Hinchliffe is restored. Now, Paterson will turn to the Great Falls | Andre Sayegh

Now that we have resurrected Hinchliffe Stadium, our focus is on the Great Falls. It is our No. 1 natural asset, and it is where our city was born and where we believe our city will be reborn. It is the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and is one of America’s newest national parks. The Great Falls possesses the potential to be a top-notch tourist attraction.

Historians note that on July 10, 1778, Alexander Hamilton was having lunch with then-Gen. George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette at the Great Falls during the Revolutionary War. While feasting on cow tongue and cold ham accompanied by diluted beer, called grog, Hamilton was enthralled by the falls and envisioned creating a city completely based on being an industrial hub, vowing to return to bring that concept to manifestation.

True to his word, Hamilton came back years later as the first U.S. secretary of the Treasury and founded the city of Paterson as the birthplace of America’s industrial revolution and economic independence — all fueled by the rushing water of the Passaic River. Thus, I believe that Paterson’s long-awaited renaissance rests with our city returning to its roots.

More from Andre Sayegh: Hinchliffe and the Great Falls are happening. More is still to come for Paterson

Great Falls: This riverfront mixed-use development was just approved in Paterson. What to know

Stirred by the spirit and vision of Hamilton, my administration earmarked approximately $38 million in state tax credits for a three-piece project that would include a world-class visitor center named after Paterson’s founding father, a 24,000-square-foot youth performing arts center and a 270-car parking garage in the area surrounding the Great Falls.

Additionally, construction has commenced on a riverwalk along the Great Falls that will enhance the scenic experience for visitors. Thanks to our Passaic County commissioners, the Spruce Street bridge, which serves as the “Gateway to the Great Falls,” has been renovated and features new lighting and sidewalks that aim to improve pedestrian safety. Moreover, our the county commissioners are also providing funding to help us reopen the Great Falls Chasm Bridge, which has been closed for nearly two years.

In addition, the City Council recently approved our plan for a food hall and a rooftop restaurant across the street from Overlook Park in Great Falls National Historical Park. Paterson is a popular destination for foodies, and the aforementioned project will help us leverage our gastronomical appeal.

My economic development director, Mike Powell, and I were adamant about championing these multi-pronged and multi-purpose projects because of the catalytic impact they will have on our local economy. Developing around the Great Falls will have a ripple effect. It will spur further growth and generate jobs and revenue. We also anticipate restaurants, retail outlets and souvenir stores emerging to enhance the aesthetic and economic appeal of the area. Our objective is to turn the Great Falls district into one of the most desirable destinations in the United States.

The Great Falls symbolizes the strength and sustainability of our city. Hamilton was a futurist, and his forward thinking brought Paterson to life, and now we have an opportunity put Paterson back on the map.

Having 300,000 people visiting the Great Falls is a good start, but our goal is to attract over a million. The restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium and the arrival of the New Jersey Jackals will help the area become an even bigger draw.

Hamilton saw the big picture, and so do we. The tourist industry can and must flourish in Paterson.

We will rise because of our falls.

Andre Sayegh is mayor of Paterson.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ: Great Falls redevelopment is up next