Rock River Coalition is working very hard upstream to have more strict legislation on lawn fertilizers and ag runoff issues. Everything we do for/to the river counts, here and down-stream.

WHile the city may be able to spruce up the river-front, the river itself will still be a sewer. The river's problems go all the way upstream, and downstream too. Sorry, but whatever they do here, won't mean diddly-squat to the river. Now, if they could get all the counties and communities upstream to do something too, that may have a noticeable affect.

one of the biggest problems is that there are many rental's in the down town area and the renters care as much about the property as the slumlords.

Take pride in the Mighty Rock. It is one of our largest natural resources within the county.
I am concerned that when the shore is returned to a more natural state that it will be planted with rye-grass or some other non-native grass and then get fertilized by some toxic chemicals (ie.. from ChemLawn, TruGreen, etc) that will potentially harm the health of the river. A note here: just because a chemical is from a natural source does not make it safe!
Remember, anything we put in the water here eventually ends up in the Gulf of Mexico.

North... West ....South.... or East... This town was build on the FOURTH WARD.Take down the lines in this town and be happy for what we have,stop with my address is better than yours.The river project sounds like a WIN-WIN for the whole community.

The river was the jewel of the city in the plan drawn up by John Nolen in the 1920s. Most of the land acquisitions have been in line with this plan even though many other things have changed (e.g. loss of the mills, outer development, new highways and major streets). Though this isn't a new idea it is good to see that the current planners still recognize its value.
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About 1975 the city had the river drawn down between the dams and a huge corps of volunteers waded around and cleaned up debris that had accumulated over decades. I'm sure that some new stuff has appeared but it probably isn't as bad now as it was then. Still, it may be worth considering doing the same thing again if there is visible debris.
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I suspect some of the trees along the river wall may have been removed to protect the integrity of the wall. The city isn't afraid to plant trees so I don't think they have anything against them.

Before everyone continues slinging mud at each other, I would like to offer a solution.

Contact Community Action, Echo, the City of Janesville, and a vast array of great service groups and agencies. Then step up and physically or financially help all the troubled people in Janesville. You that yell and do nothing to assist cannot complain. There are plenty of opportunities to make all neighborhoods better.

If you do not believe me, move to that other perfect city that you are judging us by.

By the way, the landlord paints the outside of buildings, but not all buildings are rentals. Owner occupied properties take time to rehab, give them time.

Some of the bloggers really add positive comments and suggestions, but I am betting that the majority of complainers have not lifted one finger to help, only to dial the phone number of Sound Off and type bad words and use foul language.

Be positive and lend a hand because there is no shortage of ways to help instead of complaining.

What about the bowling balls left behind Riversedge (old Playmore Bowl) ..I used to bowl on friday afternoon and monday nights down there, and after someone has a bad game (or night) of bowling.. the first olace they go is out the south door and plant their bowling ball in the river.. I'm sure that that travel down stream and cause havoc on everything... So cleaning up the river would be great... Bring back Good fishing to the river... good luck to city officials on this endevor..

I like the idea of doing something to return the natural beauty and usefulness of the river. I grew up with the river being a central focus of my past time. The Monterey area of the river has so much more potential than we are currently getting out of it. GM distracts much of the natural feeling of the river when standing in the park. Perhaps major planting on the south side of the river would help that? As for the inlet back-wash next to the rock, the water is so shallow maybe dredging the whole span of river would help create better flow. Unless you have a small boat with a shallow motor, you can hardly even boat between downtown and the dam. There’s so much junk in the water you don’t dare boat at anything more than an idle or you’ll hit a cement block, an old crate, or who knows what. I’m not promoting boating in this area, I’m just saying part of the whole stigma might be the industrial feel and the inability to utilize the river to its full potential.

how many renters paint there homes anyway?

opinionsforfree: I live on the East side so your post doesn't personally offend me but it does bother me that you made that comment. I'm sure that some don't care about their houses, and that is not just in the fourth ward. I can find houses on the East, West or North side that look like crap. Did it also occur to you that some people may be having financial hardships. They may have to choose between food and paint. I know what I would choose in that situation. Be careful how you judge people as life has a funny way of turning on you!

Ok not everyone in the forthward is a dirtbag. Just the ones who refuse to keep their yards clean,keep their houses panted, so on so forth So if your one of thoise I can see why you would be pissed at what I said.

Calling people in the Fourth Ward "dirt bags" isn't a positive move in improving our city. Making them feel that this is their city, too, would. It might even make them vote for people who would better represent them, making them feel even more a part of Janesville.

I think it is great to focus on the river because that is what drew the settlers to this area to begin with. The river needs to be showcased, not hidden behind buildings.
As for the cutting down of the trees along the river in Riverside Park, I think the Friends of Riverside Park group would have a thing or two to say about that. :)

It would be wonderful to see Janesville do something to the Rock River area similar to what Beloit has done. Yes, it will take time and money, but it will be nice have a river that doesn't look forgotten.

Just take a look at what Beloit has done and consider all the possibilities Janesville has!! Kudos to the manager.

I'm not sure what what is meant by making the river "more natural". I've seen all the trees cut down between the Marshall apartments, and the library. Also, all the trees along the river in Monterey park were cut down. I'm just waiting (and not wanting) to see all the trees cut down along the river at Riverside park. Were the banks of the river free of trees before? The undeveloped portions of the river have plenty of trees along the banks, so my guess is no.

This sort of major "redevelopement" doesn't happen overnight, but by focusing on Monterrey and that industrial corrider that no longer is industrial (save for GM), will transform my ole hometown into a showcase city.
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The city manager should be commended for leaving this, a REAL legacy, to be proud of.
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Can we also re-open Lions Beach and Riverside Park??