Although Urban Land Institute officials made comments about the proposal when they visited in October, local officials said the organization would make a report on its final recommendations.
Charles Town Mayor Randy Hilton reviewed highlights of the report during a Charles Town Council meeting Monday night and said he is encouraged.
The project would blend a number of efforts, such as building office space and a technology center to attract high-tech businesses, development of a retail and movie complex near the intersection of George and North Streets, and adding more housing and recreation areas downtown.
Bob Wulff of the Urban Land Institute told local officials in October that additional housing is critical for the redevelopment effort because it will bring customers to area retailers.
Having people downtown 24 hours a day means more people walking around town, eating at restaurants and shopping, Wulff said.
Hilton said a recommendation being studied is construction of a multifamily housing development along Evitt's Run where the Dixie-Narco plant used to be.
Hilton said he already has talked to several developers who are interested in creating the housing project.
Hilton said he also has talked to a developer who is interested in building office space that is called for in the redevelopment proposal.
"I think there is a real good chance this is going to work," Hilton told council members. "We could be the leader in West Virginia by doing this."
"I agree," council member Geraldine Willingham said.
Willingham said the project could generate good-paying jobs for young people in the community.
Council members agreed to continue pursuing the project and consider additional recommendations.
Although the Urban Land Institute report praised local officials for their redevelopment idea, it emphasized challenges local officials will have to address. The challenges were mentioned by Urban Land Institute officials in October.
To make the project work, Urban Land Institute officials are stressing the need for county government to remain in Charles Town, for Jefferson Memorial Hospital to remain in the Charles Town and Ranson area, and for expanded sewer capacity in the area.
The report recommends the establishment of an organization such as a joint economic redevelopment authority to lead the effort.
The organization would have the authority to purchase land, demolish properties and use eminent domain if necessary, according to the report.
The redevelopment project includes developing a linear park along Evitt's Run.
The park project, which will include biking and hiking trails, will cost about $188,988 to develop, said City Manager Jane Arnett.
The city is applying for $120,000 in grant money from the state to help fund the park project, Arnett said.
"Water features are important in redevelopment because they are attractive and they draw people," Hilton said in an interview earlier Monday.
