River Front Will Rock With New Hotspot in Old Club

For Years, the City has slowly but surely been sprucing up the shores of the Black River. Another step in that direction comes next Wednesday when Whitewater Park is dedicated on Newell Street alongside the section of river, kayakers call Hole Brothers.
This latest addition comes after the Veterans Memorial Walkway and the Waterworks Park on Eastern Blvd. Don't forget Marble Street Park.
Other trails near Factory Square and JCC have also been built.
Much of this has also been done with state grant money, although I am not one of those to argue that because its state money its not public money.
This Saturday, river enthusiasts will volunteer to do a cleanup of the often littered shores.
All of this is good.
The construction of decking attached to the former Red Lion Brew Pub has apparently led a group of investors headed by Chaumont resident Reg Schweitzer to attempt to buy the former pub and take a stab at making a buck on the Black.
Two previous owners have failed.
There are questions being raised about the propriety of the City building a deck attached to a private building and then calling it a park.
My own feeling is the park and the pub should be adjacent but separate and any land needed for outdoor festivities should be sold to the developers. Lawyers say you cannot do that. I don't concur. A line should exist between private and public so each entity can exercise control over their activities. Much is the same with the separate but adjacent relationship between the Fairgrounds and the privately owned Ultimate Goal Fitness Center. For saying that I am considered a party pooper.

This is a matter that will have to be resolved. I am sure it can be.