Wood County Board Chairman Lance Pimolin said in a WFHR interview Oct. 22 that demolition of contaminated buildings, riverfront improvements and decorative bridge lighting are contributing to a more attractive downtown and helping draw businesses.

Pimolin cited removal of an old contaminated annex building and reconfiguration of downtown parking as examples of county–city cooperation to improve curb appeal and accessibility around the courthouse and riverfront. He said the River Block Building and seasonally lit bridges have drawn positive attention from visitors and convention attendees.

Pimolin framed these physical improvements as part of a broader economic resilience strategy as the region adjusts to reductions in the paper industry. "We're not most people don't know where the county borders are... we are a community," he said, adding that adaptation and investment help retain and attract residents and businesses. He pointed to recreational investments — new parks and bike/skate facilities — as part of the same strategy to diversify local economic draws.

The discussion was descriptive and promotional in tone; no formal redevelopment actions, incentives or funding allocations were announced during the interview. Pimolin encouraged residents to take pride in the community’s adaptation and to engage with committee-level meetings where substantive policy work typically occurs.