The next generation is really why we're here today... The riverfront is the one common neighborhood for everyone in this area.  The one neighborhood that everyone shares is the river, because afterall, that is how Paducah got here.  The great old river is replete with history of the United States of America.  I want to help the community enhance the river experience so that this common neighborhood that everyone has will be a place to go and enjoy yourself for years and years to come.  -- Senator Mitch McConnell 

Click Riverfront Plan for a link to more information about the proposed Riverfront Redevelopment Plan. 

Schultz Park Redevelopment Plan November 2007

Schultz Park Redevelopment Plan (3.84 MB)

Schultz Park Plan Drawing (491 KB)

Environmental Assessment (November 2009)

Riverfront Redevelopment Plan April 2007 

Note:  Some sections of the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan have since been revised as explained above in the Schultz Park information.  Documents below are from the original plan approved by the Commission in April 2007.  

 Riverfront Master Plan—Final Riverfront Redevelopment Plan Approved April 10, 2007 (40 MB)

Final Riverfront Redevelopment Plan - Approved April 10, 2007 (29.8 MB)   

Final Concept Plan Drawing (3.28 MB) (See revised plan for Schultz Park above)

• Floodwall Murals / Floodwall: The floodwall murals will stay in their present form and location.  It is true that during the planning process the possibility of replacing the present concrete floodwall with a new "invisible" technology was discussed.  The new floodwall would only be present when the city would need it during a flood, thus providing a clear view of the river except for the once every 5-7 years when it would be needed.  When it became apparent that the community as a whole did not favor this option, removal of the floodwall was removed from consideration.  The plan does call for exploration of this option in the future to coincide with possible redevelopment of the Executive Inn.  At no time was removal of the floodwall and leaving the city unprotected an option.

• Automobile Access:  Automobile access is maintained and even enhanced in the riverfront plan.  The current configuration of "dragging the gut" from Broadway to Kentucky could no longer exist.  However, this has not been finalized by the City Commission.  The new configuration could be to drive through the Jefferson Street opening by the Irvin Cobb/Alben Barkley mural, through a redeveloped Schultz Park, and exit on Madison Street at the edge of the Executive Inn parking lot.  Remember that with the new boat launch and the marina, the best 'riverfront viewing' will be from the Schultz Park area.  Schultz Park improvements will include additional parking, improved landscaping, and overall better automobile access. Additionally, the new boat ramp at North 6th Street and Burnett Street will be automobile accessible with more natural views of the river.

• Marina: The riverfront plan does estimate demand for a marina on the Ohio/Tennessee Rivers at Paducah for 250-300 boat slips.  These slips are a combination of slips and facilities for passing through transient boats as well home-based boaters.  The plan is to build half of what the estimate is (100-150 slips) and measure any additional demand.  It is proposed to be a full service marina with fuel, restrooms, showers, and possibly convenience items and a restaurant.  It would be a publicly owned but privately operated facility.

• Parking / Parking Lots: Parking has always been a key to the success of downtowns.  The plan addresses parking by illustrating the need to provide new parking prior to complete on any element of the plan that proposes to eliminate any existing parking.  For example, the plan calls for the downtown public parking lot to be converted to a green, open plaza for gatherings or festivals.  The parking would be replaced by either a parking structure underneath the plaza or a new above ground parking structure within a couple of blocks of the development.  Keep in mind that when the large festivals are taking place downtown, those parking lots are typically closed and used as festival grounds.  All other elements of the plan will require parking to be incorporated into the development.

• Boat Ramp: A new boat ramp is proposed at North 6th Street and Burnett Street.  This ramp will have 24 hour access just like the foot of Broadway.  It will be a five-lane launch with approximately 100 parking spaces.  The ramp will be elevated so it is usable more times of the year than the current ramp.  Also, there will be an auxiliary emergency ramp off of Washington Street should the new ramp need to be closed.  Security lighting and cameras are being put at this location.  The launch site is also located on the greenway trail which will be patrolled.  This new location will help expand Paducah's ability to host major fishing tournaments.

• Plan Funding / Phasing: The entire plan is expected to identify riverfront improvements in the neighborhood of $50 million.  It is unrealistic for the city to expect to either receive funding for the entire plan or pay for all of these items at once.  The plan prioritizes projects in a logical order to be phased in as funding becomes available.  Senator McConnell has been fortunate enough to secure $5.3 million for Paducah to start on the riverfront improvements.  Senator McConnell has also pledged his support to the project for additional funding.  The plan is such that is can be phased and implemented to coincide with funding as it is obtained.

• TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District: A tax increment financing district is a creative financing funding tool that cities can use to help pay for public improvements. The idea is that additional taxes collected in the district above the year in what it is set will go into a TIF fund to be used on projects in that district.  For example, let's say a piece of property in the downtown district generated $1,000 in 2007 in city taxes based on its assessed value. The Property Valuation Administration (PVA) reassesses the property as part of its 5-year review and that generates a city tax bill of $1,500 in 2008. The additional $500 goes into the TIF fund to be reused for other improvements in that district.  No new taxes are levied to the property owners.  As more investment is made in the district, the property values increase thereby increasing the TIF fund.

• Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC): There are many types of riverfront development corporations.  Generally, this board would be in charge of overseeing the implementation of the plan, distribution of the TIF funds, buying/selling property, and administering design guidelines for new construction.  The makeup of the board will likely consist of elected officials, city staff, and private citizens.  The RDC may employ its own staff to help administer these tasks.

• Design Guidelines: The plan calls for design guidelines in order to maintain the downtown's character and to ensure quality sustainable developments along the riverfront.  The proposed guidelines are for new construction only.

• Maintenance:  Each new public element of the plan will have a maintenance requirement.  As these new facilities are built, additional maintenance staff will be considered in order to keep the downtown clean and to help maintain the community pride of this area.

• Progress:  The City has adopted the Riverfront Master Plan.  Design and Engineering has been started on Phase I of the project.  Once all permits have been obtained, construction will begin on the new boat dock and transient dock facility.  Construction is expected to begin in Spring of 2008.  Paducah was awarded a $5.3 million grant from the Federal Government, via Senator McConnell, to start the implementation of the plan.  An additional $4.6 million is in the Federal budget for 2008.  Plan elements include a new boat launch, new performance stage with water feature, river overlook, great lawn area, greenway hike and bike trail, possible new water park, a civic plaza with underground parking, areas for museum enhancements, new riverfront residential, new retail, an excursion dock for transient boaters and the steamboats, and a marina.  Other amenities that will be included are eating/picnic areas, native grasses as bank treatments, preservation of the historic cobblestones, public art, and other yet to be identified features.

The first phase of the plan will include construction of the new boat launch downstream at North 6th and Burnett Street, construction of the excursion dock facility, and redevelopment of the river bank from Jefferson Street to Washington Street.  This phase does include "Steamboat Landing Park" consisting of the new stage, overlook, and great lawn area.  Conceptional drawings of the foot of Broadway and cross-sections of the new stage and river overlook can be downloaded below.  Costs of this first phase is estimated to be approximately $13 million.