Shepherdstown was originally founded as a riverfront town, but over time as other modes of transportation developed, the town turned its back on the River. To investigate the possibility of reconnecting, the town formed a Riverfront Revitalization Partnership with the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program and the Shepherdstown Rotary Club. Based on past planning efforts such as Shepherdstown’s “Comprehensive Plan,” the Community Design Team’s “Shepherdstown Gem of the Panhandle,” and Vision 20/20’s “A Vision for the Shepherdstown Area,” the Partnership has explored the issues related to protecting and using the natural and historic resources of the Riverfront.

There has been a considerable amount of work done behind the scenes to collect information, to contact user groups, to identify opportunities, and to develop general ideas. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of reliable information available to the public about the effort. Recognizing that lack of information and the need for feedback from residents, neighbors, and Town residents, the Planning Commission has requested up-dates from the Partnership and has scheduled a public information session. At the session the Partnership will present its thoughts and findings but more importantly will have an opportunity to receive feedback from the public. The Planning Commission expects that feedback to serve, with the Partnership’s other findings, as the basis for any future recommendations made for the Town’s consideration.

A public information session will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the Shepherdstown Train Station.