HONESDALE, PA — On Wednesday, July 15, the Greater Honesdale Partnership and Honesdale Borough held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the 12th Street Promenade project, a walkway-park along 12th Street between Main and Church Street. 

The promenade will add to Honesdale's pedestrian accessibility, connecting the Main Street business district with the Sycamore Point Park river access on the Lackawaxen River. It has been envisioned alongside a broad overhaul of Honesdale's Main Street, with a sidewalk upgrade to Main Street between 10th and 12th Streets anticipated to begin sometime in 2027. 

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Greater Honesdale Partnership Executive Director Sandi Levens said the project had been years in the making. "This groundbreaking isn't just about sidewalks and construction; it's about investing in the future of Honesdale," she said. 

The project had been identified as a priority when the community worked on its Downtown Revitalization Plan, with people saying they wanted stronger connections between downtown and the riverfront, she said. The Downtown Revitalization Plan was completed in 2021. 

"By creating a more walkable downtown and strengthening the connection between Main Street and the riverfront, we are encouraging voters to spend more time exploring our shops, restaurants and businesses," she said. "Public spaces like this help create experiences that keep people coming back, benefiting our entire business community while enhancing Honesdale's reputation as a destination."