Waterfront Revitalization Update
By Irene MacCollar
While Tuesday night’s temperature hovered just above 0 degrees a relatively small yet enthusiastic group of Hoosick Falls residents were inside discussing warm weather activities such as summertime amphitheaters, flowers, and kayaking on the Little Hoosic River.
Land Use Planner Robert J. Murphy Jr., of the Albany consulting firm Barton & Loguidice, led a presentation and public discussion of the best use of funds granted the Village by the NYS Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The program supports the Hoosick Falls downtown and Waterfront Revitalization project at the Hoosick River and Wood’s Brook.
The purpose of the meeting was to revisit and expand on use ideas gathered in last September’s public “Visioning” workshop and explore a few new ones as well.
A “Final Draft” of the basic project goals and objectives listed a mission of improving the physical and visual access to the river, fostering economic development downtown and enhancing the aesthetics of the downtown and residential neighborhoods. It also includes Streetscape Enhancements for John, Church, and Main Streets, and improvements of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to downtown and Waterfront activities. A micro-enterprise program would offer low-interest loans to local fledgling businesses.
A positive discussion of possible recreational events and sporting activities included a terraced seating amphitheater, a park, and possible camping facilities at Park Street, a boat launch, and a pedestrian bridge connecting Clay Hill with downtown. A stepped, terrace design to follow the walking path and replace the tall concrete flood walls currently in place, was also discussed.
To draw in tourists and incorporate the rich history of the Village, a museum of Walter Wood’s agricultural equipment may take the place of the now vacant Oak Mitsui property at lower 1st Street. Placards would be placed at Village historically significant landmarks.
The proposed second phase of the project would revitalize the water works location beginning with a change in street name, building sidewalks and resurfacing the road. A performance space and a dog park were among the group’s ideas for this location.
Mr. Murphy expressed the importance of all new signage to display a common theme, fonts and visual art for which the group suggested an owl graphic.
Many of the proposed projects could require an updating of Village Zoning regulations.
The next public meeting will be held sometime in the spring.