About 50 people turned out Wednesday night to hear plans for the renewal of Sharon's downtown.

Representatives from E.G.&G. Inc., an Akron landscape architecture and engineering firm that is creating a revitalization plan for the city, presented 10 renderings of key areas in the city that included entryways on South Irvine Avenue and Connelly Boulevard and the City Centre on Water Avenue.

One shows Porter Way becoming part of a pedestrian walkway.

George Warren, owner of Best Wings USA, which operates the Three By the River restaurant complex, said closing Porter Way to traffic could impede business to the Korner News Stand at Porter and West State Street.

Warren said he also thinks it's important to keep West State as wide as possible for traffic and parking.

Rod Garrison, associate principal with E.G.&G., said he didn't see Porter Way used a great deal but would rethink the plan.

"You know your community better than any consultant ever could," said Joseph Mazzola, planning consultant with E.G.&G.

Residents agreed that improving access to the city is an important part of the revitalization. Garrison said the infrastructure -- including roads, sidewalks and hard-to-see traffic signals -- is in need of serious repair.

Jennifer Barborak of Shenango Valley River Watchers said she appreciates the fact that the renderings include green space but wondered what kind of material was proposed for the river walls.

Garrison said a specific material has not been chosen though something that looks like stone has been proposed because it would match the existing bridge abutments in the river.

Resident Stephen Theiss said he sees Sharon as a center for nightlife with a focus on entertainment.

Resident Carol Swartz said in addition to nightspots there could be a large number of employees who work in or near downtown and Penn State-Shenango students who would patronize downtown businesses.

Mazzola said in other communities where E.G.&G. conducted revitalizations, the project took about three years from start to finish.

"There's so much to be done in Sharon, and that's not uncommon because it's been neglected for so long," Mazzola said.

Garrison said he hadn't intended to create so many renderings but was "so impressed by the opportunities the project presented us, I couldn't resist."

Garrison said he hopes to emphasize Sharon's unique features such as the Shenango River. He suggested adding fountains to the river and starting recreational activities on it, like boating.

Finding money to pay for the project won't happen until the plans are solidified, Mazzola said. He said a combination of local, state and federal money can make the project happen.

Mayor David O. Ryan said even if it takes longer than five years, phases of the project could begin. "We need to start somewhere, maybe with the corridors and build on that," he said.

rett@sharon-herald.com