Jeffrey Anzevino, AICP Columbia & Greene Counties

April 13, 2012

Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

Illustrated Strategies for Public Officials, Developers,

Community Groups, and Citizens

Illustrated Conservation and Development Strategies for Creating Healthy, Prosperous Communities

I. Promote Riverfront Development in Areas with Existing Infrastructure

II. Encourage Water-Dependent and Water-Enhanced Uses on the Waterfront

III. Connect People to the River

IV. Protect Natural Resources

V. Protect Scenic Resources

VI. Promote Good Urban Planning & Sustainable Design

www.revitalizatinghudsonriverfronts.org

Climate Change: Adaptation & Mitigation

1) Takes advantage of existing infrastructure

2) Close to existing services.

3) Provides opportunities to reuse historic building stock

4) Encourages walking, bicycling, & a healthful lifestyle

5) Protects open space and farmland

Promote Riverfront Development in Areas with Existing Infrastructure

6) Market and demographic trends support this shift

Market & Demographic Trends

•  Rising energy prices; unpredictability •  Singles will soon be the new majority •  “Echo Boomers” are 1/3 of the population •  “Millennials” driving less than their parents •  Older Americans will outnumber younger by 2050 •  Nearly half Americans will be non-white by 2050 •  Oversupply of large lot suburban homes

Incentives for Development in Existing Built Areas

•  Upgrade infrastructure and amenities •  Comprehensive Plans should Zoning should permit mixed use

•  Require fewer parking spaces/permit shared parking •  Include clearly articulated standards

•  Identify priority sites and buildings and market them for redevelopment

Adaptive Reuse, Mixed Use, and Transit-Oriented Development

Adaptive reuse of historic buildings

Infill development

Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

WHAT TO CONNECT •  Business Districts •  Neighborhoods •  Historic Sites •  Parks •  Educational Institutions •  Other communities •  Cross-river connections

Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

WAYS TO CONNECT : physically & visually •  Walkways both to and along the river •  Rail Trails •  Trolleys •  Boat docks, launches and tours •  View corridors

Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts How to create connections

HOW TO CONNECT •  Voluntary trail easements •  Incentive zoning or require by Special Use Permit •  Along sidewalks and roads •  Banners or artwork to draw people along •  Convert abandoned rail lines to rail trails •  Establish water trail sites and promote as a network •  Provide docking facilities for boats •  Program festivals, farmers markets, concerts

Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts Using public art

to create connections

Identify Local Connections

Village of Catskill

Illustrated Strategies for Public Officials, Developers,

Community Groups, and Citizens

Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

Connect to and along the Hudson River and its tributaries

Develop diverse connections and interesting ways that people can enjoy the Hudson River:

Trails, parks, trolleys, fishing, swimming boating, nature study, viewing, others���

Direct development to existing built areas with infrastructure

Conclusion

Illustrated Strategies for Public Officials, Developers,

Community Groups, and Citizens

www.revitalizatinghudsonriverfronts.org

Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

Questions? janzevino@scenichudson.org

845-473-4440 x221