4. REVITALIZE AND REDEVELOP THE HUDSON RIVER’S WATERFRONTS

Challenge: Throughout the world, cities and towns are reclaiming their waterfronts and developing attractive mixed-use development on their shores.  Localities may desire waterfront development but often lack resources to develop comprehensive waterfront plans.  In addition, the costs of updating our shoreline infrastructure, cleaning up polluted formerly industrial sites and clearing old railroad track connections can be cost-prohibitive.

Construct mixed-use development that retain our scenic beauty, provide park and open space and reconnect people with the river.

• Plan for waterfront development and conservation by adopting a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and following greenway principles and guidelines in Scenic Hudson’s Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts.

• Revise zoning codes to prioritize water-dependent uses and provide incentives for waterfront esplanades and trails.

• Provide docks and piers and silt-free marinas for tour boat access.

• Provide recreational access to the river with boat launches, fishing piers and swimming areas.

• Coordinate competing water-dependent uses by developing and implementing harbor management plans.

• Expand the New York Department of State Consistency Review beyond actions that require state permits.

• Expand research on natural resources along the Hudson’s riverfronts and share research with local governments through the Hudson River Estuary Program.