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Waterfront revitalization draft moves forward
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| This map illustrates the proposed rezoning of the city of Hudson in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program draft recently OK’d by the Department of State. A larger version of this and the original zoning map can be found along with the LWRP, posted in its entirety, online at www.cityofhudson.org, and available for public review at the Hudson Area Library. (Contributed photo) |
By Jamie Larson
The complex long-term vision for the city of Hudson’s waterfront has passed one of its final steps to becoming a reality.
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), in the works in one form or another for more than a decade, has been approved for comment by the New York state Department of State.
The LWRP was given to the DOS in December of 2008, and now that it has been given back to the city there are only a few more steps before the extensive and ambitious document can be approved completely and used as a guide for the future development of the waterfront.
The thick LWRP draft and its accompanying and equally lengthy draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement outlines how the waterfront can be rezoned, redesigned, and re-imagined to become a new economic and recreational center in the city.
While the LWRP discusses in length the possibilities for development of all kinds throughout the coverage area of the plan, it is the redefinition of the city’s zoning that officials agree is the most substantial piece of the document. While what could be built as a result of the LWRP is not set in stone, the new zoning, if adopted, will define what is possible in Hudson for many years to come.
“It’s an amazing document,” said Hudson Mayor Richard Scalera. “It’s thorough and it’s a great road map for the future of Hudson.”
The new proposed zoning turns what was once an entirely industrial waterfront into recreational conservation districts and a special core riverfront district, where officials hope to develop a new city center. The LWRP actually adds five new zoning districts to the city, while eliminating none of the old districts entirely. Another new district proposed is a riverfront gateway district along Front Street, which aims to bring visitors to the waterfront from Warren Street and from the waterfront to Warren Street.
City Attorney Cheryl Roberts who completed the LWRP draft with BFJ Planning said that while the plan is ambitious, a lot of work has gone into it to make it able to be accomplished if implemented. Under the LWRP the riverfront could hold shops, restaurants, industry, offices, public spaces and more. Roberts and the mayor said developers have shown interest in the area in the past. “I think they were waiting to see where the chips fall with the plan,” Roberts said, “that it’s an attractive and viable area.”
Speaking with the Register-Star Monday, Roberts and Scalera said the LWRP could be officially approved by the federal government, the DOS and the Hudson Common Council as early as the spring of 2010. After that the development of the area could take around another decade. They stressed the importance of utilizing the deep water port, currently owned by the Holcim Company, as a city resource; rerouting truck traffic around the city; and a new bridge over the train tracks as integral parts of the multifaceted program.
The LWRP, which will also qualify the city for new state and federal funding streams, was originally discussed as an integral piece of the Vision Plan created by the city in 1996. The planing process stalled in the earlier half of this decade due to a citywide conflict over the St. Lawrence Cement company’s plan to create a plant in the the south end of the city.
A large group of residents and officials, many with differing opinions, came together to come up with ideas for the LWRP, under a steering committee headed by local organizer and business owner Linda Mussmann and Roberts. Roberts then worked with BFJ Planning to draft the LWRP that exists today.
Scalera had fought to get St. Lawrence to come to the city, while Mussmann and Roberts were opposed to the industry coming to the city for environmental and health reasons. Scalera credits the women for doing the hard work of healing old wounds and using non-partisan thinking while crafting the LWRP to include all types of uses for the 1.5 mile waterfront, including some industry, while still preserving the natural areas of the north and south bays.
“I’m very excited and happy it’s come to this point,” Mussmann said Monday. “I think it’s a great document. It’s a great opportunity for the city of Hudson to move the waterfront forward and create excitement and an economic future. It will have a huge impact on the entire region.”
On Dec. 7, the LWRP’s planners will hold a public meeting at City Hall to brief the Common Council on the details of the LWRP before they vote to accept the draft on Dec. 15 and a public hearing on the LWRP will be held on Jan. 20. If accepted the plan will go back to the DOS for 90 days before approval, and to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for concurrence.
To reach reporter Jamie Larson call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com.
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), in the works in one form or another for more than a decade, has been approved for comment by the New York state Department of State.
The LWRP was given to the DOS in December of 2008, and now that it has been given back to the city there are only a few more steps before the extensive and ambitious document can be approved completely and used as a guide for the future development of the waterfront.
The thick LWRP draft and its accompanying and equally lengthy draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement outlines how the waterfront can be rezoned, redesigned, and re-imagined to become a new economic and recreational center in the city.
While the LWRP discusses in length the possibilities for development of all kinds throughout the coverage area of the plan, it is the redefinition of the city’s zoning that officials agree is the most substantial piece of the document. While what could be built as a result of the LWRP is not set in stone, the new zoning, if adopted, will define what is possible in Hudson for many years to come.
“It’s an amazing document,” said Hudson Mayor Richard Scalera. “It’s thorough and it’s a great road map for the future of Hudson.”
The new proposed zoning turns what was once an entirely industrial waterfront into recreational conservation districts and a special core riverfront district, where officials hope to develop a new city center. The LWRP actually adds five new zoning districts to the city, while eliminating none of the old districts entirely. Another new district proposed is a riverfront gateway district along Front Street, which aims to bring visitors to the waterfront from Warren Street and from the waterfront to Warren Street.
City Attorney Cheryl Roberts who completed the LWRP draft with BFJ Planning said that while the plan is ambitious, a lot of work has gone into it to make it able to be accomplished if implemented. Under the LWRP the riverfront could hold shops, restaurants, industry, offices, public spaces and more. Roberts and the mayor said developers have shown interest in the area in the past. “I think they were waiting to see where the chips fall with the plan,” Roberts said, “that it’s an attractive and viable area.”
Speaking with the Register-Star Monday, Roberts and Scalera said the LWRP could be officially approved by the federal government, the DOS and the Hudson Common Council as early as the spring of 2010. After that the development of the area could take around another decade. They stressed the importance of utilizing the deep water port, currently owned by the Holcim Company, as a city resource; rerouting truck traffic around the city; and a new bridge over the train tracks as integral parts of the multifaceted program.
The LWRP, which will also qualify the city for new state and federal funding streams, was originally discussed as an integral piece of the Vision Plan created by the city in 1996. The planing process stalled in the earlier half of this decade due to a citywide conflict over the St. Lawrence Cement company’s plan to create a plant in the the south end of the city.
A large group of residents and officials, many with differing opinions, came together to come up with ideas for the LWRP, under a steering committee headed by local organizer and business owner Linda Mussmann and Roberts. Roberts then worked with BFJ Planning to draft the LWRP that exists today.
Scalera had fought to get St. Lawrence to come to the city, while Mussmann and Roberts were opposed to the industry coming to the city for environmental and health reasons. Scalera credits the women for doing the hard work of healing old wounds and using non-partisan thinking while crafting the LWRP to include all types of uses for the 1.5 mile waterfront, including some industry, while still preserving the natural areas of the north and south bays.
“I’m very excited and happy it’s come to this point,” Mussmann said Monday. “I think it’s a great document. It’s a great opportunity for the city of Hudson to move the waterfront forward and create excitement and an economic future. It will have a huge impact on the entire region.”
On Dec. 7, the LWRP’s planners will hold a public meeting at City Hall to brief the Common Council on the details of the LWRP before they vote to accept the draft on Dec. 15 and a public hearing on the LWRP will be held on Jan. 20. If accepted the plan will go back to the DOS for 90 days before approval, and to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for concurrence.
To reach reporter Jamie Larson call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com.
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Kay Abraham wrote on Nov 24, 2009 8:42 AM:
Thanks should go to Linda Mussman for two reasons: first for the successful environmental campaign against St. Lawrence and second, for the energy she has put into helping Hudson find a path to the future with its mind on its residents and healthy economic development. I am so happy that Mayor Scalera and Ms. Mussman have found a common purpose here. Good work, folks! Now let's get it passed! "