Good things sometimes come to those who wait.
At least that's what some City Council members are banking on after Mayor Gabriel J. Campana delayed by two weeks a scheduled presentation with officials from Delta Development, a Camp Hill-based consulting firm that is developing an economic development strategy for the city.
The strategy includes Campana's Destination 2014.
That project is a planned reuse and redevelopment of buildings on the YMCA block as the non-profit organization plans to build anew south of the Williamsport Regional Medical Center.
A meeting with Delta Development officials and Council that had been scheduled to take place next Thursday was moved to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4.
Campana explained the two-week delay.
Fact Box
AT A GLANCE
Highlights of the proposed Destination 2014:
Pool and gymnasium would be razed to create prime space for retail outlets
Pickelner Arena would be expanded and redeveloped as a civic arena with ice
The original YMCA building at West Fourth and Elmira would be redeveloped as a conference center, or it may be used for residential space
A town square, incorporating themes of city art and architecture, and green space
A bump-up parking lot would be assembled in the eastern part of the block toward Hepburn Street
"The reason is to create solid, concise conceptual drawings to complement Delta's presentation," Campana said.
On Tuesday, several on council said they also welcomed further review and didn't mind the wait.
"I don't mind waiting," Councilman Randall J. Allison said. "That's not that much of a delay ... I'd like to see a sound, cohesive and comprehensive package."
Nothing is pressuring the mayor or the group to present it before it's ready to go, Councilman Don Noviello said. "It's conjecture at this point ... I am looking forward to a clean package."
"If it takes them that much time to make a better presentation, I would rather have as much information as possible," Council President Bill Hall said.
Hall said so far he's heard about the plan at one breakfast meeting.
"I have not been involved in Delta's economic planning activities," Councilman Jonathan Williamson said. "Clearly, if they need more time to complete work or effectively present their findings, it is what it is."
Williamson said he's used to a level of engagement by various parties in these kind of development plans.
"So you kind of know who they are and how the planning process is proceeding," he said. "I look forward to hearing how they conducted their analysis and what their findings were."
On Tuesday, Campana and several others visited Morristown, N.J., a city of about 15,000 rife with elements of Revolutionary War and Colonial days and a green space known as their town square.
"Our city does not have a town square," City Councilwoman Bonnie Katz said. "It was wonderful to see the park packed with people, some of them eating lunch and walking along under the shade trees."
She thought it was a much-needed gathering place for the city's downtown community to treasure.
"It was accomplished by private investment money," Katz said of the Morristown Green.
County Transportation Planner Mark Murawski described the trip as worthwhile. He believes the city and county can emulate much of what worked for Morristown and apply elements effectively in the planned 2014 project.
"One thing that impressed me was a Revolutionary War theme," he said. "They designed their park around that theme," he said.
"Our own history could be showcased with this project," he said.
The arts community and the city's architecture could incorporate in the future green space, Murawski said.
Laura Flynn, who represented the city arts community on the trip, was impressed by the community's displays, storefronts and art galleries.
Campana said through private investment it is possible the city could have its own Williamsport Green, with a place for showing movies, benches and a central gathering area for outdoor concerts.
