Stephen A. Hansen

The concept plan offers excellent ideas, including refilling the canal, restarting canal boat rides, adding a new visitor center, improved signage, and grading the towpath for safety. The canal has endured repeated and severe floods, scouring the canal and damaging its structure. Therefore, for the concept plan to succeed, every alternative selected must be sustainable, able to withstand flooding. For example, flood-vulnerable alternatives such as boardwalks, elevators, new flower beds, and alternatives B and C for the towpath should be re-evaluated.