Mayor Unveils Ambitious Plan to Transform Davis Waterfront, and Will Try Again to Enact Zoning
Plus, updates on the new visitors center, Mountaineer Days arrives, and more
Davis Mayor Al Tomson unveiled sweeping plans to expand and transform Riverfront Park into an amenity-rich, family-friendly mecca for locals and tourists alike.
The plans include a network of paved ADA-compliant trails that would connect with other trails in the area, a band clamshell for outdoor music, playground equipment, and other features. The upgrades would make the most of the town’s status as a waterfront community, Tomson said.
“We have access to the Blackwater River, which is a pristine gift that nature has given the town,” Tomson said.
In a discussion with Country Roads News, Tomson for the first time publicly shared artists renderings and a layout plan for the five-acre park, and discussed other long-term plans for the town. Tomson also plans a renewed push to enact zoning to guide future development as Davis continues to grow. And he said he plans to run again for mayor; his current term expires in June of next year.
Facing headwinds
It’s an ambitious set of goals for a mayor who has faced headwinds in a community with a sizable number of residents who don’t share his vision of the future.
That disconnect was apparent in the town’s 80-115 vote on June 8 to reject a proposed zoning ordinance that Tomson fought to enact. Tomson also has felt blowback from his ongoing efforts to purchase the old Shop ‘N Save building and adjacent parking lot.
“I’m a big boy. I’ve got tough skin, and people are entitled to their own opinions. It’s just part of the job.”
Tomson said he isn’t deterred by the zoning vote, nor does he feel wounded by the “Impeach Al Tomson” stickers that recently started appearing around town.
“I’m a big boy. I’ve got tough skin, and people are entitled to their own opinions,” Tomson said. “It’s just part of the job.”
Money, land, and access
The Riverfront Park plan faces significant hurdles:
First, Tomson is counting on a $3.9 million federal budget earmark to fund the project. That money is at least a year away and depends on decisions made by Washington lawmakers.
Second, the town would have to acquire a small parcel of land behind the Post Office owned by Steve White. White didn’t return emails seeking comment. The land Tomson hopes to acquire does not include the footprint of the Highlander Motel, which was demolished in 2020.
The plan also depends on the city purchasing the old Shop ‘N Save building and adjacent parking lot. Negotiations over that purchase are ongoing. The town recently obtained an appraisal on the property and sent it back for revisions, Tomson said.
And finally, portions of the plan would require striking an agreement with homeowners in a new development abutting the west side of the park to allow public traffic on what is currently a private road. The developer behind that housing project, Pete Johnson, has had legal conflicts with the town and is frequently at odds with Tomson. However, Johnson said he welcomes efforts to improve public access to the river, adding that he expects homeowners will be open to the plan. “I think everything about this plan is exciting and fun and great,” Johnson said. “I’m sure that terms can be worked out.”
“Something for everybody”
The primary reason for the park, Tomson said, is “bringing people together. It’s a gathering spot, and to do that, the amenities are the draw that brings people in.” He added, “I’m looking at something for everybody.”
Jessica Waldo, executive director of the Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the proposed park facilities, along with improved public access to the Blackwater River, “would be a wonderful asset to the community.”
Tomson is aware that many community residents complain that the town is trying too hard to please visitors rather than focusing on the needs of locals, especially those who have lived in the area for generations.
He said he believes the park can serve everyone.
“I don’t see this as being exclusively for tourists,” he said. “And I don’t have any objections to doing things for everybody who is in Davis or who comes to Davis. We’re a welcoming community that’s open to residents and tourists alike.”
Zoning, part two
Tomson said he remains convinced that in addition to improved public facilities, the town needs a zoning ordinance to guide future development. Many Davis residents complained that the zoning ordinance voters rejected on June 8 was too onerous, with some adding that they would support a scaled-down alternative.
Tomson said he accepts those concerns and that a new proposed ordinance will be drafted that is “less restrictive and more reflective of what people were saying.”
A renewed push to enact zoning will take at least a year and a half, Tomson said, and may require another referendum vote.
One thing that won’t change, Tomson said, is that he will continue his efforts to restrict the number of short-term rentals, or “Airbnbs,” in certain residential neighborhoods. The town has no authority to control the spread of Airbnbs unless it enacts a zoning ordinance.
“There are many articles from around the country about the damage that can happen to communities if short-term rentals are unregulated,” Tomson said. “So that concerns me. But the public didn’t seem concerned enough about it, so it’s unregulated at this point, and it is what it is.”
More From Country Roads News About the Future of Davis
More News
Mountaineer Days Returns With Music, Parade, Fireworks
Mountaineer Days returns to Thomas with a full day of events Saturday, July 6, including live music, events for kids, a parade, and fireworks.
Click here for the full lineup of events, and click here for the Country Roads News preview of summer events.
Decision Imminent on Location for New Visitors Center
The Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau will choose the site for its new building by the end of the month, said executive director Jessica Waldo.
Three sites are under consideration for the project, all of them in the town of Davis, Waldo said. The Convention and Visitors Bureau has hired Charleston-based ZMM Architects and Engineers to assist with the site selection and to design the facility, Waldo said.
The 3,200 square-foot building will include public parking, public Wi-Fi, a playground, and public restrooms.
Waldo said the Convention and Visitors Bureau has secured $1.6 million for the project, although she added that she continues to seek additional funding.
Country Roads News on March 14 was first to report that the Convention and Visitors Bureau had secured sufficient funding to move ahead with the project.
The new facility is likely to open in 2026.
Davis Town Council Approves Mandatory Fire Fee
The Davis Town Council voted unanimously to impose a $3 monthly fee on residential property owners for building and equipment upgrades at the local fire department.
The fee for multi-family dwellings and commercial properties will be $5 per month. The fee for industrial properties will be $8 monthly.
The fees take effect in January.
“I’m happy people realize it’s important to have a viable fire department,” said Davis mayor Al Tomson.