A town meeting is set for tonight at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Town Hall to gain input from citizens about the future of a marina project city officials are planning.

It is an opportunity for residents and business people to have a say in the direction they want the project to take, and we think they should take advantage of it.

Officials have done the right thing in taking the first step – buying an old, vacant marina that can be turned into a public marina and park. Their vision in doing so bodes well for the years to come in Riverside.

Now it’s time for citizens to step in and help shape the plan for the future. It is a requirement of grants allocated to the project to develop a five-year plan for the property, which will be a comprehensive outline of where this project should head during that time.

The project can be an enhancement to the recreational offerings of the town, providing public access to Logan Martin Lake. But it also can be a tourist draw to Riverside.

We think both angles can merge into a place all can be proud of and benefit from, and we encourage a good turnout for tonight’s meeting.