other amenities that will make the River District livable. Create a Municipal Service Tax District. Continue to work in partnership Foundation to leverage private capital. Danville River District History
What a familiar ring…clearly, Danville is facing the same challenges New Bern faced in the late 1970’s when downtown was at its lowest point. Beginning with the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan, and other long range plans, achievable goals and objectives and public private partnerships have been key to our effort. Like New Bern, by working together, the DRF, City of Danville, private and non-profit developers and investors, and Danville’s community residents all have roles to play in supporting and taking part in revitalization plans for the River District.
We enjoyed the opportunity to provide input that will be helpful in developing the organizational framework they need to support River District efforts and getting the organization off the ground. Fortunately, at this point in time, we are ahead of the curve and our downtown, the heart of our community, is alive and well.
We enjoyed meeting them, were glad to provide input based on our experiences and wish them great success in their effort.
Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director
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