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For decades, the industrial waterfront of the Harbor District has been unwelcoming. Condemned buildings and contaminated sites attracted illicit activity, while low rail bridges and barbed wire were unwelcoming to businesses, customers, and visitors.
To begin the process of revitalization, we knew we needed to reintroduce people to this part of their city. Now, hundreds of people have joined us on bus, boat, kayak, bike, and walking tours. Others enjoy community events like our annual Harbor Fest. Students from nearby elementary schools count dragonflies along the bike trail with us, and bring their parents back to check out Harbor View Plaza.
The past two centuries of industrial activity have left contamination in the land and waterways of the Harbor District. As we look ahead to the next century, environmental clean-up, habitat restorations, and water quality improvements are key to a successful revitalization process.
The Harbor District vision includes striking a better balance between dense, urban development and green spaces that support birds, pollinators, native plants, and other critters on land, and connected aquatic habitat that supports the many fish species who move through these waters.
Green infrastructure and innovative stormwater management practices will help achieve water quality goals across the Harbor District while also helping to achieve City-wide and watershed goals.