A sunny day in the middle of autumn finds plenty of reasons to reflect along the Naperville Riverwalk, a 31-year-old linear park that follows the winding DuPage River from the Jefferson Street Bridge to Hillside Avenue.
In addition to all its recreational advantages, many residents and visitors with cameras in hand are attracted to the Naperville Riverwalk to enjoy the ever-changing reflections in the DuPage River every season. When the river is still, especially in the autumn, peaceful images of the landscape double, providing breath-taking views of the city’s natural treasure located right in the heart of the city’s central business center.
The original path along the north side of the river from Main Street to Webster Street is just steps from Naper Settlement, the Municipal Center, the Nichols Library, North Central College as well as downtown shopping and dining.
Friday morning, our photographer strolled the low-flow walkway on the south side of the DuPage River across from the Santa House, the Dandelion Fountain in the Civic Plaza, the Exchange Club Veterans Plaza and the Century Walk sculpture titled “Riverwalk Visionaries.” The reflections were stunning.
That low-flow walkway is targeted to become a “game changer” for Naperville with the development of the Water Street District, a 2.4 acre block of the city in need of responsible redevelopment. After tabling the discussion in early November, the City Council is expected to listen to more testimony at its next meeting on Tues., Nov. 20.
Meanwhile, enjoy the Riverwalk photos from November 2012. Think about how the reflections could change in the future. Think about “What We Need.”
Click any photo to enlarge.
City Council Meeting, 7PM Tuesday, November 20
Depending on the outcome of the 9-member City Council vote on Tues., Nov. 20, , many memorable and picturesque views along the winding brick path from Main to Eagle streets could change forever with the shade and the shadows expected to follow the Water Street District development.
Under “Old Business” on the November 20 City Council Agenda, the only item listed under “J” states “1. Direct staff to prepare ordinances approving the Water Street District – North Phase/South Phase, including approval of the Final PUD Plats, Final Subdivision Plats, a conditional use for a hotel in B4 (Downtown Core), deviations to the parking and sign requirements, SSA buy-in, and other related approvals, PZC 12-1-040.”
This same item was tabled from the November 5 meeting. The meeting is archived on the City’s web site. Find the Water Street District presentation and public comments posted under “L, Reports and Recommendations,” Item 3.
Citizens who desire to address members of the City Council must sign up in advance of 7PM Tues., Nov. 20.
Editor’s Note: Many years ago, we were introduced to the works of economist Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850). Bastiat, a leader in the free-trade movement in France, wrote a series of thought-provoking essays titled “What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen.” His lucid thoughts about dealing with the economic challenges of his day, including the pros and cons of public subsidies, are available online. Today Bastiat likely would be a champion of “unintended consequences.”
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