By Faith Greene

THE annual Development Forum of the Linden Riverfront Festival Committee is scheduled for this Friday, coinciding with the start of the Riverfront Festival.

According to the Director of the Linden Riverfront Festival Committee, Samuel. A. Wright, the festival started eight years ago, with its main purpose being to promote the development of the Riverfront.

He explained that the thought behind the festival was to have an event that not only showcases the regular activities that occur along the riverfront, but to push for the development of that area.

These activities, he shared, include a market on the riverfront, boating and cycling to name a few. Wright says that the festival was almost a no-go this year. The reason for this, he stated, was because although the event’s purpose is to promote the riverfront development, neither of the relevant authorities responsible for the development of this area is doing anything to upkeep the riverfront.

He said it felt as though the effort placed into this festival to promote the riverfront was wasted when they do not see the same equal investment or cleaning up or managing of the riverfront being made by those persons.

He continued, “The riverfront is one of the most important parts of Linden. Historically, Linden almost started on the riverfront.”

Wright said that most of the first churches are on the riverfront, and so are most of the original schools, businesses, and historical monuments like the Washington Monument that are there as well.

The Festival Director noted that the riverfront development would have to address topics including the up keeping of the riverfront, the ending of pollution, and sustainable enhancements of that area. Wright identified Linden as a port, saying that they not only ship bauxite, but other products as well.

Wright has, in previous times, advocated for proper development of the riverfront. He has stated that it’s more than just about the beautification of these areas. He said, “We have to address all those things in the riverfront development. So, it’s not just aesthetics and making things pretty, but really addressing environmental issues, social issues, shipping, waste management and all of that, because it’s all concentrated on the riverfront.”