The City of Soldotna is inviting the public to participate in an open house to learn more about the Riverfront Redevelopment (Main Street) project, to share their thoughts and ideas, and to help shape a revitalized, downtown Soldotna.
The Soldotna Riverfront Redevelopment Open House is scheduled for Thursday, January 12th at 6 p.m. at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex.
Through planning and design of new infrastructure, and in working closely with private land owners, the City seeks to develop a more walkable, vibrant commercial corridor that supports local businesses and highlights the Kenai River year-round.
The City of Soldotna received a $360,000 grant in 2022 from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), for redevelopment of the City’s business district along the Kenai River. The concept of a pedestrian-friendly, riverfront ‘Main Street’ was first described in the City’s 2015 Downtown Improvement Plan, and is intended to spur private investment, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shanon Davis commented on the project.
“We are just in the very early planning stages. The City of Soldotna received a very large grant from the economic development people federally to look into creating a new “Main Street” in Soldotna that would be along the riverfront.”
A short presentation will summarize the project purpose and share the essential ingredients of prosperous redevelopment efforts. Examples of other successful riverfront redevelopment projects will be provided to help explore how Soldotna could benefit. Following the presentation, the public will be asked to share their ideas on redevelopment opportunities and challenges in Soldotna.
Davis on “Main Street” project’s plan to work with government, public and private groups.
“The project seeks to work with land and business owners, residents and community partners to create a “one of a kind” riverfront experience that will attract locals and visitors with shopping, dining and lodging in a very walkable environment. Our first opportunity to engage on this will be at a (Soldotna) Chamber presentation on Wednesday, January 11th that will be at noon at the Soldotna Sports Complex. Following that on January 12th, there will be an open house from 6-7:30 p.m. at the SRSC where you can learn more about the project and then actually have an opportunity to give feedback and to participate in the planning process.”
The Riverfront Redevelopment project area includes more than 80 acres of commercially-zoned land between the Sterling Highway and the Kenai River, running from Soldotna Creek Park to the Soldotna bridge. This project is a critical piece of the City’s economic development strategy, and seeks to build on the success of recent City investments in the downtown, including the transformation of Soldotna Creek Park into a regional, community gathering place.
Davis described the location and gave example of what the future of downtown Soldotna could be.
“It starts pretty-much at the bridge in Soldotna and then it travels all the way down to the Soldotna Creek Park. It’s a very large area of land. If you can imagine a two-lane “Main Street” with sidewalk parking and then little shops with great walkable sidewalks, covered awnings so they stay clear year-round and something new to see every ten feet that you walk. Incredible places to sit outside and enjoy the river. These are all dreams that we have of what Soldotna could become and we would love to have people be a part of that conversation.”
The Soldotna Riverfront Redevelopment Open House will be held at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
