The Westbrook Planning Board will host a public hearing next week to receive feedback on the proposed extension of the downtown riverwalk.

Riverwalk North would stem from Bridge Street and run along land owned by Sappi Fine Paper next to One Riverfront Plaza, spiraling along the riverbank and continuing down to what’s known as the black bridge. A recent design amendment will take the path onto Brown Street, adding streetscape enhancements.

The public hearing will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., in Room 114 of Westbrook High School. According to the meeting notice, the Planning Board could vote to approve the future construction of the project if satisfied with the hearing Tuesday.

During the past year, city planning officials have been hosting a series of neighborhood meetings to discuss the project.

The extension would create a continuous pedestrian loop in the community, which supporters say would promote recreation and lead to increased economic activity. Abutters, however, have a range of concerns for a new path behind their properties. At the most recent public meeting in August, a handful of neighbors said they opposed the project, but many others said it could greatly benefit the city.

The Planning Board is asking all residents and other interested parties to testify in person or send written comments to the Department of Planning & Code Enforcement. All application materials are on file in the Department of Planning & Code Enforcement.

City Planner Molly Just has said that if approved, this would create a “shovel-ready” project, but no funding has been lined up and no construction dates have been estimated. – Andrew Rice