PORT NECHES —Port Neches’ riverfront area may one day include a boardwalk, benches, decorative lighting and a walkout pier.

But those are just a handful of ideas for the near one-mile stretch of land.

Port Neches leaders are looking for direction from residents to develop a concept plan for the city owned portion of the riverfront that will incorporate shore protection and public access as well as repurposing an existing upstream pier.

A handful of residents and business owners attended the first of two scheduled public input meetings at Port Neches City Hall on Tuesday.

The planning effort is being managed by the city of Port Neches with grant funding from the Texas Coastal Management Program administered by the Texas General Land Office.

Bill Worsham with LJA Engineering Inc. presented five visual aides including maps and an artist rending by Roy Mann of The Rivers Studio.

Worsham was quick to explain the artist rendering that showed a cross section of a boardwalk with benches, lighting, restrooms and flag poles but not the final design but was being used to get the conversation going.

Bert Lamson, one of the owners of the Neches River Wheelhouse restaurant, asked about the possibility of boat access.

“We get a sailboat group from Pleasure Island come through and Beaumont Yacht Club’s cigar boats come through here when going to Kemah. They have said if we have a dock they could make this one of their stops,” Lamson said, adding that 20 to 30 boats take part in poker runs with the club.

But there could be a problem with the idea — the wake from ships, Worsham said. The idea was not dismissed though.

Longtime residents Betty Sheffield and Jackie Burnett were on hand to hear the presentation and take a look at the maps.

“I love the boardwalk idea,” Sheffield said.

In addition to the talks about riverfront development the city is also in the process of taking care of erosion and removing debris along the shoreline through grant funds.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews