By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

Imagine looking out the window from home and watching sailing ships go by, or walking along ample sidewalks on tree-lined streets surrounding a downtown area complete with shops and restaurants.

Once the stuff of imagination, or even best laid plans, the vision of a revitalized Port Arthur downtown is becoming closer to reality.

An expanded tax base from industrial expansions, dedicated funds from the city’s Economic Development Corporation, and the possibility of millions in stimulus money, has prompted city officials to say “now is the time to act.”

At a special meeting Tuesday, the International Economic Development Council presented its final report on downtown revitalization.

Jeff Finkle, president and chief executive officer with the IEDC, said the study was the result of a year and a half study of Port Arthur.

“This downtown revitalization will take a long time to turn around and I can guarantee you this,” Finkle said.

He estimated the project would take 10 to 15 years to complete. If not embarked on, the city will need to completely abandon its downtown.

“I don’t think you have any choice. Either you need to abandon the downtown, or have a significant investment over the next few years.”

The study detailed the city’s strengths and weaknesses, both of which were many, Finkle said.

On the plus side, Finkle cited the investment of the petrochemical industry, abundant water, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, a strong regional economic base, and the availability of land.

The petrochemical industry will be investing an estimated $12 to $15 billion in the regional economy around Port Arthur through upgrades and construction of new facilities over the next three to five years, the report indicated.

Challenges, he said, include a history of disinvestment, a geographically constrained market place, loss of population, a perception of high crime and block-after-block of abandoned or vacant buildings — all causing blight.