The Owensboro Magazine 2009 - (Page 25) opment already begun by the state of Kentucky, focuses on reinvigorating downtown by creating a destination for tourism and conventions. Phase One of the plan includes a mixed use indoor events center, improvements to the existing park along the riverfront, and a new “market square plaza” which would be home to a regular farmers market as well as provide space for retail sales kiosks and an open area for people to gather. The commitment to new retail downtown goes hand-in-hand with the city’s commitment to provide attractive housing and entertainment options along the riverfront as well. According to Madison Silvert, executive vice president of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., “The most exciting part is that it is the first time that we have created a unified strategy for public projects that allows each project to work together. Rather than create one project here, then there, we are focusing our efforts into a unified master plan.” With technology providing the opportunity to work from almost anywhere, more than two-thirds of young professionals now choose where they want to live and then look for their job, or, in the case of the entrepreneur, create their own job. Owensboro has a unique opportunity to be an affordable and exciting place to live for the next generation of young professionals.● On a perfect late summer afternoon, Ross Hardy, above left, and Craig Render, both of Owensboro, prepare for a little Ohio River boating in Render’s Sea Doo Speedster. They are using the new boat ramp at English Park to launch the craft. Below: An artist’s rendering of Owensboro’s Riverfront Development Project now underway. OWENSBORO 2009 25
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