The James River and Richmond are inextricably linked.

The river sustained the region's early Native American inhabitants and brought the English settlers west from Jamestown.

As in the past, the river continues to serve as a catalyst for development, a source of drinking water, an outlet for recreation and therapy for the community's psyche.

The future of the river and its valuable riverfront property will be the topic of the 19th Public Square on May 5. The forum series, organized by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, encourages community dialogue on issues affecting the region.

The James River was picked for discussion because it's something that binds the region, said Thomas A. Silvestri, the newspaper's publisher.

"It connects us, challenges us and will have a tremendous impact on the region's future growth and development. We are all, in some way, stakeholders in the river. It's downtown, in the counties and along rural central Virginia."

The Public Square, to be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the newspaper's offices at 300 E. Franklin St. in downtown Richmond, will follow a new format.

A panel representing different perspectives on the river and its future will discuss the issue before the conversation shifts to the audience for questions and further comment.

The panelists will be Leighton Powell, executive director of Scenic Virginia; Bill Street, executive director of the James River Association; George Ross, of R3 Development and the proposed Echo Harbour project; L. Preston Bryant, Virginia's secretary of natural resources; Rachel Flynn, Richmond's director of community development; and Jud White, an environmental policy manager for Dominion.

Silvestri says the format will produce a deeper discussion.

"Our intention is a room full of engaged listeners and speakers," he said.

For information, call Robin Beres at (804) 649-6305.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com