Photos on the front cover, from left to right: Greenport, Rochester, New York City, Braddock Bay Braddock from left to right: City, Photos on the front cover, York New Greenport, Rochester,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: CHAPTER SIX: INTRODUCTION ... 1 TAKING IT ONE STEP AT A TIME - FULFILLING YOUR VISION ... 67 Who should read this guidebook Ensuring success - organizing for implementation About this guidebook Project planning, financing, and implementation How is the guidebook organized New York State Department of State - Division of Coastal Resources CONCLUSION ... 82 What is a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Looking ahead APPENDIX ... 83

CHAPTER TWO: Where to find potential partners for waterfront revitalization The Developed Waterfront DEVELOPING A WATERFRONT VISION ... 7 The Natural Waterfront Planning for community involvement The Public Waterfront Understanding what you have to work with The Working Waterfront Developing a vision Reaching consensus on the vision Charting the course

CHAPTER THREE: ESTABLISHING PARTNERSHIPS ... 17 Establishing partnerships

CHAPTER FOUR: TAKING A LOOK AROUND ... 23 Understanding what your waterfront has to offer

CHAPTER FIVE: DEVELOPING A STRATEGY... 59 Refining your vision and developing a strategy

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 5 Wilson, Lake Ontario Wilson, Lake CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

With patience and persistence... You can make the most of your waterfront. New York State’s waterfronts are exciting and diverse - from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point; from New York Harbor to the lakes of the Catskills and the Adirondacks; from the Delaware River to the Finger Lakes; and from the Hudson River and the Canal System to the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. With ninety percent of the State’s population and a wide variety of economic activities concentrated in the communities along its waterfronts - from the largest cities to the smallest hamlets - the waterfront plays a vital role in the lives of New Yorkers.

Our waterfronts are rich in natural resources - with abundant fish and wildlife as well as bluffs, beaches and, wetlands, forests, and farmlands.

More and more people are recognizing that their waterfronts can bring new life and energy to their communities. They are doing this by creating new Queens West, East River economic activity, redeveloping historic and abandoned structures, improving waterfront recreation, and restoring and protecting natural resources. They have found that the keys to making the most of their waterfront assets include a clear vision and plan, broad public involvement, creative partnerships, patience, persistence and a step-by-step strategy.

One of the ways communities - whether they’re a rural town or a New York City neighborhood - can take full advantage of their waterfront is by using New York State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. Through this Program, communities are building consensus and implementing visions for the future of their waterfronts.

These communities are part of a successful waterfront renaissance that is occurring throughout New York State. Helping you to achieve that success is the goal of this guidebook.

Pittsford, Erie Canal New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 1 Who should read this guidebook This guidebook is intended as an introduction waterfront; or whether the primary goal is to waterfront revitalization. Readers are waterfront redevelopment or natural resource This guidebook is designed to inspire and assist encouraged to use this information to seek protection. all New Yorkers - whether they are municipal further advice by following the links to the officials, community or nonprofit organizations, relevant agencies. The sequence in this step-by-step guide to businesses, or anyone with an interest in the enhancing your waterfront and revitalizing your waterfront - who want to make the most of what How is the guidebook organized community may not fit every community.You may their waterfronts have to offer. Working together, want to create partnerships first, and then work these groups can revitalize a community’s The sections of this guidebook follow a step-by- together to understand your waterfront’s issues, natural resources, as well as its built step process to help you make the most of your or you may want to wait until after you environment. This guidebook will help define the waterfront. These steps include: understand more about the condition of your roles and responsibilities of each group as they waterfront to develop your vision. Taking a Developing a waterfront vision - come together in a partnership. different approach is fine. The critical message is highlighting the importance of generating a sense of community ownership of the that all of these steps are important. About this guidebook waterfront and defining its future This guidebook is the print component of a New York State Department of multi-media package designed to provide readily Establishing partnerships - showing how State - Division of Coastal accessible information on how to protect, restore to strengthen the community’s Resources and revitalize New York’s coasts and waterways. involvement in the revitalization of your waterfront and ensuring the key players The other components include a video and a The Department of State's Division of Coastal are on board website (www.nywaterfronts.com). This package Resources works with communities throughout New York State to help them make the most of will provide guidance on how to make the most Taking a look around - helping you to of your waterfront - sharing lessons learned, what their waterfronts have to offer. The Division understand your waterfront, its assets, works in partnership with community groups, specific techniques that have worked, sources of and key issues and opportunities information and assistance, and the experiences nonprofit organizations, and all levels of of communities that have succeeded. The Developing a strategy - showing you how government to strengthen local economies, guidebook provides information on the benefits to pull it all together to fulfill your vision protect the environment and improve the quality and requirements for participation in New York of life. Whether you live in a rural town or a New State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Taking it one step at a time - providing York City neighborhood, you can take full and shows how a community can use a Local detailed guidelines for implementing your advantage of your waterfront by working with the vision Waterfront Revitalization Program to help it Division of Coastal Resources. achieve its vision. This multi-media package will These steps are appropriate whether the be supplemented by similar packages of Since 1982, the Division has worked with local community is large or small; whether the concern guidance that focus in more detail on specific governments and communities to prepare Local is with one issue in one area or with a wide community issues. Waterfront Revitalization Programs that define a range of issues for a community’s entire local vision for the waterfront. The Division has

2 Making the Most of Your Waterfront provided technical and financial assistance to Planning for the prevention and mitigation communities for plans and projects that have of coastal flooding and erosion expanded public access, reinvigorated urban waterfronts, restored habitats, and strengthened Protecting and restoring coastal habitats local economies. The Division is involved in a wealth of activities, including: Planning for the preservation of historic resources, maritime heritage, and scenic resources Implementing the federal Coastal Zone Management Act in New York State Implementing New York's coastal policies through consistency review Implementing the State's Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Investing in improvements to waterfront Waterways Act areas through State and federal grant programs Developing Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs and Harbor Management Plans with over 200 municipalities You are eligible to participate as a partner in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program if you Planning and technical assistance for are a coastal community - in other words, if your Hudson River from Olana redevelopment of buildings and community is on Long Island Sound, the Atlantic deteriorated urban waterfronts Ocean, New York Harbor and the waters around New York City, the Hudson River, the Great Revitalizing community centers Lakes, Niagara River or the St. Lawrence River; or if your community is located on an inland Regional planning for the Long Island waterbody, such as a major lake, river or the Sound shore and the South Shore State Canal, that has been designated by the Estuary Reserve State Legislature under Article 42 of the Protecting water quality through Executive Law. intermunicipal watershed planning As you organize your waterfront revitalization Developing and applying remote sensing efforts, the Division of Coastal Resources can and Geographic Information Systems help in many ways: technology Organizing the planning process Interpreting coastal resources and promoting tourism Establishing a waterfront advisory committee

Northport, Northport Bay

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 3 Assisting with data collection and analysis which a community’s vision for its waterfront can Program. This “consistency” provision is a strong be formalized. Working in partnership with the tool that helps ensure all government levels work in Referring you to other communities that Division of Coastal Resources, a community unison to build a stronger economy and a healthier have successfully revitalized their reaches consensus on the future of its environment. waterfronts waterfront, establishes local policies and outlines the implementation techniques it will use to More and more people are realizing that their Providing guidance on developing achieve its vision. waterfronts are a catalyst that can bring new life appropriate waterfront revitalization and energy to their entire community. By policies As a strategy, a Local Waterfront Revitalization developing and implementing a Local Waterfront Identifying and assisting with preparation Program provides the organizational structure, Revitalization Program, these communities are of laws necessary to implement the Local local laws, projects, and on-going work that making the most of what their waterfronts have Waterfront Revitalization Program implements the plan. This is the part of the to offer. Program that will make the difference to your Providing grant funds waterfront - it is the implementation that matters. The Cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda are working together to To find out more about partnering with the Completing a Local Waterfront Revitalization become the western gateway to the Erie Canal Division of Coastal Resources, please call 518- Program can significantly increase a 474-6000 or visit www.nyswaterfronts.com. community's ability to attract appropriate development that will take advantage of, but also The City of Oswego has created a thriving respect, the unique cultural and natural mix of parks, marinas, and waterfront walkways, bringing new life to the What is a Local Waterfront characteristics of its waterfront. Presenting a downtown Revitalization Program unified vision for the waterfront also increases a A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is both community's chances to obtain public and private The Village of Greenport is reversing the a land and water use plan prepared by a funding for waterfront projects. Funding to decline of traditional maritime industries community, as well as the strategy to implement develop and implement Local Waterfront and restoring a deteriorated waterfront the plan. The Program may be comprehensive Revitalization Programs is available from the and address all issues that affect a community's New York State Environmental Protection Fund. The Town of Essex is protecting its entire waterfront or it may address only the most historic hamlet and resolving conflicts critical issues facing a significant portion of its Once approved by New York State’s Secretary of among recreational users of Lake waterfront. State, the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Champlain forms the basis for coordinating the State and As a planning document, a Local Waterfront federal actions needed to achieve the community’s The City of Kingston has created a Revitalization Program is a locally prepared land goals for its waterfront. State permitting, funding, thriving waterfront entertainment district and water use plan for a community’s developed, and direct actions must be consistent with an natural, public, and working waterfronts. It approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. Through careful planning, these people are provides a comprehensive framework within Within coastal areas, federal agency activities are enhancing their waterfronts and revitalizing their also required to be consistent with an approved communities.

4 Making the Most of Your Waterfront LOOKING AHEAD You can make the most of your waterfront when...

You see your waterfront as the way to bring new life and energy to your community.

You generate a sense of community ownership of the waterfront.

You know where you want to go.

You create a clearly defined vision for the future of your waterfront.

The people who live and work in the community buy into your vision.

You build a foundation of public support and confidence. Grand Ferry Park Orient, Narrow River You establish partnerships and gain commitments from all stakeholders.

You know what you have to work with.

You take advantage of all your resources, assets, and opportunities.

You develop a detailed plan and strategy for implementing your vision.

You have the patience and persistence to work through the many phases of waterfront revitalization - one step at a time.

Lake George Greenport Harbor

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 5 South Troy visioning workshop Troy South CHAPTER TWO: DEVELOPING A WATERFRONT VISION

In this chapter, you will work through the Planning for community Meaningful public participation doesn’t just following steps: involvement happen. It has to be carefully thought out and planned to embrace the public in the planning Planning for community involvement Successful waterfront revitalization happens process and to keep them informed about when the community realizes that the waterfront progress. Now is the time to begin to develop Understanding what you have to work with belongs to them. It happens when they recognize ideas about how the community can participate the significance and potential of their waterfront. in the planning process. To start, it is important Developing a vision It happens when they are determined to improve to understand who should be involved. and protect their waterfront for the enjoyment Reaching consensus on the vision and benefit of the entire community and future Identifying the key stakeholders generations. Charting the course Stakeholders are critical. A stakeholder is a person or group who has something to gain or Traveling around the State, you notice that other Right from the beginning, as you seek to make the most of your waterfront, you must involve the lose based upon the outcomes of your communities’ waterfronts are thriving with revitalization program. You will need to involve marinas, parks, fishing piers, and other public. You will need the support of the community at every stage - from developing a those individuals and groups, such as elected attractions that bring economic activity into these officials, business and civic leaders, communities and enhance the waterfront for vision to planning for and implementing improvements. Success will depend upon neighborhood and environmental groups, and residents and visitors alike. You take a closer educational institutions who have a direct stake look at your own community. Could you building and sustaining local support for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. in the future of the waterfront. Make special note redevelop that vacant waterfront parcel as a new of the key leaders, and be sure to include those business, perhaps as a marina? Are there ways who may oppose your revitalization efforts as of linking your main street with the waterfront to Community participation can take many forms, well as those who are likely to support them. enhance access and enjoyment? You begin to but it is generally designed to: see that making the most of your waterfront can Foster an appreciation of local and From the beginning of your efforts to revitalize revitalize your community. regional coastal assets and issues your waterfront, you will be seeking out stakeholders and trying to define their role in At this stage, your ideas need to be developed Introduce local leaders and community making your vision a reality. In particular, you will and refined. Whether you are a local residents to the waterfront planning want to seek out two groups with an interest in government, a neighborhood group, a process the waterfront - the experts and the enthusiasts. community-based nonprofit, or an interested Experts are people with useful knowledge. individual, you will need to turn your ideas into a Generate a community consensus about Enthusiasts are people who will bring energy to shared vision for the future of your community’s the vision for the future of the waterfront the effort from either a civic concern, or from a waterfront - to know where you want to go. More business interest. Both types of people can help and more communities are doing this through Develop a strategy to address the you get the job done and, as advocates, can the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. community’s most critical waterfront issues help you reach consensus in the community.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 7 You will need to create a strategy to effectively Selecting consultants you will need to select and hire a consultant. involve these stakeholders. Identify how you will Make sure you fully describe your needs and approach each contact and be clear about why Communities often hire consultants to your planning proposal and a schedule for they are involved. Is it to keep them informed supplement their own staff and volunteer implementation. Make sure to request details of and seek their support? Do you need their resources or to gain use of special skills. At this the consultant's experience on similar efforts. To funding help? Do you want them to participate stage, consultants can help with community ensure a comprehensive response, the RFP on a committee? Be prepared, in advance, to involvement and provide an understanding of itself should be advertised as extensively as address important issues and provide what you have to work with on your waterfront, possible and mailed to a wide range of information about your waterfront, including how so it is good to think about hiring a consultant consultants. The Division of Coastal Resources they can benefit. Once you have their before you get too far into the visioning process. can provide sample RFPs as well as guidance involvement, keep in touch and make sure your Selecting a consultant involves answering some on what to look for when you seek a consultant project is on their front burner. By bringing key questions, including: to help prepare and implement a Local people together you can create a vision that Waterfront Revitalization Program. captures the ideas and interests of a broad What do you want the consultant to do? constituency of those concerned with the future After you receive the responses, set up What skills, expertise, and experience of your waterfront. must the consultant have to carry out the interviews with potential consultants and talk with project? references. Find out more about them and their As you work to fulfill your vision, you may proposal, and try to determine how well they can involve stakeholders and other community How will you relate to the consultant? That achieve your vision. Find out why they are members in a wide variety of ways. These might is, will you simply give the problem to the interested in your project and explore what they include creating an oversight committee; consultant and expect a completed see as the main issues and challenges as they creating a series of specific, issue-oriented report? Or, will you provide staff support, develop the plan. Fully explore the financial subcommittees; encouraging participation in citizen participation, review, or other input requirements of each consultant’s proposal. visioning and planning workshops; or “hands-on” into the project? Interviews are a great opportunity to develop an participation in volunteer work parties. You will understanding of everyone's expectations and to How experienced is the consultant in also need to keep the entire community set the stage for a strong partnership. Once you doing programs of this type? Has the informed about what is going on, including consultant worked on waterfront and have selected your consultant and have executed people who are not directly involved but may community revitalization programs and a contract, it is time to begin developing your have a real interest in the waterfront projects in communities similar to yours? vision for enhancing your waterfront. revitalization efforts. It is important to provide them with regular progress reports, and keep If you are seeking a consultant, you will need to them informed about how they can participate. prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP). Your RFP must meet all applicable procurement rules and be designed so that responses from consultants will provide all the information that

8 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Case Study: New York City In Brooklyn's Sunset Park, residents have come together to promote the development of a Using its Local Waterfront Revitalization waterfront park in a heavily industrialized area. Programwrp.shtml), (www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/wrp/ The City and State have embraced their vision New York City has the planning and are working to transform the vacant Bush framework in place to help its neighborhoods Terminal and its decaying piers into an exciting achieve their vision of a vibrant public waterfront destination. waterfront. The waterfront has become a magnet for thousands of people in places like Communities throughout the City have gone South Street Seaport and Chelsea Piers. from thinking of the waterfront as off-limits, to realizing that the City's waterways are New Major new parks are being created at Queens York's last great open space. West, Hudson River Park, Riverside Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. New York City is working to connect these attractions in a City-wide greenway, and is adding new community parks in places like 125th Street in Harlem and Sunset Park in Brooklyn.

In Harlem, the community has taken the lead and a fresh approach to intense development speculation on the Hudson River at 125th Street, and is now promoting its own redevelopment vision. The community's vision of a waterfront park where families can enjoy a mix of activities, set in a vibrant neighborhood, was established with extensive public input. It builds on the existing assets within this area, such as the Fairway Market, the Cotton Club and the revitalized 125th Street corridor.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 9 Neighborhood and community local and regional nonprofit organizations, organizations Property from waterfront owners neighborhoods from the business Representatives particularly those whose community, depends on the community’s livelihood such as tour boat operators, waterfront, commercial and marina owners, recreational fishermen, boat suppliers and outfitters; chambers of commerce; merchants’ organizations; and business districts improvement and promotion groups Tourism The academic community If your Program involves several municipalities or municipalities several involves Program If your or highway an entire region, such as a watershed advisory the waterfront committee must corridor, of each municipality.You include representatives base to also look at a broader geographic must all appropriate organizations. involve Keeping elected officials and municipal Keeping about the planning officials informed process consultants, staff, with municipal Working and others to complete State agency staff, tasks various - elected officials;Local government staff;municipal and planning, zoning other boards It is important to find committee members who Waterfront with the Local to stay are likely from initial planning and Program Revitalization visioning through to implementation of improvements. a look at the stakeholders Take identified: have you and players, who are the key be best suited to sit on who among them would committee? It is an advisory and oversight and shakers”important“movers to recruit the to be on the committee - those who others listen to the ability to get things as having and recognize done. valuable Local leaders can provide and resources, guidance, advice, experience, to persuade others join and and will be able efforts. revitalization to the waterfront contribute chairperson to lead the an effective Look for committee. of an advisory The size committee is also important group to ensure productive discussion. to fifteen members is best, Ten can also be effective. although a smaller group include representation from The committee may groups: the following Making the Most of Your Waterfront Your Making the Most of Managing the waterfront revitalization Managing the waterfront process or advising staff on managing the process input on waterfront valuable Providing conditions issues and existing Holding regular meetings related to planning or project revitalization waterfront implementation about others in the community Informing process and revitalization the waterfront can be involved they ways Organizing and participating in focus visioning and design charettes, groups, and public action planning workshops, hearings reports, and other designs, Reviewing documents 10

Establishing an oversight Establishing committee Revitalization Waterfront Early in the Local most process, development Program a coordinating and establish communities committee.oversight this some communities, In board, such as an existing be handled by may the planning board or a conservation advisory more often a separate commission, but is advisorywaterfront committee (WAC) established. The responsibilities of this include: committee generally Case Study: Erie Canal develop conceptual plans for the Gateway Harbor Center; to construct docking facilities As the western gateway to the Erie Canal, the and repair the retaining wall and bulkhead on Cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda the Niagara River; and to construct an (www.the-tonawandas.com) were once a amphitheater and waterfront promenade and bustling shipping and industrial center. Reversing trail. decades of decline, the Cities are using their Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs to A key component in the success of their realize their shared vision of becoming a revitalization has been the participation of destination on the Canal. Both planning efforts business leaders and continued community were directed by waterfront commissions involvement. Taking it one step at a time, the comprised of representatives from the local Tonawandas are implementing their projects as business community, individuals with knowledge funding permits, but always keeping in mind of recreational boating, and residents. their shared vision of making the waterfront a special place for the community and visitors Each community prepared an inventory and alike. analysis of existing land and water resources including opportunities and constraints for waterfront development. This analysis included review of a wide range of information about the built environment, natural resources, historic resources, municipal services, circulation patterns, environmental conditions, land ownership, and waterfront access. Based on this analysis, the Cities developed policies and projects that would revitalize and redevelop their waterfronts.

With assistance provided by the Division of Coastal Resources and the Canal Corporation, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda have improved their existing waterfront parks. As part of the first step in revitalizing their Canal waterfronts and enhancing their community, the Cities have received nearly $4,000,000 to

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 11 Understanding what you have to S - What are the strengths of the waterfront? Does your waterfront feature work with thriving maritime uses? Does it have good Creating a clear vision for revitalizing your public access? Are there important natural waterfront requires an understanding of what you resources? Does it include attractive have to work with. This involves several key historic features? steps: W - What are weaknesses of the waterfront? Is your waterfront hard to get Assessing your waterfront to from your downtown? Are there environmental constraints such as Knowing and respecting your community’s brownfields? Is the waterfront surrounded heritage Manhattan, Hudson River by deteriorating buildings? Is there adequate parking nearby? Taking full advantage of all your resources and assets O - What opportunities exist? Could that vacant parcel become a park or a You can begin by taking a close look at your marina? Can your waterfront link with a waterfront and talking to the waterfront regional trail system? Is there a future for businesses, residents, the local government, and any abandoned buildings? community groups. They can provide you with valuable insights on your waterfront. T - What threats exist? Are traditional waterfront uses, such as commercial One approach for pulling together information fishing and marinas, threatened by about your waterfront is to use the SWOT redevelopment proposals, such as Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, condominiums? Is an important wetland Braddock Bay, Lake Ontario and Threats. By analyzing the information you threatened by a road-widening plan? Is declining water quality impacting have gathered and breaking it down into these swimming or shellfishing? four elements, you are better able to size up what you have to work with and what might be Now that you have some understanding of what working against you. This analysis can help you you have to work with, you can use this determine the best mix of uses for your information to develop an initial vision for your waterfront, what could be developed, and what waterfront. But remember, your vision will be resources should be protected. refined as your understanding of your waterfront and its role in the community increases. In To evaluate the existing condition of the Chapter Four, you will gather more detailed waterfront and how it relates to the rest of the community, ask yourself: Montauk Lighthouse, Long Island

12 Making the Most of Your Waterfront information about your waterfront, but first you should be the time to think big, but avoid wishful You see great potential in your area and must focus on your vision. thinking. A compelling vision for your waterfront know that others do as well can provide: Making that vision a reality starts by asking You desire to get a group inspired and yourself “exactly what do I want to accomplish?” A future to work toward make them more cohesive Focus and direction for enhancing your You want a clear, agreed-upon way to Developing a vision waterfront keep a project focused A vision is your idea of what your waterfront will become. A vision statement declares what you Motivation to mobilize assets and A successful visioning workshop depends on hope to accomplish. It can be any length - a single resources in partnerships, based on a thoughtful planning and skillful meeting shared vision sentence, bullet points, or a paragraph - as long as facilitation. Bring together the key stakeholders in a comfortable meeting environment. Explain the it is clear, focused, and based in reality.Your vision Excitement about the waterfront's future statement might be: and its potential role in the community agenda and ground rules, stressing the importance of participation and respect for one Vision Statement for Kingston’s Waterfront: Developing a vision process is an exciting and another's perspectives. Define the scope of your vision - namely, what can our waterfront “The Kingston waterfront will be an dynamic way to mobilize community involvement and support. Visioning should occur as early in become? Given what you know about the attractive, active, walkable, culturally waterfront’s features and location, have people vibrant district with strong linkages to the planning process as possible. the rest of the City of Kingston. identify and define what they think the Shops, restaurants, recreational Community participation is key and a formal opportunities are for the waterfront. Given what opportunities, museums, and events visioning process that is open to all community you know about the waterfront’s features and will attract visitors and residents members and involves key stakeholders is the location - what is possible? Brainstorm ideas, but seven days per week all through the best approach. Visioning is most successful keep the waterfront as the focus. Don’t set out to year. New development will be solve larger community issues. Have fun thinking consistent with established character when participation is broad-based and ongoing. up possibilities, but if it seems unrealistic, then and will highlight the area’s historic By bringing people together you create a vision and natural resources. Trails, parks, that captures the ideas and interests of a broad scale back. marinas, and boat launches will constituency of those concerned with the future maximize access to the waterways, of your waterfront. Use pictures, graphics, or designs as well as creating high-quality recreational words to begin to pull together a statement of opportunities, and optimizing Visioning generally occurs in some type of your vision. Careful wording is important, so meaningful, permanent public access don’t worry if there’s a lot of effort spent on to the waterfront.” workshop format that brings key stakeholders together in a constructive forum to share choosing the right words, or making subtle The vision statement is the starting point for changes. It may take several sessions and drafts action and it will be used throughout the opinions and new ideas. Your waterfront advisory committee can provide this forum. A visioning to reach consensus. Once you have reached waterfront revitalization process, from planning to consensus, support your statement with a implementation. Creating the vision statement workshop would be useful if:

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 13 visually appealing depiction of your vision for the The goal of “providing mixed uses” at Kingston’s Building press and media relations to waterfront. A professionally prepared and well waterfront would be followed by a series of inform the community of the vision and presented graphic representation of your vision objectives such as: update them on the progress of is a powerful tool. The final vision should state revitalization efforts how the waterfront can be enhanced, and how it “To develop a marina, five new retail fits into the revitalization of your community. storefronts, a restaurant and bar, all linked Starting a newsletter and establishing a regular mailing to the community to keep Everyone should be comfortable with what is with public walkways along the creek.” them informed on progress and to create said and how it is said. By developing goals and objectives, you will help a sense of involvement increase the community’s understanding of your You may want to refine your vision by vision for the waterfront. Producing a booklet, poster or brochure establishing goals and objectives. Goals provide the direction, and objectives break these down Launching a website to allow the into a series of achievable tasks. Reaching consensus on the vision community to stay up-to-date on the An integral part of the visioning process is building progress of revitalization efforts and Goals can be both short- and long-term, consensus - bringing people together in support of obtain feedback from the community indicating the various milestones along the way. the common vision.You will always need to address They should be descriptive and provide enough Holding community workshops, using an the community’s ideas and concerns.Your success approach similar to the visioning process, explanation for anyone to understand the nature in revitalizing your waterfront will depend upon to inform the community on the vision and of each goal. Your goals will be based on your whether the people who live and work in the update them on the progress of initial understanding of your waterfront and its community embrace the vision. revitalization efforts assets; but you will always be re-evaluating your goals as you move forward and discover more There are many ways to develop consensus, but Remember, the vision statement is the starting about your waterfront. the key will be to sustain it. This is a long-term point for action, but it is not set in stone. You will process requiring an outreach strategy to keep be able to refine the vision as you learn more While goals are fairly broad in their scope, your your community informed and involved in about what you have to work with, find out more objectives will be specific regarding how these revitalization efforts. To build consensus and about your community, and discover if your vision goals will be achieved. There can be a number of strong community support and begin to establish is feasible. You can always modify the vision objectives for each goal and, as you move the partnerships that will be so important to your statement when new facts come into play. As you through a project, objectives are achieved and success, you may consider: get further into the process, you will need to test new ones are added. the original vision against the realities, and, if an Bringing the community to the waterfront Consider our earlier example of the vision adjustment is needed, you should not hesitate to to explain the vision and progress of redefine the vision for the future of your statement for the Kingston waterfront. Goals such revitalization efforts as “protecting historic resources, providing mixed waterfront. uses, and developing recreational opportunities” Publicizing early successes to highlight may be established for the waterfront. evidence of progress and build momentum and support

14 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Case Study: Troy The City of Troy has developed a community- improvements include a new waterfront park, based planning process to guide redevelop- trail, crew pavilion, and boat launch. Intensive ment of its Hudson River waterfront. Public buffering and creative design guidelines will be involvement included over a dozen community used to reduce land use conflicts and ensure workshops, two design charettes and the active that new development is consistent with historic participation of an advisory committee. These neighborhood character. The entire waterfront meetings, involving hundreds of concerned will be served by a new waterfront bike and citizens, have resulted in substantial support for pedestrian trail. A new waterfront access road waterfront enhancements from the community is currently being designed and the private sector. (www.troyny.go industrialparkroad.html)v/projects/. The resulting plan outlines projects, incentives, industrialparkroad/ and regulatory changes that will result in The City has modified its zoning and land use environmental cleanup; new green space and regulations to implement the plan and has tapped publicprojects/brownfields/STWWRP.pdf) access; transportation improvement; and into numerous grant programs. The City has been new waterfront land uses (www.troyny.gov/ successful in securing over $12 million in funding . Troy's to implement programs and improvements approach relies on partnerships among its identified in the South Troy Revitalization Plan. private, public and nonprofit partners to make These include Environmental Protection Funds to incremental improvements to the waterfront fund park planning and design; TEA-21 funds to over the next 15 to 20 years. build the waterfront trail; federal transportation funds to construct a waterfront access road; EPA The plan seeks to relocate existing heavy funds for environmental site assessments and a industrial users in the northern waterfront, job training pilot program; and funds from HUD where they now operate in close proximity to Brownfields Economic Development Initiative for residential neighborhoods, to vacant and land assembly, cleanup, and relocation of industry underused sites in the southern waterfront (www.troyny.gov/projects/brownfields.html). which offer convenient interstate access. The northern area will be freed to accommodate retail, new light manufacturing, commercial, and research and development uses. Public

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 15 Charting the course

Once you have reached consensus on your waterfront vision, it is essential to chart the course for the revitalization of your waterfront. You will need to turn your vision into a step-by- step strategy to guide you through plan preparation and project implementation. Ask yourselffulfill my “what vision tasks and howneed will to beI handle performed them?” to Take the time to discuss and plan your approach to waterfront revitalization with your partners. This will help to strengthen both consensus and support for your project.

Develop a concise, action-oriented agenda that describes the steps that you will follow to Lake Champlain implement your vision. View it as a scope of work for moving forward with the vision. To chart your course, you will specify the following:

the tasks to be performed

the techniques to be used

the people to be involved and their areas of responsibility

the time frame for action

By pulling these elements together, you can outline how your vision will be turned into a plan for the revitalization of your waterfront and how this plan will be implemented, one step at a time. This should be documented in writing, but don’t go overboard with detail at this point. Keep it Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, Hudson Rivershort and simple.

16 Making the Most of Your Waterfront CHAPTER THREE: ESTABLISHING PARTNERSHIPS

In this chapter, you will work through the issues and can relate to how enhancing your residents in the surrounding area following step: waterfront will improve the community. Address challenges your community raises head-on, no community and neighborhood groups Establishing partnerships matter how controversial they may be. If your stakeholder group is diverse and includes the nonprofit organizations with a stake in the From the beginning of your project, you have range of opinions and concerns in the community and the waterfront been seeking out stakeholders who can make community, you will be better able to maintain Remember, partnerships can be formed at any the vision for the future of your waterfront a community support and participation in your time as needs arise and as common interests reality. By bringing people together you have efforts. Put another way, if a small group of are identified. created a vision that captures the ideas and concerned citizens with diverse perspectives can interests of a broad constituency of those agree on the benefits of waterfront revitalization, Partnering with these stakeholders can provide concerned with the future of your waterfront. then the whole community can agree. Now it is time to develop partnerships with these technical assistance, bring in more resources, help with site acquisition, improve infrastructure, stakeholders. Success in waterfront revitalization requires assist with funding and marketing, generate extra partnerships with the common goal of achieving publicity, and create the framework for waterfront your vision and with the right blend of revitalization. Particular attention should be paid Establishing partnerships stakeholders from the private sector, all levels of to maintaining a strong relationship with A partnership is an agreement between two or government, and from the community. Important neighborhood leaders and community more entities to work together for a particular potential partners include: stakeholders as these individuals and groups purpose. You need to form partnerships if: local and county government - elected have a vested interest in the waterfront. Together, You are pursuing goals that will affect officials, local boards, and staff you are partners in the revitalization process and other people and organizations the investment of their energy and resources into adjacent municipalities the community has a powerful impact on your You need more resources, whether efforts. financial, political, or human to accomplish regional planning or resource your goals conservation organizations The format and formality of a partnership can vary widely. Whether it is simple or complex, State and federal government partners You want a strong coalition that shows everyone benefits if an agreement is reached how interests are in agreement academic institutions - colleges and beforehand about each entity’s role and responsibilities. As you begin to develop partnerships, you will universities, local schools need to identify the key issues that bringing your representatives of businesses and Define the responsibilities of each party waterfront back to life may raise for the industries in the surrounding area and its role in a written document such as community. Make sure that the stakeholders a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represent the divergent viewpoints on these property owners in the surrounding area or a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 17 Negotiate any points of contention so that the best use of State and federal assistance as there is consensus. well. Many New York State agencies provide an array of technical and financial assistance that Working in partnerships may seem to be more can support waterfront revitalization, from challenging or time-consuming, but generally planning through implementation. The leads to more successful revitalization initiatives. Department of State's Division of Coastal Having public support and the cooperation of Resources can provide assistance on all aspects more people and organizations also fuels the of waterfront and community revitalization to help momentum of your efforts. During the visioning you make the most of what your waterfront has process, you achieved consensus by bringing to offer. For example, the Division can provide people together to support your vision. As you Chelsea Piers, Manhattan technical and financial assistance to help develop partnerships you will continue to build communities expand public access, reinvigorate on that support. Make sure you provide regular urban waterfronts, restore habitats, protect updates and opportunities to review the details scenic resources, preserve historic resources, of your plans. This can be done through action manage water uses, improve water quality, planning workshops, periodic informational protect against flooding and erosion, and meetings, newsletters, and other components of strengthen local economies. The Division of your outreach strategy. Remember, your success Coastal Resources should be the first place to in revitalizing your waterfront site depends on contact if you are interested in revitalizing your whether the people who live and work in the waterfront (www.nyswaterfronts.com). community embrace the vision and the details of your plans as they emerge. New York State's Smart Growth initiative demonstrates New York's commitment to Rochester, Lake Ontario The Appendix provides details of the many working with local government and community partners - including local governments, regional organizations to find innovative solutions to organizations, nonprofit organizations, strengthen our economy and environment, and universities, and State and federal agencies - improve the quality of where we live. Smart that could be involved in your efforts to enhance Growth is sensible, planned, efficient growth that your waterfront and revitalize the community. The integrates economic development and job Division of Coastal Resources can help you creation with community quality-of-life, by develop these partnerships. preserving and enhancing the built and natural environments. Smart Growth encourages While you are likely to be aware of the local growth in developed areas with existing partners who will be needed to help you enhance infrastructure to sustain it, particularly municipal your waterfront, you should take care to make centers, downtowns, urban cores, historic districts and older first-tier suburbs. The New Troy, Hudson River

18 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Case Study: Oswego The City of Oswego is redeveloping its downtown by building on its waterfront heritage. Oswego's vision was for a revitalized downtown and increased waterfront activity with new parks and promenades on Lake Ontario and the Oswego River. The City determined the best use of the waterfront by using community focus groups and involved all the stakeholders from planning through to implementation.

The Oswego Waterfront Revitalization Program Advisory Committee included elected officials, public agency and private industry representatives, members of private groups, and individuals interested in the waterfront. It was responsible for ensuring public participation in the preparation of a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, developing broad-based support for the Program, and coordinating its implementation.

Guided by its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Oswego has worked aggressively and creatively to convert neglected areas into a thriving mix of community parks, marinas, and waterfront walkways. The City has completed aABOUT_marina.html) mile-long walkway along the Oswego River (http://oswegony.org/ABOUT_east.html) (http://oswegony.org/ABOUT_west.html), improvements to Wright's Landing Marina (www.oswegony.org/ , infrastructure improvements to increase the efficiency and use of the Port of Oswego (http://oswegony.org/ABOUT_portauth.html), and additional public access and boating facilities with pedestrian connections to the pier and linear parks. At the same time, the City has connected the downtown with the waterfront and aggressively tackled the revitalization of abandoned buildings. These improvements provide employment opportunities and other economic benefits as well as public access for recreation and tourism.

Working with a wide variety of public and private partners, Oswego has realized this vision and is building on its success. Oswego's public improvements have leveraged nearly sixteen million dollars in private investment, and new projects continue to spin off from the activity that surrounds the waterfront.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 19 York State Smart Growth website Resource Management (OCRM) (www.SmartGrowthNY.com)is an easy-to-use (http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov) within directory or ‘portal’ to State agency programs NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS). NOS is with brief descriptions of services and links to a source of support and information for coastal the appropriate agency website pages. The management including coastal and ocean website provides guidance on State agency science, management, response, restoration, assistance including grant and financial and navigation (http://oceanservice.noaa.gov). information, technical assistance, and data and regional inventories. Theprograms/czm.html) CZMP (http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/ is a federal-state partnership You will find information that can help you dedicated to comprehensive management of the revitalize your waterfront, including economic nation's coastal resources, ensuring their development, revitalization, transportation and protection for future generations while balancing neighborhoods, conservation and environment, competing national economic, cultural, and planning, technology, and partnerships. environmental interests. It addresses policy issues and provides state coastal management Pittsford, Erie Canal The federal government also offers a range of programs with technical and financial assistance programs that can help you revitalize your in implementing their programs. New York's waterfront. The online Catalog of Federal partnership with the federal government is Domestic Assistance (www.cfda.gov) gives you managed by the Division of Coastal Resources. access to a database of all federal programs available to State and local governments; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.

Many of the nation's coastal management goals are addressed through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA works to protect marine fisheries and endangered species, produces charts to aid in air and nautical navigation, and partners with states to protect coastal resources through the federal Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP). Authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, this program is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Ditch Plains, Montauk

20 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Case Study: Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Tioughnioga River Corridor Program for preparation of a comprehensive waterfront revitalization program has been the The Cortland County Business Development catalyst. More than $1 million has been raised Corporation and Industrial Development from a variety of sources including the U.S. Agency (BDC/IDA) is bringing scenic, historic, Department of Housing and Urban cultural, and economic resources together in a Development and the New York State regional approach to waterfront planning and Department of Transportation. revitalization of the Tioughnioga River.

The BCD/IDA has convened a Waterfront Development Commission to focus on economic development, environmental conservation, tourism promotion, and community revitalization along the Tioughnioga River's 30-mile corridor. The Commission's members represent a wide range of interests and will design and implement a comprehensive waterfront revitalization strategy (www.cortlandbusiness.com/rivertrail/strategy.html).

Using this strategy, the communities will develop cultural and historical attractions, agri- tourism, and retail and economic development opportunities. They will also create outdoor and recreational activities in the scenic river corridor, such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking along a trail system with interpretive signage.

Planning and implementation involves partnerships between federal, State, county, and local officials; the private sector; community groups; and citizens. A $50,000 grant from the New York State Environmental

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 21 Port Henry, Lake Champlain Lake Henry, Port CHAPTER FOUR: TAKING A LOOK AROUND

In this chapter, you’ll work through the A considerable amount of information about your recently prepared reports, studies, following step: community and its waterfront is usually readily statistical analyses, and grant applications available in existing reports, studies, and maps. Understanding what your waterfront In addition, start a dialogue among municipal previously completed waterfront studies has to offer staff; the community; consultants working on and environmental impact statements other projects in the community; and staff from hazard plans addressing flooding and By developing your vision and generating a regional planning organizations, nonprofits, and erosion sense of community ownership of the waterfront, State agencies. This discussion should further you have established a consensus on what you the community’s understanding of the waterfront housing studies want your waterfront to become. Your success in and its issues. It will also help the community achieving this vision will depend upon building uncover potential opportunities for partnerships. downtown revitalization strategies on the assets of your waterfront. This means you must understand what your waterfront has The range of information collected and reviewed tourism studies, as well as tourism-related to offer. should include the following: informational and promotional materials

maps, including the New York State State and regional planning studies, such Understanding what your Coastal Atlas Maps, Planametric or as the New York State Open Space Plan, waterfront has to offer Topographic Series maps, and highway New York State Preservation Plan, maps Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor You should continue to gather information on Recreation Plan, Long Island Sound your waterfront, its neighborhoods, and its role in real property database, tax parcel maps, Coastal Management Plan, South Shore the community, building on information you have and municipal GIS data for determining Estuary Management Plan, Hudson River already developed as part of the visioning land ownership Valley Greenway Community Plan, Niagara process. Generally, this occurs through the River Greenway Plan, Canal Recreationway preparation of a resource inventory that involves aerial photographs and statewide ortho- Plan, Scenic Byway corridor management a careful, detailed review of waterfront photos plans, and Heritage Area management plans conditions, issues, opportunities, assets, and comprehensive or master plan and other challenges. You will need to gather and land use plans for your city, town or village survey data document information on natural, historical, cultural, archeological, recreational, and scenic municipal code, including the zoning recreation needs analysis, transportation resources; public services and facilities; regulations, subdivision regulations, and studies, and housing market analysis population and socioeconomic characteristics; site plan review; flood management or planning and zoning constraints; transportation flood hazard protection laws; wetland You can find the above information at your local patterns; and other relevant information. The protection laws; historic preservation or government offices, various regional and State resource inventory can be prepared by municipal architectural/design review laws; signage agencies, and at local libraries. Increasingly, this staff, consultants, or community members. laws; and parking laws information is available on the Internet. For help

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 23 in finding this information, talk to the Division of Coastal Resources. You should also collect new information through interviews, field trips, and surveys. Remember, there should be a valid purpose or rationale for every item inventoried. In other words, you will need to know how you intend to use each piece of information to better understand your waterfront’s potential.

Once you have collected and analyzed information about your waterfront assets, use the inventory to help people understand your vision. Be prepared to present this information in a short report with photographs, maps, illustrations, and tables of data describing the important resources and how they impact your waterfront vision. Support and document your North Tonawanda conclusions. More detailed information on how to organize all of the data you have collected and assess your waterfront is provided in the following sections. Oswego

Greenport

24 Making the Most of Your Waterfront

Montauk, Long Island Case Study: Amsterdam Erie Canal/Mohawk River; developing improved picnic pavilions. A bridge, allowing pedestrians public access and recreational opportunities to safely cross the East-West Arterial and In Amsterdam, a successful waterfront along the State-owned Erie Canal right-of-way Conrail railroad tracks, provides excellent views revitalization can be traced to two residents who lands; overcoming the East-West Arterial and of the Mohawk River and downtown wanted to make a difference in their community. Conrail railroad as barriers to shoreline public Amsterdam. Planning to build on their strong After exploring the City, they decided to focus access; and improving connections between record of success, the City recently began the on waterfront revitalization. They placed an ad downtown and waterfront areas. With funding process of updating its Local Waterfront in the local newspaper inviting people to submit assistance from the Montgomery County Revitalization Program. ideas on what they would like to see on Chamber of Commerce, the City prepared Amsterdam's Erie Canal/Mohawk River conceptual designs for development of a waterfront. Spurred on by a substantial waterfront park adjacent to downtown response that stimulated significant interest in (http://riverlink.adkinternet.com). the waterfront, the two organizers met with staff from the Division of Coastal Resources to see As the City entered the implementation phase of what they could do. waterfront revitalization, community organizers formed the nonprofit Amsterdam Waterfront Amsterdam's Mayor appointed a waterfront Foundation to oversee waterfront revitalization advisory committee to assist the Division of efforts and fundraising, and to keep community Coastal Resources in preparing a Local residents involved. The Foundation has held Waterfront Revitalization Program. The several formal dress balls in the State Armory in committee included representatives with Amsterdam to increase public awareness of expertise and experience in the areas of historic waterfront planning activities and to raise money preservation, recreational boating, economic that could be used to implement projects and development, and the local business match State grants. Representatives from the community. The City's Planning Board and City and the Amsterdam Foundation have Urban Renewal Agency were also represented continued to meet regularly and work with State on the committee. Public input was gathered officials to keep them informed of Amsterdam's through community meetings and a more progress while reminding them of the continuing detailed resident survey regarding waterfront need for grant funding. issues and priorities. Over the past twelve years, Amsterdam's Key issues facing the City included the reuse public/nonprofit waterfront collaboration has and redevelopment of underused industrial produced dramatic results: both sides of the structures on the waterfront; capitalizing on the Mohawk River have been improved with recreational boating opportunities offered by the pedestrian trails, parks, bocce courts, and

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 25 Assessing your waterfront Assessing your the data you to organize One of the best ways waterfront’s collect, and to understand your from waterfront looking at your is by assets, perspectives:four the waterfront, the developed and the waterfront, the public waterfront, natural working waterfront. type has its Each waterfront set of concerns and its own intrinsicown value are also critically they but and constraints, entwined. will find sections you In the following including details on each of these perspectives, the will need to gather, you the information and the will need to answer, questions you should approaches that you suggestions for vision to refine your continue consider as you your to revitalize waterfront enhancing your for community. Waterfront The Developed had a long history have waterfronts York's New creating a legacy of centers of development, industrial,agricultural, commercial, and recreational activity; harbors; traditional and residential areas of varying densities - all stable areas of woodlands, with natural intermixed and beaches. bluffs, wetlands, fields, This history with the has led to a sense of place that varies throughout of individual communities character the State. These characteristics of the developed culture, to the economy, contribute waterfront and heritage of the State. assess a As you on will need to focus you waterfront, developed the challenges of land use and development, and the abandoned sites and buildings, tackling historic, and of natural, protection and restoration scenic resources. or can be reviewed at or can be reviewed

Manhattan, Hudson River features that will help define your waterfront. that will help define your features As area, it waterfront begin to understand your you study area into be useful to break your may on a specific smaller sub-areas in order to focus or area in more detail. use, resource, as indicated in are a coastal community, If you the Introduction, a good starting point for boundary a geographic is the New establishing State Coastal Area Boundary. by York Developed the Division of Coastal Resources as part of Coastal Management Program, State’s York New this is a legally defined boundary line that coastal area.defines the State’s It is available from the Division of Coastal Resources (www.nyswaterfronts.com), (www.nyswaterfronts.com), State Library.York in mind that Keep the New this boundary can be refined to reflect local needs. located on an are a community If you there is no designated inland waterway, your boundary will need to establish and you boundary.own communities In either case, should work with the Division of Coastal study their waterfront Resources to establish area boundaries. a choose to develop If you this Program Revitalization Waterfront Local boundary will then be incorporated into the Program. Making the Most of Your Waterfront Your Making the Most of Follow recognizable natural or cultural natural recognizable Follow and streets, such as waterways, features possible. extent to the greatest railroads or are Include land uses that affect problems, issues, waterfront by affected and opportunities. resources with and cultural Include natural social, visual, or economic a physical, relationship to the waterfront. boundaries, generally Include waterside boundary the waterside of the following which is located either at the municipality, edge or at a specified distance out water’s from the shoreline into water. some In as partcases, of a harbor management extend boundariesplan, waterfront may extend offshore and may 1,500 feet the boundaries of the municipality. beyond 26

Defining the waterfront study Defining the waterfront area boundaries boundary a geographic for should establish You get you study before waterfront the community’s to focus as a way into the inventory, too far planning efforts. boundary This waterfront should: study area boundaries will vary from Waterfront to community.community the In some places, close to the boundary fairly will be drawn shoreline. the boundaries In others, will include the entire municipality. The purpose of the boundary area of study is to help define your all of the key are covering and to ensure that you 27

Greenport, Stirling Basin Marina, Hudson River Troy New York State Department Sustainability and Community Office of Coastal, Local Government of State, York New What historical and development factors What historical and development the and community waterfront made your it is now? way waterfront? about your value What do you What changes are going on and could occur in the future? of the the history of the development community land use patterns patternsland ownership regulations zoning trends demographic data and business employment trends development transportation and accessibility facilities community In many cases, your community will already community your cases, In many through addressed these factors have the master planning for comprehensive community. this will need to take you If so, on the waterfront. and focus information If your will a master plan, you does not have community gathering land use, need to begin by data. and development demographic, In either about: will need to know you case, Modest infill development in stable, almost in stable, Modest infill development areas waterfront fully developed of significantly sized Redevelopment deteriorated, abandoned, and underused developed areas in urban or previously areas waterfront in previously development New areas undeveloped

Land use and development character of community much As stated earlier, patterns and style of the existing is defined by development. Without careful attention, those its sense of a community elements that give inappropriate new place can be threatened by and redevelopment.development Three different within New trends exist types of development waterfronts: York's trends need not impair the These development or the sense of place character community individual communities. to ensure that However, change maintains or enhances community any development, the impacts of new character, and, indeed, existing redevelopment, be managed to meet the must development, and improvements demands of environmental quality communities. patterns In assessing land use and development will you waterfront, and trends in a developed to understand: want utilities - power, water and sewerage infrastructure adequate to accomplish this vision? Are improvements needed? abandoned, deteriorated, or underused sites and buildings Opportunities - Are there development opportunities or proposals? Does zoning the location and condition of open spaces, permit these? Does the community public access, and recreation sites support new development? Is the infrastructure adequate to support the location and condition of natural development? resources Use - Why did a site or building become the location and condition of historic and abandoned, deteriorated, and underused? Atlantic Ocean Beaches, Montauk scenic resources How long has this situation existed? Are the sites contaminated? What interest has It is useful to map these features and to there been for acquisition and reuse? document development and land use issues What are the primary obstacles to reuse? through photographs. What opportunities can be identified? Access - Is the waterfront accessible from Once you know how your waterfront developed - downtown? Are there opportunities to and understand the current land use patterns, improve connections? development trends and the opportunities and constraints for development - you will need to Infrastructure - How accessible is the focus on how your community will develop in the waterfront from public transportation? future. What role can the waterfront play in From major highways? Does the waterfront have sufficient parking spaces? North Tonawanda enhancing the community? Some questions you will want to ask are: As you seek to make the most of your waterfront Condition - What is the condition of the and better your community, your approach waterfront? Does this condition limit or should be to enhance existing development and enhance options for making the most of focus new growth and development to protect the waterfront? What factors led to its and improve community character. You will need current condition? to review your land use regulations, establish capital improvement programs, and provide Compatibility - Are the development incentives for private development that are patterns and trends compatible with your vision of the waterfront? Does current guided by the following objectives: zoning accomplish this vision? Is the

Shelter Island Ferry

28 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Forge links to the waterfront's rich cultural While your assessment of waterfront land use and natural legacy and development should include the topics listed above, three more critical factors require a closer Provide a sense of continuity with the past look - abandoned sites and buildings, historic resources, and scenic resources. Respect and incorporate cultural and built heritage Abandoned sites and buildings Decrease the risk from flooding and Many of New York’s communities are dotted with erosion vacant and abandoned industrial sites and older and historic buildings that are often no longer in Create physical links with downtown use. Abandoned sites and buildings can have a centers and upland neighborhoods destabilizing effect on neighborhoods, lowering Syracuse property values and precipitating further Bring new uses to abandoned buildings disinvestment by property owners who fear that and brownfield sites improvements may not pay off if the neighborhood continues to decline. But in a Emphasize the clustering of structures growing number of cases, people with a vision and uses are transforming these sites and buildings into Consider relationships among buildings, cost-effective spaces for new uses and turning open spaces, and the water once derelict areas into new, vibrant destinations. These projects are producing jobs, Encourage a scale compatible with the stimulating private and public investment, surrounding community or landscape providing attractive spaces for new uses, and creating destinations that draw residents, Sunset Park, Brooklyn Encourage a mix of uses, but minimize visitors, and new business activity to downtowns conflicts with neighboring uses and neighborhoods. Protect vistas and views of the waterfront If you have identified abandoned sites in your Protect important open spaces and community, you have probably realized that natural areas these sites offer great redevelopment opportunities. Known as “brownfields,” these Develop partnerships with the private sites are typically abandoned or underused sector and nonprofit organizations to industrial or commercial properties where encourage appropriate development expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.

Greenport

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 29 If you think your site might be a brownfield, New leveraging assistance and investments that historic buildings and historic districts offer York State can help with technical and funding revitalize communities - returning idle areas to considerable opportunities for economic growth assistance. The Department of Environmental productive use and restoring environmental through heritage tourism and building Conservationchemical/8661.html) has produced a series of fact quality (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8447.html). rehabilitation. The economic benefits of historic sheets on remediation (www.dec.ny.gov/ preservation should not be overlooked. and a brownfields manual If you have identified abandoned buildings in that provides assistance to municipalities and the your community, the Division of Coastal In assessing your historic resources, you will private sector for the redevelopment of Resources guidebook “Opportunities Waiting to want to identify all of the elements that are brownfield8641.html). sites (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/ Happen: Redeveloping Abandoned Buildings and important in the history of the development of The Brownfield Opportunity Areas Sites to Revitalize Communities” can help you. your community, including: Program, administered by the Division of Coastal This guidebook describes the development Resources in partnership with the Department of process, and the techniques and resources Any historic resource listed on the State Environmental Conservation, provides available to redevelop abandoned buildings, and National Registers of Historic Places. communities and qualified community based beginning with developing a vision for your Information about listings on the National organizations with assistance to complete area- building and finishing with a step-by-step guide and State Registers of Historic Places can wide brownfields redevelopment planning. to project implementation. Each of the sections be obtained from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Through the Brownfield Opportunity Areas provides guidance and lessons on how to make Preservationshpo/register). (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/ Program, communities have the opportunity to opportunities happen. Contact the Division of You will also want to identify address a range of problems posed by multiple Coastal Resources at (518) 474-6000 if you any resource nominated for, or eligible to brownfield sites and to establish the multi-agency would like a copy of this guidebook, or visit be listed on the State or National and private-sector partnerships necessary for www.nyswaterfronts.com/ Registers of Historic Places, since these communities_guidebook_ab.asp. are considered equally significant resources. Historic resources Many important historic structures and Any locally designated historic resources, archeological sites, both on land and underwater, which may also include districts and are found in New York's waterfront communities. structures that are also on the State or National Registers. An integral part of making the most of your waterfront is to protect, preserve, and sensitively An archeological resource listed in the reuse your community's historic resources. As State Department of Education's or Office historic resources are limited and irreplaceable, of Parks, Recreation and Historic public or private uses and activities should avoid Preservation's inventory of archeological destroying or damaging any site having historic sites. For security reasons, the specific or cultural value. In addition to giving a sites of archeological resources should community its unique character, older and generally not be made public. Orient, Long Island

30 Making the Most of Your Waterfront A resource that is a significant component If the buildings are not in use or are in a State-designated Heritage Area. underused, what new use might be appropriate given their nature and Known shipwrecks are another important economic realities in your community? resource. Divers in your area will often be familiar with their location. What is the level of protection afforded the historical resource? Listing on the State or If the above information is limited or nonexistent, National Registers only requires that the it may be because your community has never actions of federal and State agencies be been formally surveyed. If this is the case, you protective of the listed resource. Private or should consider surveying buildings in the local government actions are only affected waterfront neighborhoods to determine areas if there is a local law establishing that may be historically significant. The Historic standards to protect historic resources. Preservation Field Services Bureau How effective are local law protections, if (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/shpo)of the New York any? The Secretary of the Interior has State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic established standards of protection that Preservation will be able to assist communities guide federal and State agency decisions. in determining what waterfront areas are These are a useful guide in judging the Olana State Historic Site historically significant. You will also want to adequacy of any local standards, compile a brief history of the development of particularly where there are numerous your waterfront. The local historical society may historichps/tps/tax/rhb/stand.htm). resources (www.nps.gov/history/ be able to provide this information.

Once you know the history of your waterfront What themes, events, styles, and/or and have identified your historic resources you notable people can be drawn from the will need to determine how best to protect them history of the community to guide new and define what role they can play in enhancing development and activities? your waterfront. Some questions you will want to ask are: Do people know about any underwater resources, particularly shipwrecks, and What is the condition of structures or sites of are they being respected by divers? historic significance? Are they in or near original condition, easily restorable, The following are some of the approaches you significantly altered, derelict, or vacant? Who will want to consider to understand, protect, and owns them? What are they used for now? make use of your historic resources.

Essex

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 31 Seek listing of historic resources not Scenic resources The Division of Coastal Resources has already on the State or National Reg- Of the waterfront's many attributes, its scenery is developed a scenic assessment methodology to isters, and/or local designation. Buildings perhaps the most universally appreciated. Scenic determine scenic quality and has a program to individually listed, or listed as contributing resources are a major component of community identify, evaluate, and recommend areas for members in historic districts, may be character, and special landscape features and designation as Scenic Areas of Statewide eligible for tax credits, grants, and other views contribute to a community's visual quality. Significance (SASS). It identifies the scenic incentivesshpo/investment)(www.nysparks.state.ny.us/ In order to protect community character, the quality of the components of coastal landscapes scenic characteristics of your waterfront and and evaluates them against criteria for Enact or strengthen a local historic community need to be considered when making determining aesthetic significance. preservation law, if necessary planning and development decisions. (www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss/pdfs/hispres.pdf) The first application of the scenic assessment In assessing the overall visual characteristics of methodology has been in the Hudson River Work with the Office of Parks, Recreation, your waterfront, you should take a look at: Valley coastal region, where six Scenic Areas of and Historic Preservation to protect Statewide Significance have been designated. historic resources through the Certified Your waterfront's physical character: its Each area encompasses unique and highly Local Government Program landform, vegetation, shoreline (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/shpo/certified) scenic landscapes that are accessible to the configuration, and water features public and recognized for their outstanding Work with preservation organizations to quality. If your community is in the Hudson Valley, Your waterfront's cultural character: its provide information to owners of historic the information in the SASS designations will resources about the benefits of land use, ephemeral characteristics, historic character, symbolic help you understand your scenic resources. The appropriate restoration and the resources approach could be easily applied in other available to accomplish such restoration value/meaning, architectural character, landscape character, state of upkeep, and regions and can be modified to assess scenic Work with business and development discordant features quality in an individual community, as has been interests to find new uses for your historic done in East Hampton on Long Island. buildings Important waterfront views in your community: identify the viewshed, length Identify regional tourism organizations and breadth of views, background, with whom you can work to attract visitors composition, and focal points to your significant resources, particularly those that fit into a regional theme, such It is useful to map these features and to as military history, maritime history, or document views and critical scenic components industrial history (www.heritageny.gov) through photographs.

Create events and interpretive programs that celebrate your history and the buildings and places that make it real today

Breakneck Ridge, Hudson Highlands

32 Making the Most of Your Waterfront After you have identified your community’s Large scale development - whether industrial, Set-backs - structures and development scenic resources, you can ask yourself how they commercial, or residential - is most likely to affect should be set back a defined number of can be improved or protected. Remember that aesthetic characteristics, but even a single feet from public view points such as scenic resources are tied to other values; the structure can significantly impact the scenic roads, parks, and especially shorelines; open spaces might be working agricultural quality of an area. Indirect impacts may result kept out of sight-lines to scenic views; and sited in inconspicuous locations to landscapes, the harbors and marinas part of a from infrastructure and activities that accompany maintain the attractive quality of the working maritime waterfront, the wetlands and development, such as power lines, transportation shoreline and to retain views to and from woodlands are important natural habitats. Scenic networks, bill boards and signs, and deteriorated the shore. qualities combine with recreational possibilities properties - leading to reductions in scenic quality. to make the coast a prime location for Clustering - structures and lots in vacationers, offering the potential for growth of The most serious reduction in scenic quality subdivisions should be clustered or the tourist industry as well as helping to make occurs when development blocks the view of the oriented to retain views, save open space, the waterfront attractive for residential and water. This is especially an issue in urban areas, and provide visual harmony. economic development. One of the challenges where the built-up character of the waterfront will be balancing these competing issues to already limits visual access. The problem also Visual compatibility - the degree of protect scenic quality. exists in more rural areas where development congruity or “fit” between the visual elements of a project and the setting in along the waterfront can prevent visual access to which it is located, should be considered Although many communities have recognized the all but waterfront property owners. in the planning process to minimize the value and benefits of scenic resources, visual impacts of development. protection and management of these resources Local government land use regulations are has not always been effectively accomplished. perhaps the most effective way to protect scenic Historic Preservation - existing scenic Development projects often ignore scenic issues, resources. The location, massing, and design of structures, especially historic structures, individually or cumulatively degrading waterfront new waterfront development can be limited by should be incorporated into new landforms and attractive human-built features. zoning and site plan regulations. Standards that development so that views of and from Impairments occur when: require buildings to be sited to protect views to or these structures are preserved. View from the water can be adopted. When corridors should be incorporated into Natural features and architectural details development is unavoidable in a prominent waterfront development. are modified scenic location, approval by the Planning Board Restoration or Removal - unattractive for site plan review, and by the Architectural New structures reduce or prevent views scenic elements should be removed or Review Board should be required to maintain the restored when they deteriorate or become existing scenic quality of the area. Typical The scale, form, or materials of degraded. development are not compatible with guidelines for siting structures and facilities that surroundings could be included within local regulations include: Maintenance - original landforms and historic landscapes should be maintained or restored wherever possible.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 33 Landscaping - areas of vegetation, and cultural resources through capital spending ecological integrity and natural coastal especially native vegetation, should be by federal, State, or local government, either processes, and improving management of living maintained or added to through scenic directly or through grant programs. Partnerships resources and water quality. The three major and conservation easements, or with local landowners and businesses and with factors in assessing the natural waterfront are: landscaping plans, and used to provide nonprofit organizations, particularly land trusts flooding and erosion hazards, preserving and interest, encourage the presence of and environmental organizations, can also help improving water quality, and protecting and wildlife, blend structures into the site, and communities to protect scenic resources. restoring habitats. obscure unattractive elements. As you examine your scenic resources, take a Open up views - selective, ecologically closer look at the road corridors that cross your based clearing should be evaluated to create community. The New York State Scenic Byways views of coastal waters from public lands. Program designates transportation corridors that are of Statewide interest. They are representative Screening - as a last resort, appropriate of a region's scenic, recreational, cultural, materials, other than vegetation, should natural, historic or archeological significance to be used to screen unattractive elements. the State of New York. With the required corridor management plan in place, the Scenic Byways Design - buildings and other structures Program can help conserve and enhance the should be of an appropriate scale, and byways’ underlying resources as well as use forms, colors, and materials to ensure encourage appropriate tourism and economic they are compatible with and add interest development. The program is administered by to the landscape and integrate the Landscape Architecture Bureau of the New development with the landscape. York State Department of Transportation (www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/programs/ Lighting - light pollution of the night skies scenic-byways). Ontario Dunes, Lake Ontario should be avoided by encouraging use of least-polluting light sources; fixtures, The Natural Waterfront including municipal lighting installations for New York's natural waterfronts are comprised of street lighting, parking lots, ball fields, etc., a rich diversity of resources that support should be properly shielded and aimed at economic productivity, are a source of scenic the ground; improvements in lighting beauty, and provide recreational enjoyment. control regulations for localized sources These waterfronts are an integral part of larger should be considered and better enforced. ecosystems that sustain and complement human activities throughout the State. As you seek to Another way of protecting scenic resources is make the most of your waterfront, it is critical to the conservation of open space, natural areas, recognize the importance of maintaining Braddock Bay, Lake Ontario

34 Making the Most of Your Waterfront 35

Montauk, Long Island Fire Island Sailors Haven, New York State Department Sustainability and Community Office of Coastal, Local Government of State, York New The coastal processes at work on your shoreline features protective The location of natural and bluffs dunes, such as wetlands, Upland topography patterns Inland and shoreline development details Land ownership conditions and historicRegional weather patternsweather presented in published Information shoreline scientific reports your for chartsNavigation and bathymetric information Data on historic shoreline change and any ongoing shoreline monitoring initiatives and condition of shore Location, extent, protection structures and anecdotal photos, Records, on past shoreline conditions information and storm events It is useful to map these features and to record It is useful to map these features erosion control shoreline development, features protective structures, and natural through photographs. Management of hazards related to flooding and work, or erosion is a critical concern live, if you The extent of any federally designated federally of any The extent coastal floodways, Flood Hazard Areas, and Coastal Barrierhigh hazard areas, Resources System units State- and nature of any The extent designated Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas of other flooding and erosion The extent risk areas

Flooding and erosion hazards Flooding and erosion Shorelines are dynamic places. systems Weather that and other forces rain, wind, waves, generate shorelines.affect the weather Accompanying including effects systems are environmental flooding, and erosion storm overwash, surge, of coastal hazards array that create a complex occurs near the shore. development wherever do not pose risks to Remember that where they these hazards are simply and property, life on the coastal effects with positive events natural environment. such as floodplains, features protective Natural and dunes, beaches, offshore bars, wetlands, absorbing help to protect the shoreline by bluffs storm energy and flood waters. the Unfortunately, features protective of these natural effectiveness structures and development. are impeded by Coastal hazards are created when development natural to risk of loss or damage by is exposed events. In assessing the flooding and erosion hazards in a look at: should take you waterfront, your depend on New York's coasts and waterways. Are these potential hazard areas? capacity, and have negative impacts on other These hazards extend across wide geographic resources and other locations. areas and cannot be addressed on a piecemeal What natural resources are at risk? basis. Because the level of development and The following are some of the approaches you type of hazard exposure varies by locality, and What mitigation measures are available to will want to consider to protect your waterfront reduce future hazard risk? the land use planning tools to manage hazards from flooding and erosion and minimize the risks are locally administered, local government threat from coastal hazards: is often the primary forum for addressing Risk assessment is important for understanding the waterfront hazards. The best approach to hazard nature of shoreline hazard exposure. Risk varies Siting - avoiding the inappropriate siting of management is to develop a community plan to with topography, weather, exposure, geology, structures in hazard areas address potential hazards. This local focus is previous shore protection efforts, and local best supported through partnerships with federal conditions. Certain types of risks may be Protection - protecting the natural dynamics of changing shorelines and and State programs that provide basic standards acceptable for one community but not for another. For instance, periodic shallow flooding without maintaining and improving the natural to manage flooding and erosion hazards and a features and resources that protect context for local management of hazard risk. significant structural damage may be an acceptable risk if long-term safety is reasonably certain. against flooding and erosion The primary questions to ask as you address Nonstructural measures - using Different approaches to coastal hazards may be shoreline hazards are: nonstructural measures to minimize appropriate according to the nature of the risk damage to natural resources and property What are the types, frequency, and scale and the adjacent use. New York State legislation from flooding and erosion, including: of the hazards? (Article 42 of the Executive Law and Article 34 of the Environmental Conservation Law) gives reviewing setbacks to ensure the How will the hazards change over the priority to nonstructural measures, including the siting of new buildings and accessory course of time? management of development to avoid hazard structures outside of Flood Hazard areas. Nonstructural approaches maximize Zones and Coastal Erosion Hazard Which areas, buildings, public facilities, protection afforded by natural processes and Areas institutions, and vulnerable populations features. They offer the best opportunity for relocating existing buildings and (elderly, disabled, low income) are at risk? dependable long-term risk reduction, require the accessory structures landward to least long-term maintenance, and have the least What are the risks to water-dependent remove them from Flood Zones and uses? detrimental effects on other coastal and Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas waterfront resources and uses. On the other What are the risks to the transportation hand, structural measures may be the only elevating or flood proofing existing network? viable option for highly developed urban areas buildings and accessory structures and water-dependent uses. However, they What other areas are available where require repeated maintenance and additional stabilizing bluff, dune, backshore and development might be directed as the management measures, leave development beach formations with appropriate community changes over the course exposed if conditions occur that exceed structure plantings of native vegetation of time? including beach grass

36 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Drainage - installing drainage devices to Preserving and improving water quality control water flowing over bluffs and bluff Water quality is the basis for much of the value faces of both the economic activity and the natural resources of the State's coastal areas and inland Nourishment - artificially nourishing bluffs, waterfronts. New York State has abundant water dunes, backshores, and beaches resources. While many water bodies are of high Usage - limiting the use of hard structural quality, others are degraded by pollution. Even erosion protection measures for control of where water quality is high, human activity can erosion to protect water-dependent uses, pose a threat to quality. Managing development where vegetative approaches to to reduce sources of water pollution, both along controlling erosion are not effective or our waterfronts and throughout the watersheds where enhancement of natural protective of coastal waters and inland waterways, is a features would not provide erosion critical task for communities which want to make protection the most of their waterfronts and enjoy the many activities that depend on good water quality. Mitigation - requiring mitigation to ensure that there is no adverse impact from the Sources of water quality problems are generally installation of hard structures characterized as either point sources or nonpoint Water quality education Sand management - managing inlets sources. Point sources are the direct discharges through sand bypassing of contaminants into waterways. Examples of point sources include sewage treatment plant, Future mitigation - developing measures factory, and power plant discharge through outfall to mitigate damage from future storms pipes. Well established regulatory and financing programs exist to address point sources of Planning - planning for post-storm pollution. Nonpoint pollution is diffuse. Examples recovery and redevelopment include runoff from roads, farms, and lawns as well as contaminants from septic systems Monitoring - establishing an Erosion reaching groundwater or surface waters. Monitoring Program to quantify shoreline changes, erosion rates, and risk Nonpoint sources are the most significant cause of water quality problems in the State. FEMA - participating in the Community Rating System of the National Flood Insurance Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Cayuga Lake

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 37 In assessing water quality in your community, The sources and extent of pollution, and resource, or are degraded by pollutants you should look at: the various types of pollutants (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/23846.html).

The watersheds associated with your Uses and activities impaired by pollution These reports indicate the impairments in each waterfront, including topography, listed waterbody and the causes of these hydrography, soils, precipitation, drainage Local nonpoint source pollution impairments. The general identification of causes patterns, land cover, land use, management programs and practices of pollution in this report can provide you with development trends, and habitats Existing institutional arrangements of the basis to more specifically identify the uses The water quality, quantity, and related local, State and federal agencies, and and activities that will be of concern to you in infrastructure, such as outfalls and other roles of regional planning boards and developing your plan. You should also consider conveyances non-governmental groups in protecting local monitoring programs that establish a water quality baseline against which you can measure change in the water quality in your waterbodies. This Existing land and water use laws, includes physical and chemical parameters such including zoning, site plan review, harbor as pH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved solids, management, erosion and sediment sediments, nutrients, odor, color, and turbidity; control, and wetlands and watercourse health factors such as pathogens, chemical laws to see if they deal with water quality issues contaminants, and toxics; and aesthetic factors such as oils, refuse, and suspended solids. Key resources warranting special protection or restoration There are four main types of uses and activities that you should examine for their effects on It is useful to map these physical features and to water quality: Point source discharge document pollution sources and impairments through photographs. Roads contain and attract contaminants and convey these contaminants into An initial indication of water quality can be found waterbodies. The New York State Department of Transportation follows the by consulting the New York State Department of techniques and procedures in its Environmental Conservation (DEC) water quality Environmental Procedures Manual classifications. These classifications are based (www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/ on the potential best use of a waterbody and set divisions/engineering/ attainment goals and discharge standards for environmental-analysis/manuals-and- point sources. The DEC also publishes a series guidance/epm)in environmental matters of reports, the Waterbody Inventory and Priority relating to the planning, design, Waterbodies List, that identify the waters construction and maintenance of of the State that either cannot be fully used as a transportation facilities. These approaches may help you manage local roads. Highway drainage improvements

38 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Agriculture is an important activity in uses and activities within a watershed. As a most watersheds of the State. It is also a result, water quality can be degraded even if source of water pollution from pesticides, there is no single, large pollution source in the fertilizers, sediment, and animal waste. To watershed. While communities can and should address these myriad potential sources of address their water quality problems individually, pollution, the Agricultural Environmental many water quality problems are best addressed Management (AEM) Program. (www.agmkt.state.ny.us/SoilWater/aem) on a watershed basis, especially where provides a mechanism to help assess watersheds cover more than one community. farming operations, identify potential Watershed plans have been prepared in many of environmental problems, and assess the watersheds throughout the State.The options to reduce pollution. Division of Coastal Resources can tell you if one has been prepared for your community, and Marinas and Boating can directly pollute assist you in obtaining information. waterways from activities such as refueling and hull maintenance. Similarly, The watershed planning and protection approach direct discharges from boats can pollute recognizes the need to address not only the waterways. individual water resources within any given Frankfort Development - both existing and new - watershed, but all the land from which the water can be major sources of water quality drains to these waterbodies. This approach is problems. Examples include the comprehensive and action-oriented and places expansion of impervious surfaces emphasis on broad environmental objectives that resulting in the erosion and sedimentation cover all aspects of water quality. of streams and loss of base flow to wetlands and waterbodies, and The primary questions to ask as you address contamination of ground and surface water quality issues are: water from over-fertilization of lawns and failing septic systems. What are the current water quality conditions - are they improving or The U.S. EPA provides more details on these getting worse? and other pollution causes (www.epa.gov/owow/nps) and offers guidance for Where are the water quality problem areas? specifying management measures to address these causes in coastal waters What are the pollutant loadings in the (www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI). various subwatersheds? What are the impairments and the causes Water quality is affected by the combined effects of these impairments? of many individual actions from a variety of land Watershed improvements, Glen Cove Creek

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 39 Case Study: Lake George Fresh Water Institute, Lake George Basin Land Conservancy, and Cornell Cooperative Over the past several decades, land Extension. development within Lake George's 300-square- mile watershed has accelerated greatly, “Lake George - Planning for the Future” threatening community character, natural (www.lakegeorge2000.org/Lake%20George- resources and water quality. As a result, Plan%20for%20the%20Future.pdf),a long-term planning for the future of Lake George has strategy for protecting and improving the water become increasingly important and, in quality and natural resources of Lake George, particular, protecting lake water quality has was completed in 2001. This plan built on become more and more of a priority. previous planning efforts, particularly the 1987 “Plan for the Future of the Lake George Park,” Since the mid-1990s, substantial financial and set out the next generation of actions that resources have been committed to protecting will be needed to protect and improve Lake the lake and improving water quality. A wide George. variety of projects have been completed, including improvements along stream corridors This long-term water quality strategy will assure to reduce run-off entering the lake and outreach that local governments, State agencies, and programs. Although these projects progressed other organizations work together to maximize well, local government leaders recognized the the effectiveness of limited financial resources. need to establish a consensus on priority Such a strategy will also improve the ability of actions to protect and improve the lake. local governments to access various funding sources for project implementation. With funding through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization With completion of “Lake George - Planning for Program, a regional planning effort to protect the Future,” the committee that oversaw its Lake George began. Preparation of the plan was completion has committed to continuing this overseen by a committee comprised of collaborative effort by signing a Memorandum representatives of the nine municipalities and of Agreement creating the Lake George three counties around the lake; Soil and Water Watershed Coalition to focus on Conservation Districts; the U.S. Department of implementation(www.lakegeorge2000.org). Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; State agencies; and other stakeholder organizations, including the Lake George Association, Fund for Lake George, Darrin

40 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Where are the discharges, including Overlay district - adopting an overlay Wastewater treatment - improving stormwater outfalls and other district to regulate the most immediate wastewater treatment facilities conveyances, within the watershed that contributing areas surrounding introduce pollution to your waterfront? waterbodies, including measures to Septic System Standards - developing standards for septic systems, including control runoff routine inspections What impacts will any changes in land and water uses or land use have on water Impact reduction - improving septic Changing outfalls - reducing or eliminating quality, and where will these occur? systems, providing vegetative buffers, and combined sewer outfalls reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides Where are the gaps in the existing point in affected areas Training - establishing training on and nonpoint source controls, and how appropriate road maintenance practices Best management - implementing best can these be addressed? management practices, such as: Education - providing public education and outreach programs for specific groups What changes to local land and water use creating wetlands for stormwater such as property owners or farmers controls such as subdivision and site plan control review can be made to protect and Modeling - developing tools such as establishing vegetative treatment improve water quality? pollution potential models and GIS-based systems including buffers and grassy models to help in determining priorities for swales water quality improvements What changes in routine roadway, drainage-way and stream maintenance developing a highway stormwater abatement program Monitoring - establishing a water quality practices can be made to protect and monitoring program improve water quality? minimizing the disturbance of natural vegetation and land contours during Coordination - implementing changes in Where would focused nonpoint source construction work institutional arrangements to coordinate pollution management most likely maintain implementation of water quality Open space protection - protecting open improvements or improve existing water quality? space parcels that currently provide water quality benefits Local controls - revising local land and Both watershed planning and protection water use controls to protect and restore approaches, and efforts targeting specific Open space restoration - improving or water quality pollution sources, can help reverse water restoring open space parcels to provide pollution. The following are some of the water quality benefits Permit compliance - implementing specific techniques you will want to consider to protect actions to achieve compliance with Phase II Stormwater Permits, as applicable and improve water quality in your community: Pump-out stations - requiring vessel waste pumpouts at marinas Design control - controlling the location No-discharge zones - requesting State and design of development to avoid water designation of waterbodies as no- quality impairments discharge zones

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 41 Supports significant populations having commercial, recreational, or educational value a habitat type that is not Exemplifies in the State or a commonly found coastal region The significance of a habitat increases to the that it could not be replaced if destroyed. extent a habitat map each designated habitat site, For are created.and narrative The narrative the constitutes a record of the basis for habitat's significant coastal fish and wildlife specific information designation and provides resources that regarding the fish and wildlife depend on this area. is also information General impacts of to assist in evaluating provided proposed activities on characteristics of the habitat which are essential to the habitat's values. is used in conjunction This information in the with the habitat impairment test found impact assessment section to determine whether the proposed activities are consistent with significant habitats policy. State agencies use the information York New each designated habitat in the State for provided process. consistency review and federal In that prepare Local addition, communities are required Programs Revitalization Waterfront to protect designated significant habitats and are to use local land controls for encouraged habitat protection. Is essential to the survival of a large portion of a particular fish or wildlife population Supports populations of species which are endangered, threatened, or of special concern

Ospreys nesting, Orient Ospreys Atlantic striped bass lives much of its adult life much Atlantic striped bass lives habitat of the Atlantic offshore in the open water breeds in the Hudson River. Ocean, but Throughout the State's coastal area, 250 Habitats Wildlife Significant Coastal Fish and the Division been designated by (SCFWH) have of Coastal Resources. Under the SCFWH a site is considered significant if it program, functions: serves one or more of the following Making the Most of Your Waterfront Your Making the Most of 42

Protecting and restoring habitats Protecting a great have coasts and waterways York's New habitats that are critical of fish and wildlife variety to the health of broader ecosystems upon which all depend.we These habitats include salt and and sand mud swamps, marshes, freshwater riverine wetlands shores, rocky beaches, flats, and riparian and harbor corridors, stream, bay beds, submerged aquatic vegetation bottoms, and woodlands. grasslands, dunes, Each stages of fish and support criticalprovides life for feeding, including breeding, nursery, wildlife, and wintering.migration, Maintaining ample, high-quality habitat along the State's coasts and and diverse abundant to having is key waterways resources. fish and wildlife habitats many pressure mounts, As development or lost.are degraded Preserving our valuable resources is not only an fish and wildlife quality but essential element of environmental also has important and recreational, economic, benefits.community Recreational or commercial fishing is a major economic activity in many communities.waterfront Hunting and wildlife enjoyment observation along the shore provide residents and visitors. many for A habitat can be broadly defined as a area inhabited or otherwise used by geographic a particular species or collection of species. spend all or parts in a Animals may of their lives habitat; a particular species can be dependent kinds of habitats. different on several For nest in one habitat, but feed a bird may example, habitat. in a different young and raise The In identifying the important habitats along your National Audubon Society of New York, land When you have identified the upland and in- waterfront, you are aided by several systematic trusts, and the Open Space Institute may have water areas that are important animal or plant inventories that have been undertaken by the also identified important habitats in your area. habitat you will need to assemble the following State and federal government. You should information about them: consult the following to see if important habitats There may also be areas along your shore that, exist on your waterfront: while not identified in any of the above What is their condition? Are they relatively inventories, are nevertheless significant to the pristine, significantly impaired, or Freshwater wetlands mapped by the New community. People who regularly use and are threatened by pollution, development, or York State Department of Environmental familiar with the waterfront will know where these overuse? Conservation special places are. Keep in mind that maintaining the natural character of the water's edge What are the significant species that use Tidal wetlands mapped by the New York throughout your community can be particularly the habitat? How has the population changed over time? State Department of Environmental important for many species. Conservation Is the habitat rare or common? Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats for coastal areas of the State What value does the community place on the habitat? Essential Fish Habitats identified by the National Marine Fisheries Service What significant human uses are made of the habitat - fishing, hunting, wildlife National Wetlands Inventory of the U.S. observation, plant harvesting, educational Fish and Wildlife Service programs? Is the habitat replaceable or New York Natural Heritage Program Iona Marsh National Estuarine irreplaceable? Research Reserve, Hudson River New York State Breeding Bird Atlas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Is the habitat actively managed, by whom, Breeding Bird Survey for what purpose?

In addition to these inventories many federal, What level of protection does the habitat State, county, and regional planning agencies have? Is it publicly owned or owned by a have inventoried habitats and other important conservation organization? Is it protected by government regulation? Is there a natural areas as part of various resource community stewardship program? management plans, such as National Estuary Programs, watershed plans, and regional coastal Who in the community is knowledgeable management plans. Universities and nonprofit about the natural areas of your organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, waterfront? Long Beach Bay, Orient

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 43 Case Study: New York City improvements being made at the Cross Island also developed to provide an educational and and Long Island Expressways, and was funded recreational resource for birders, butterfly, and The Natural Resources Group (NRG) of New by related impact mitigation funds from the New dragonfly enthusiasts. York City's Parks & Recreation Department is York State Department of Transportation. NRG developing and implementing management removed invasive plant species, such as In all of these projects, and many others, NRG programs to protect and restore the City's Phragmitesalterniflora australis (also known as common has secured grant funding from a wide range of naturalorg/sub_about/parks_divisions/nrg/nrg_home. resources (www.nycgovparks. html) reed), replanting the area with Spartina sources, including the City of New York, New and Spartina patens, which are York State Departments of State, Transportation . Three projects in the Borough of Queens native to salt marshes. All work was completed and Environmental Conservation, Natural are excellent models for communities wishing to by NRG's salt marsh restoration team, with Resource Damage Account, Environmental undertake similar projects. assistance from park volunteers. The restoration Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife project was scientifically challenging because Service, and other sources. They have also Encompassing more than 635-acres of the replacement plant species are highly worked creatively and successfully with a wide woodlands, meadows, and fresh and saltwater sensitive, requiring very specific planting variety of volunteer parks conservancy groups marshes, the heavily used Alley Pond Park is elevations and growing medium to thrive. The and volunteers. crisscrossed by expressways. Yet it is the last Alley Creek tidal wetland is now a scenic salt major forested place in Queens and its creek marsh used as a nesting area by ospreys. systems are the only remaining habitat for certain frog and salamander species in New NRG also planned, designed, and implemented York City. With $550,000 in funding from the City a difficult freshwater shrub swamp and kettle of New York and the New York State Clean hole pond restoration in an upland area at the Water/Clean Air Bond Act, NRG staff and 500-acre Forest Park. The project involved volunteers undertook restoration of a 46-acre removal of ballfields constructed at the bottom wooded area frequently used for trash dumping of a kettle pond on many tons of fill and and mountain biking. The area had become garbage during the 1960s. Over time, the infested with invasive or non-native plant drainage system of the ballfields failed. species, such as cat briar, tree of heaven, and Increased flooding caused by the site's natural ink berry. Habitat restoration occurred in one- hydrology made the ballfields unusable. With and two-acre increments, with NRG staff and $550,000 in funding from the City of New York volunteers removing and treating many and the New York State Clean Water/Clean Air truckloads of vines and nuisance plant species. Bond Act, NRG restored the natural habitat of the ballfield area, adding three acres of In the nearby Alley Creek area, NRG restored freshwater wetland habitat and reforestation of approximately 30 acres of tidal wetlands. The four acres in the surrounding watershed. work was completed in conjunction with Interpretive trails and observation areas were

44 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Some of this information will be included in the Elimination or reduction of the sources of and include many habitat types and restoration State and federal inventories referenced above pollution that threaten habitats. methodologies. For example: or can be obtained from staff of the respective agencies, educational institutions, or nonprofit Projects to restore habitats, such as Salt marsh restoration through invasive organizations. wetland restoration projects. plant species control, re-establishment of tidal flow, and surface elevation Support for citizen groups to become manipulation When you know where habitats are, how they involved in, or initiate, stewardship are used by both the animals and by people, programs for a natural area. Freshwater wetland restoration through what their condition is, what their value is, what native species plantings, surface water threatens them, and who is knowledgeable about Enhancing these natural resources should be and groundwater level control, and them, you can then consider what you need to based on principles of: invasive plant species control do to protect and enhance them. Among the activities you should consider are: Preserving diversity of native plant and Forested upland slope restoration through animal species installation of bioengineered erosion Identifying areas that should be acquired control methods, native species plantings, by the public or a conservation Protecting wetlands and significant and invasive plant species control organization. habitats The Division of Coastal Resources and the New Land or water use regulations that protect Restoring native plant and animal York State Department of Environmental natural areas by limiting the location of populations and biological productivity Conservation collaborated to develop guidelines land or water uses; requiring buffer areas, for salt marsh restoration and monitoring to particularly along waterways and Safeguarding vulnerable species and rare assist local governments, State agencies, and wetlands; restricting the clearing of or exemplary communities other institutions, organizations and community vegetation; controlling the siting of groups in implementing coastal restoration development to preserve wildlife corridors; Managing potentially imperiled natural projects. The document assists in identifying managing the timing of development; and areas other similar requirements. potential salt marsh restoration projects and As you examine your natural resources, you developing conceptual plans by characterizing Educational programs that acquaint should look for opportunities to restore degraded the primary causes of salt marsh degradation people with the value and function of habitats to pre-disturbance conditions. and corresponding methods for their habitats in their community. Restoration can reverse habitat degradation and remediation. The guidelines also provide a loss, and reestablish valuable ecological standard monitoring protocol to increase data Wetland regulations that complement and functions. Restored habitats also support New collection and improve project evaluation, helping supplement the State and federal York's economy and tourism industry by helping to ensure the success of State-funded habitat regulations. Cooperative management to sustain commercial and recreational fisheries restoration projects agreements with large land owners whose (www.nyswaterfronts.com/waterfront_ property contains valuable habitat. and by providing places for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. Restoration activities are varied natural_resources.asp).

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 45 Among other water quality and development under the Public Trust Doctrine, to use publicly issues, habitat loss and the identification of owned lands and waters can be hindered by restoration opportunities have been a key part of structures in the water and along the shore. the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans prepared for the three In making the most of your waterfront, you will Nationaleco/lis), Estuaries in New York State: the Long likely find that access to coastal and inland Island Sound Study (www.epa.gov/region01/ waterways should be improved and increased. the New York-New Jersey Harbor Creative partnerships among public and private Estuaryorg), Program (www.harborestuary. entities can assist in these efforts. Objectives and the Peconic Estuary Program might include connecting individual public open (www.peconicestuary.org). spaces through a system of greenways and Stirling Basin, Greenport blueways, protecting and maintaining existing The Division of Coastal Resources assisted the public access areas, and developing areas for South Shore Estuary Reserve Council with new public access. development of the Comprehensive Management Plan for the South Shore Estuary The public lands and waters of the State are a Reservesouthshore.asp)(www.nyswaterfronts.com/initiatives_ significant recreation resource that are an . The plan provides a blueprint essential part of the character of many shoreline for the long-term health of the Reserve’s bays communities. Recreational facilities should and tributaries, its tidal wetlands and wildlife, reflect a wide variety of active and passive and its tourism and economy. activities, while preserving other important assets, such as natural resources and maritime These management plans can help you identify heritage. The needs of an aging population and opportunities for habitat restoration in your own expanded opportunities for disabled users Constitution Marsh, Hudson Highlands community. should be highlighted. Recreational opportunities can be improved by identifying The Public Waterfront areas with additional recreational potential, People want to walk along the water's edge, working with new partners, and recognizing and whether it's a busy city promenade, a deserted seizing small and non-traditional opportunities to sandy beach, or a shady stream bank. They expand access. want to use the water to swim, to fish, to boat, to dive. However, this desire for access is not Collecting information and asking questions from always easily fulfilled. Waterfront development, the public use perspective will help to formulate dispersed access points, residency require- approaches that enhance your waterfront and ments, and limited capacity at recreational revitalize your community. Maximizing public facilities can thwart the public’s desire to use access to the water, while maintaining other and enjoy the waterfront. Even the public's right, important uses, requires consideration of a wide East Hampton, Atlantic Ocean

46 Making the Most of Your Waterfront range of approaches by a community. In What studies and plans already exist that determining how to make your waterfront address public access and recreation on more accessible, start by asking several key your waterfront? questions. It is useful to map the public access and What is the nature of existing access to waterfront recreation sites that have been your waterfront? What types of access, identified. beaches, trails, boat launches, parks, marinas, or nature preserves exist? When you know what you have, ask yourself “How can we improve what we have and what How extensively are they used? Are they more do we want or need?” You will need well used, little used, over used? information about:

Who owns and manages them: State or The nature of the demand for more federal government, local government, access and recreation on your waterfront private business, a private association, or by type of access, and who in the a conservation organization? community wants/needs the access or recreational opportunities: neighborhoods; Tonawanda, Niagara River What is their condition? Are they well specific recreational interests such as maintained, neglected, or in disrepair? competitive rowing, fishing, or scuba diving; the community at large; the region; Are there adequate support facilities for or tourists and visitors recreation areas? Is there enough parking? Can boaters and fishermen The sites that have potential for providing obtain supplies? access and recreation and the conditions that make the site appropriate or inhibit Are there private encroachments on its use public areas, particularly rights-of-way, public trust lands and waters, or public The environmental constraints on easements? increasing access and recreation at a particular site What views of the waterfront are valued by the community and visitors? The capacity of necessary infrastructure to support new or improved access and What are the costs associated with the recreation use of the facilities? Are there restrictions on who may use them? Ditch Plains, Montauk

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 47 structures, proposed to be constructed in or instances the underwater lands conveyed were Case Study: The Public Trust over public trust lands and waters, was subsequently filled. As a result, a community's Doctrine necessary to responsibly manage the public's current shoreline is often not its original natural The Public Trust Doctrine provides that public interests in trust lands. The legislature stated shoreline. Since these filled lands were imbued trust lands, waters, and living resources in a that use of trust lands is to be consistent with with the public trust and the conveyances were State are held in trust for the benefit of all of the the public interest in reasonable use and usually less than a fee interest or had people, and establishes the right of the public to responsible management of waterways for the conditions attached, certain public rights in fully enjoy public trust lands, waters, and living purposes of navigation, commerce, fishing, these lands may continue to exist. This situation resources for a wide variety of public uses. bathing, recreation, environmental and aesthetic can be particularly useful in obtaining public protection, and access to the navigable waters access and other public benefits as the In New York State, the public trust waters are the and lands underwater of the State. waterfront is redeveloped for new uses. Also, waters of the State, and the public trust lands are the State may revoke grants when the uses the lands now, or formerly, beneath those waters Riparian and littoral property owners have a proposed are not in conformity with the Public to the high water mark. The living resources right to use or cross public trust lands and Trust Doctrine. inhabiting or dependent on these lands and waters to gain access to navigable waters. waters are also subject to the Public Trust However, the method and manner by which they The New York State Office of General Services Doctrine. On Long Island, as a result of colonial gain access is determined and limited by the is generally the current custodian of public trust era grants, some of these public trust lands are effects on the public's rights, local conditions lands. They have records of all conveyances held by the towns. and custom, and applicable State and local and the original shoreline, which may be of use regulations. to communities working on plans or projects to The Public Trust Doctrine is particularly important make the most of their waterfront. in establishing the public's right to use and pass Understanding both what the Public Trust over the foreshore of tidal waters. Rivers whose Doctrine says about the rights of the public and bed and banks are in private ownership may also the rights of riparian or littoral property owners provide opportunities for public use, including in general and what the specific history of how incidental portage on riparian lands, if they are public trust lands have been managed along a navigable-in-fact. A number of landmark cases community's shoreline is critical in managing have confirmed and described the public's rights the waterfront. and the State's responsibilities with regard to public trust lands and waters. In 1992, the New In the 19th and 20th centuries many grants of York State Legislature amended the Public Lands public trust lands were made to private interests Law codifying, in part, the Public Trust Doctrine to promote the commerce of the State and for (www.nyswaterfronts.com/ other purposes. These grants were particularly waterfront_public_trust.asp). The legislature prevalent in the cities and villages of the State found that regulation of projects and where development was concentrated. In many Fishkill Creek, Beacon

48 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Property ownership, including the Underwater rights - any remaining State areas, yacht clubs, boat yards, commercial and ownership of underwater lands and interest in former underwater lands can be recreational fishing operations, facilities for particularly lands that were once used to provide public access as part of shipping petroleum products and aggregates, underwater and have been filled new development. ferry landings, and various support facilities for waterborne commerce and recreation. Together, This and similar information will enable you to Institutional access - large institutional these uses generate billions of dollars for the identify the opportunities that exist for increasing facilities, whether public or private, such State's economy and are vital to the economic access and recreation. In assessing how realistic as hospitals or schools, located along the health and character of most waterfront these opportunities are you will need to be shore can provide public access and communities. These working waterfronts need to aware of the many approaches that are available recreation on their grounds. be protected and promoted as important to bring about the changes desired. While one of elements of a community's maritime heritage the most obvious means of improving public The Working Waterfront and economy. However, because the waterfront access and recreational opportunities is through The State's working waterfronts include a wide is also an attractive place to live, there is capital spending by federal, State, or local variety of ports and harbors which have many competition for the limited land area that government - either directly or through grant water-dependent uses. Many uses and programs - there are other available approaches businesses require a location on the water to surrounds ports and harbors that can endanger that should be considered. function, or to harvest living or mineral resources these important uses. Competition can also exist from coastal and inland waters. Agricultural uses, between the uses we make of harbors and the Local land use regulations - new especially orchards and vineyards, are clustered natural resources they contain. waterfront development can be required, along the waterfront because of the beneficial under certain circumstances, to provide effects of the waterbody on climate. Active, Communities face hard decisions about how to public access or recreational facilities as economically viable waterfronts have important allocate the limited harbor shoreline and waters part of the development; site plan cultural, historic, and scenic attributes; and among competing uses. These decisions require regulations can have standards that maritime uses are part of our heritage and can complex judgements about: require buildings to be sited to protect provide the context for an exciting, vibrant views to or from the water; land can be tourism industry. How best to promote water-dependent zoned for recreational use only. development without compromising Water-dependent and water-enhanced uses environmental quality? Partnerships - partnerships between A water-dependent use is defined as “an activity waterfront businesses and local which can only be conducted on, in, over, or What is the right mix of waterfront uses government can be established with adjacent to a water body because such activity for a particular community? business improvement districts that create requires direct access to that water body, and public waterfront amenities to enhance which involves, as an integral part of such How to balance property owners' business and public access. activity, the use of the water.” The ports and expectations with the community's interest harbors of New York State are where most of in maintaining a sense of maritime Nonprofit organizations - nonprofit these uses are concentrated. These water- heritage? organizations, particularly land trusts and dependent uses and businesses include environmental organizations, can work with international shipping facilities, marinas, mooring communities to improve public access.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 49 Case Study: Lake George Village Working in partnership with private landowners and New York State, the Village of Lake George has improved public access along the lakefront. Constructed in direct response to key revitalization needs identified during the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program planning process, these projects have strengthened linkages between the waterfront and downtown, and created a new “front door” for businesses located on the lake.

Between 1995 and 1999, the Village received nearly $300,000 in State grants to complete a variety of waterfront improvement projects. These included construction of a 650 foot long pedestrian walkway on the Lake George waterfront, streetscape improvements along three village streets connecting the waterfront to commercial areas, and conversion of these streets from vehicular access to pedestrian access to provide safer pedestrian access to waterfront amenities. The Village was assisted by a landscape architecture consultant, who prepared all conceptual designs and construction documents, and helped coordinate project completion.

Part of the Village's success resulted from involving the private sector. The Village negotiated easements from five waterfront property owners, only once using its powers of eminent domain. The Village also worked with property owners to establish a special assessment district, enabling them to raise money for ongoing improvements and maintenance through special tax assessments.

50 Making the Most of Your Waterfront What infrastructure and support facilities Is demand for recreational boating do water-dependent uses need to facilities increasing? remain viable? Are water-dependent industries closing How to meet the needs of tourists, without a new water-dependent use seasonal, and year-round residents? moving in?

What priority should water-dependent Why are these changes occurring? uses be given in land use regulation? What is the nature of demand for the uses In order to answer these questions, you should on the waterfront? identify your community's existing water- dependent uses by type, size, and location. You While there must be market support to sustain should discuss with the owners or operators of most water-dependent uses, the market alone these uses the problems they face in maintaining cannot be relied upon to assure that the range a viable operation. You might then identify the of uses a community desires will be maintained areas suitable for particular water-dependent uses. or attained. Various incentives and disincentives, as well as land and water use regulations, are You will find that infrastructure needs for the tools a community can use to promote its New York Harbor working waterfront vary widely. Whether these working waterfront. Choosing the right mix from needs are a public or private responsibility, among the tools available will depend upon the opportunities to coordinate maintenance types of uses desired and the degree and activities or to provide necessary infrastructure, nature of the competition for space on the such as channel dredging, public docks and ferry waterfront. landings, or links to land transportation, can often be most efficiently met in the ports and The most basic approach to assuring that water- harbors where water-dependent uses are dependent uses have priority on the waterfront is concentrated. through zoning. Once a community has established a list of permitted uses consistent Communities should examine the pattern and with the uses it desires and has identified the trends of land use change along their waterfront areas where these uses are appropriate, the to determine an effective strategy for retaining or most important factor in selecting the best attracting water-dependent uses. You should ask technique is the degree of competition for use of the following questions: the waterfront. The specific zoning techniques employed can vary depending on the degree of Are the water-dependent uses being competition. The following general approaches to replaced by uses which do not require a zoning for water-dependent uses reflect the role waterfront location, such as residential uses? of competition:

Salmon cleaning station, Lake Ontario

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 51 Permit water-dependent uses along with of their harbors include use value assessment for other uses. This is appropriate where water-dependent uses; public infrastructure competition is low, much open land is improvements, either directly or through creation available, or there is a low demand for of a harbor improvement district; working with water-dependent uses. State and federal regulators to expedite the permit process for water-dependent uses through Permit water-dependent use and allow perimeter permits for marinas, generic other uses but not those that are most environmental impact statements for common likely to choose a waterfront location and actions of similar harbor uses, or coordination of thus would compete with water-dependent dredging projects; and harbor management plans. uses, such as residential uses. A water-enhanced use is defined “as an activity Permit water-dependent uses and allow which does not require a location adjacent to other uses only by special permit with coastal waters, but whose location on the the condition that they be part of a waterfront adds to the public use and enjoyment of mixed-use proposal that includes water- the water's edge.” Water-enhanced uses are dependent uses. This may provide primarily recreational, cultural, retail, or Stirling Basin, Greenport needed economic support for the desired entertainment uses. These uses are also water-dependent uses. important to the economy, character, and public enjoyment of a community's waterfront. When Permit water-dependent use only. This developed in association with water-dependent approach is particularly appropriate where uses they can provide necessary economic the waterfront area is developed with support; however, they may also compete with water-dependent uses and there is strong water-dependent uses. A community needs to development pressure to convert to other decide the mix of uses that is suitable for its uses, generally residential. waterfront.

Provide for more than one water- Harbor management planning dependent use zone with a different set of Changes in the State’s recreational boating fleet, uses in each. This is appropriate where changes in the use of harbor shorelines, there may be competition for space dredging needs, competition for space, and between water-dependent uses, e.g., shifts in global markets affect the efficient marinas and commercial fishing, or the operation of our ports and harbors. Conflicts uses have different siting needs. have increased between passive and active recreation; between commercial and recreational Other tools that communities can use to attract or uses; and, between all uses and the natural Essex, Lake Champlain maintain the mix of uses that will make the most resources of a harbor.

52 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Harbor management plans can be used to of commercial and recreational vessel analyze and resolve these conflicts and to traffic, and vessel anchorage or mooring coordinate jurisdictional and regulatory areas authorities. They are key to making the most of the waterside of your waterfront. The Division of water quality classifications and use Coastal Resources can provide technical and standards financial assistance to communities to prepare harbor management plans, as components of wetlands and significant habitats Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs, to improve management of harbor uses and the general pattern of public and private activities. Guidelines on the preparation of a ownership of underwater lands harbor management plan are available from the Division of Coastal Resources historic underwater sites or structures, (www.nyswaterfronts.com/waterfront_working_ such as shipwrecks or archeological sites harbormgmt.asp). location of underwater cables or pipelines While the State and federal governments have the authority to regulate many in-water activities, existing infrastructure, such as navigation these regulations are generally for specific channels and basins, bulkheads, docks activities or for discrete purposes. Harbor and docking facilities, sewage treatment management planning enables local government and vessel waste facilities, public water to address a wide range of uses and activities in supplies, and roadways supporting the harbor and nearshore areas to improve harbor harbor area safety and operation. a description of adjacent existing land To develop a plan for the waterside of your uses and zoning waterfront that will complement your plans for the landside, you will need to understand how the existing federal, State and local your harbor or nearshore areas are being used regulations that apply in the harbor now and what constraints exist for new uses. The information you will need includes the Once you have this basic information you will following: want to determine the issues and conflicts that are affecting your ability to make the most of details on commercial, industrial, and your waterfront. The following lists typical issues recreational water-dependent uses such as marinas, boat yards, transhipment and conflicts that should be considered and facilities, swimming areas, commercial or analyzed if they are present in your harbor or recreational fishing or shellfishing, types nearshore areas: Tonawanda

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 53 Interferences with existing navigation Zoning of water-dependent uses for other mooring or anchorage areas channels by structures, such as docks, uses in areas appropriate for water- floats or anchored or moored vessels dependent uses marinas

Public health and safety issues, such as Intertidal wetland areas, bays, or other periodic or on-going special use zones, conflicts between shellfishing and vessel offshore or intertidal areas that are used such as areas for water skiing, races or anchorage or mooring areas, the or zoned for residential or other operation of vessels in or near swimming inappropriate uses other special events areas, unsafe vessel speeds, and general boating congestion buffer areas between water surface uses

Substandard water quality and a need to swimming areas improve water quality for a range of desired uses, such as fishing, swimming, harbor or pierhead lines and bulkhead lines or year-round or seasonal shellfishing perimeter permit areas Degraded or threatened natural areas, such as wetlands or significant coastal major structures, such as groins, jetties, fish and wildlife habitats seawalls, bulkheads, and piers A need to maintain or provide harbor infrastructure, such as roadways, sensitive habitat or shellfishing areas navigation channels, bulkheads, boat Oswego ramps, docks, sewage treatment, and upland adjacent to the waterbody vessel waste pumpout facilities Based on your analysis of harbor conditions, designated for water-dependent uses planning for your harbor should lead to the Limits on public access to or use of the proposed public improvements, such as harbor area preparation of a harbor management chart (a water area map) that indicates how the harbor docks, vessel waste disposal facilities, launch ramps A high demand for, but a lack of, will function and how specific areas of the harbor appropriate commercial vessel support will be used. This is similar to a zoning map, and facilities or sufficiently maintained needs to be supported by a local law. The chart The harbor management law should also navigation channel or basin depths should show: address regulation of the following:

Problems related to dredging and existing or proposed navigation channels, the use, operation, speed, anchoring and dredged material disposal fairways, or accessways over the water's mooring, and other uses of or activities surface associated with vessels The need to protect important water- dependent uses in appropriate areas open water areas the siting and construction of docks, piers, within harbors bulkheads, or other in-water structures

54 Making the Most of Your Waterfront activities allowed or prohibited in sensitive with the training and authority to Dairy farms, the largest segment of agriculture in areas, such as highly productive wetlands administer the plan, or assigning the the State, as well as many other types of and significant habitats, or in locations harbor responsibilities to existing officials agriculture, can also be found along major where public safety is of concern, such as and boards waterbodies. swimming areas Education - providing information to Agriculture faces many threats. Agricultural land dredging and dredged material disposal, recreational boaters and other users of the goes out of production as a result of regulated mining, or excavating of subsurface harbor area about harbor safety and public and unregulated market forces and as result of material health, maritime history, uses of the competition from other land uses, especially harbor, and natural resources to increase residential development. This latter threat is particularly strong in waterfront communities swimming, SCUBA diving or other primary public awareness of harbor issues because of the high demand for homes near the contact in-water recreational activities water. While communities cannot directly affect Actions by federal and State agencies are often market forces, they can affect the loss of necessary in order to fully implement and Other means of implementing harbor agricultural land to other uses. management that you should consider include: advance projects in harbors. These actions may include approving anchorage and mooring areas, Agriculture can also be a source of designating vessel waste no-discharge zones, Harbor Improvement Districts - environmental problems, including increased dredging or maintaining major navigation establishing harbor improvement districts nutrient loading, pesticide contamination, and channels and basins, constructing or maintaining pursuant to Section 190 of the Town Law nuisance odors. However, when properly breakwaters, funding certain studies, or providing to provide a funding mechanism for public managed, maintaining land in agriculture can be technical assistance. These actions should be projects and physical improvements in an excellent way to preserve community described in the harbor management plan. and adjacent to the harbor area, such as character and heritage, provide economic construction and maintenance of public benefit, conserve open space, increase scenic Agriculture launching ramps, docks, vessel waste amenities, and protect the environment. In New York State, agriculture often comprises a pumpout and waste reception facilities, significant land use in waterfront communities. In order to maintain farmland, a community land acquisition, and dredging Agriculture is important for its economic value, its needs to first understand the nature of the positive contribution to the character of the agriculture that exists. You will need to know: Capital projects - identifying commercial landscape, as an open space resource, and or recreational fishing docks, channel often for its role in the history and development What is grown and where is it grown? dredging, shoreline stabilization, and of the community. While a small percentage of all acquisition of boats and other equipment agricultural land in the State, agricultural land in What are the market forces affecting the the coastal area and along inland waterbodies is profitability of farming in your community? Management/Enforcement - appointing a often among the most valuable and productive. While you may not be able to affect these, harbor manager or designating someone These areas include much of the State's you need to understand the economic to administer and enforce the plan, orchards and vineyards which benefit from the environment in which farmers are providing a harbormaster or other person moderating climatic effects of the water bodies. operating.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 55 What farm support services exist? Is there economics of local agriculture. In developing your sufficient farming in the surrounding area plan to support the continuation of agriculture in to support the suppliers and distributors your community, you should involve all those with necessary for efficient farm operation? an interest in the matter. This would include, in addition to the farmers, organizations such as the How strong is the demand for other uses Cooperative Extension, New York Farm Bureau, of farmland? the regional and county farm bureaus (www.nyfb.org), and the American Farmland Trust What are the existing land use regulations (www.farmland.org); State and federal agricultural of the farmland, what restraints do they agencies; local and county government agencies; place on normal farm operations, and land trusts and conservation organizations; what other land uses do they permit? environmental and community organizations; and other community leaders and decision makers. What development restrictions on the farmland exist, for example, is it in an The means that you select to maintain farming in Agricultural District, or have development your community will depend upon the type of rights been purchased? farming, the nature of the competition for Southold vineyards farmland, and the external forces affecting trends What are the soil types and which soils in the products of the farms. In consultation with have been identified as particularly all stakeholders, you should select the important for agricultural production? combination of approaches that best fit the circumstances of your community. Among the What is the history of farming in the options that can be considered are the following: community; have farms been in the same family for centuries? Agricultural districts - encourage participation in the State Agricultural Are there abandoned farms or old fields District Program, or in individual that also contribute to the character of the participation in agricultural value landscape? assessment programs

Soil surveys exist for each county and are Zoning - enact zoning regulations that at a developed by the Natural Resource Conservation minimum allow for farming, and where Service (www.soils.usda.gov) and they can be necessary, prohibit other uses or establish reviewed in County Soil Conservation District large lot sizes that reflect the agricultural Offices, libraries, and other public offices. Your activity, e.g., 40 acres, to reduce the County Cooperative Extension office can provide market for competing uses Southold information about the extent, type, and

56 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Development rights - establish or encourage participation in purchase-of- development rights programs

Transfer-of-development rights - provide in your zoning for the transfer-of- development rights

Eliminate unnecessary restrictions - review your land use regulations and eliminate standards for farms that unnecessarily restrict normal farming practices, for example, aesthetic standards in site plan review for new farm buildings

Clustering - require the clustering of development to preserve the best Papscanee Island, East Greenbush farmland where other uses are allowed on farmland

Buffer requirements - require new non- farm uses to provide a buffer between the new use and any farming activity

Runoff reduction - encourage implementation of comprehensive measures to reduce polluted farm runoff

Public education - develop an outreach program to increase public understanding of the value of local agriculture and how agriculture and community growth can co-exist

Historic preservation - preserve historic barns and farm houses Coxsackie

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 57 Case Study: Town of Essex moorings and docks. A site plan review process was put in place for all development Communities on Lake Champlain are realizing activities within a Shoreline Protection Overlay their visions to make the most of their District. waterfronts. They started by sharing their vision of the future in a regional waterfront With no planning staff and limited funding, the revitalization program. Many of these task of completing the Local Waterfront communities are building on this initiative by Revitalization Program fell to an enthusiastic implementing their own local programs. and dedicated group of local residents, with technical assistance from Essex County and In the Town of Essex (www.essexnewyork.com) the Division of Coastal Resources. The Zoning seasonal pressures are building. Increased and Shoreline Review Committee, with ferry traffic, tourism, and growing second home representatives from the Town Board, Planning ownership are affecting the quality of life in this Board, Zoning Board and the Essex County historic hamlet. Use conflicts on the lake are Planner, met weekly for more than three years. occurring more frequently as water-based All meetings were open to and enthusiastically recreation grows in popularity. In response, the attended by the public, including the Essex Town is using its Local Waterfront Revitalization Community Heritage Organization, marina Program to protect its small town character - operators, and permanent and seasonal balancing historic preservation and residents. This public involvement and support development throughout the Town and making contributed to participation, commitment, and the most of its attractive lakefront location. approval by the Town Board.

The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program These volunteers have made a real difference protects community character and the to the community. By completing its Local environmental quality of Lake Champlain, Waterfront Revitalization Program, the Town is promotes the expansion of public access along well positioned to achieve its vision of the shoreline, and raises public awareness protecting its small town historic character. regarding the Town's cultural and natural resources. The Program is implemented by a new zoning law and a harbor management law which provide clear standards to protect the historic character of the Town, to regulate erosion control and shoreline stabilization measures, and to provide local control over

58 Making the Most of Your Waterfront CHAPTER FIVE: DEVELOPING A STRATEGY

In this chapter, you’ll work through the When you have refined your vision, it is time to Change-oriented - It should offer specific following step: create a plan and strategy to help you move strategies to alleviate identified community from vision to implementation. A waterfront plan problems and shortcomings. Refining your vision and developing and strategy has ten characteristics: a strategy Contemporary - It should be updated Realistic - It should indicate what is when necessary to reflect changing By now you have developed a vision to enhance possible given available or potential conditions, as well as changing your waterfront; built a base of support in the resources. community perceptions. community; and established partnerships to develop a waterfront revitalization plan. You have Comprehensive - It should address fully The role of the Local Waterfront analyzed your waterfront from four key the range of conditions that affect the quality of life along a waterfront including perspectives - the developed waterfront, natural Revitalization Program human, economic, social, and waterfront, public waterfront, and working environmental conditions. The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program waterfront - and have collected substantial provides a means to turn your vision, enhanced information about your waterfront’s assets, Specific - It should target and address by the information you have gathered, the constraints, and opportunities. Use the the distinct needs of different parts of the analysis you have done, and the partnerships information you gathered to give your vision a waterfront. you have formed, into a plan and strategy that “reality check.” What have you learned about how can be readily implemented. At the beginning of you can fulfill your vision? Coordinated - It should be integrated with this guidebook we indicated that a Local the community’s annual operating budget, Waterfront Revitalization Program is both a plan What are the obstacles to your vision? as well as the capital improvements and a program. At this stage you will focus on program or budget. the plan. Have you discovered even more exciting opportunities than you thought existed? Partnership-based - It should bring public and private interests together in a As a plan, a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, or “LWRP” as it is commonly known, is Are your ideas still sound? combined effort to address issues and opportunities. a locally prepared land and water use plan and strategy for a community's waterfront. It provides Refining your vision and Citizen-focused - It should enjoy broad a comprehensive framework within which a developing a strategy community awareness and support. community’s vision for its waterfront can be formalized. Until now your vision has been based upon your Understandable - It should be easy to initial understanding of your waterfront and its read and understand. A LWRP may be comprehensive and address all role in the community. Now that you have taken a issues that affect a community’s entire Solution-specific - It should identify closer look around and understand how to make community issues and directly propose waterfront. Alternatively, it may be issue driven, the most of your assets, you can solutions which will remedy or address addressing only the most critical waterfront re-evaluate and refine your vision. these issues. issue(s) facing a community, such as public

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 59 access or water quality, or it may focus on a a guide, refine your boundary based on the specific area, such as the downtown, a harbor, or information that you discovered so that the a critical natural resource area. Communities boundary allows you to address all waterfront with shared interests or resources are issues. If you are in the coastal area, you should encouraged to coordinate their individual consult New York State’s official Coastal Area programs or to prepare a common program. The Map which designates the coastal boundaries for Division of Coastal Resources can help you to the entire State. In many communities, the State- determine the right approach for your community. designated coastal boundary is adequate and is the boundary used in the LWRP. In some communities, however, preliminary review of Putting it together - preparing an LWRP waterfront resources, problems, and Working in partnership with the Division of opportunities may indicate that one or more Coastal Resources, a community will complete revisions to the boundary will be necessary to the five sections of a LWRP: the waterfront advance the LWRP policies and projects. If a revitalization area boundary; an inventory and revision of the boundary is recommended, the analysis of existing conditions; waterfront LWRP document should state the reasons for policies; proposed land and water uses and the proposed change. Skaneateles Lake projects; and implementation techniques. Once approved by the New York State Secretary of State, the LWRP serves to coordinate State and Section II: Inventory and analysis of existing federal actions needed to assist the community conditions to achieve its vision. This section involves data collection, review and analysis presented in a narrative form and supported by maps, charts, and photographs. Section I: Defining the waterfront revitalization area boundaries The LWRP will include the inventory and This section includes a map and provides a analysis of existing conditions that you undertook narrative description of the LWRP’s land and to help you understand what your waterfront has waterside boundaries. to offer. This will cover a brief description of findings related to the developed, natural, public, In developing a LWRP, one of the earliest tasks and working waterfronts. It will outline key that communities complete is the delineation of waterfront issues. the waterfront revitalization area boundaries. You will already have established a geographic Many of these issues will have emerged in your boundary for the community’s waterfront study visioning and goal-setting activities. The as a way to focus planning efforts. Using this as inventory and analysis will provide information on Battery Park, New York City

60 Making the Most of Your Waterfront these issues and begin to outline how they may refined in the Long Island Sound Regional Policy 8 Minimize environmental degradation be tackled. For example, the community may Coastal Management Program. In New York City, from solid waste and hazardous substances envision a future in which commercial fishing will the policies have been refined in the City's and wastes. be a strong economic generator, but existing Waterfront Revitalization Program zoning and land use regulations discourage (www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/wrp/wrp.shtml). Public Coast Policy commercial fishing in favor of recreational Throughout the State, many communities have Policy 9 Provide for public access to, and boating or residential uses. Or, perhaps new refined these policies through their Local recreational use of, coastal waters, public lands, uses have been envisioned, but site evaluation Waterfront Revitalization Programs. and public resources. and clean-up must take place before the new The following outline of State policies for uses can be implemented. Working Coast Policies managing coastal areas and inland waterways Policy 10 Protect water-dependent uses and provides the organizational structure for you to Inventory findings will also be used as the basis use in refining statewide policies. promote siting of new water-dependent uses in for developing local waterfront revitalization suitable locations. policies, identifying land and water uses and Developed Coast Policies projects, and outlining implementation Policy 1 Foster a pattern of development that Policy 11 Promote sustainable use of living techniques and strategies. enhances community character, preserves open marine resources. space, makes efficient use of infrastructure, Section III: Understanding and reflecting makes beneficial use of a coastal location, and Policy 12 Protect agricultural lands. State policies minimizes adverse effects of development. This section refines existing statewide waterfront Policy 13 Promote appropriate use and policies that apply to a community’s unique Policy 2 Preserve historic resources. development of energy and mineral resources. waterfront area. Policy 3 Enhance visual quality and protect Local policies are prepared after the One of the most important roles of the LWRP is scenic resources. determination of waterfront revitalization area to refine New York State’s policies for coastal boundaries and completion of the inventory and areas and inland waterways to better reflect local Natural Coast Policies analysis of existing conditions. Before beginning to conditions. The New York State Waterfront work on local waterfront revitalization policies, you Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Policy 4 Minimize loss of life, structures, and should contact the Division of Coastal Resources Waterways Act establishes policies for the natural resources from flooding and erosion. for guidance. Development of waterfront appropriateconsistency_coastalpolicies.asp) use and protection of the State's coasts and waterways (www.nyswaterfronts.com/ Policy 5 Protect and improve water quality. revitalization policies is usually a collaborative . review, discussion, and writing process. Policy 6 Protect and restore the quality and These policies have been refined to take into function of ecosystems. account regional and local considerations. On Long Island Sound, the policies have been Policy 7 Protect and improve air quality.

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 61 Using the language of the State or regional The policies are critical elements in LWRP Identifying potential waterfront revitalization policy statements as a starting point, you will implementation. These policies will guide your projects is a key element of the LWRP.Throughout refine these policies to reflect local conditions efforts to create and maintain a clean, the planning process, many potential projects are and issues, creating the policy framework to accessible, and prosperous waterfront. They are likely to be identified that can further your vision. achieve your vision for the community and its used to determine the appropriateness of public The LWRP provides a framework for presenting waterfront. Your local policies will generally agency decisions that affect the use and these projects and outlining how they can be reflect statewide policies and include standards protection of your waterfront, to help set priorities implemented. These potential projects or set forth in those local regulations that ensure for public and private investment in your implementation actions will be organized under implementation of your waterfront program within waterfront, and to improve the management of broad topic areas such as projects to increase the community. your waterfront. They are a decision-making tool public access; brownfield redevelopment; or habitat used to evaluate the potential effects of future restoration. Inclusion of projects in the LWRP will local, State and federal actions on the waterfront. enhance the likelihood of successful grant These actions are required by law to be applications for a variety of State funding sources. consistent with the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. An initial list of potential projects will result from taking a look around and understanding what Section IV: Identifying the proposed land and your waterfront has to offer. Previously water uses and projects completed local, regional, and statewide This section describes future land and water planning documents can provide ideas regarding uses anticipated as part of waterfront potential waterfront revitalization projects. Other revitalization plans and identifies key project ideas may be identified during the improvement projects designed to stimulate visioning process or in discussions with key revitalization and redevelopment. It will be stakeholders. A reasonable time frame should be Saugerties Lighthouse, Hudson River supported by maps, schematic designs, and established for implementing these projects and photographs. outlined in your LWRP.

Determining the proposed land and water uses creates a cohesive, physical plan for the waterfront area that both reflects and implements the policies of the LWRP.The process of developing proposed land and water uses is one of synthesis, in which the community’s policies for the use and protection of its waterfront resources are considered along with development potential and development constraints - each of which is determined by several often interrelated, physical Harlem, Hudson River and social factors.

62 Making the Most of Your Waterfront You should consider both short and long-term Section V: Identifying techniques for local actions. In identifying project priorities you should implementation consider: This section describes how the community will implement the vision and policies presented in Catalyst projects which pave the way for its LWRP. other recommendations to be implemented Once the projects and other implementation actions have been defined and the timetable Showing early successes with projects established, the community should outline the that can be quickly completed, establishing momentum and building a local tools and techniques it will use to track record implement the plan.

Projects that include partnerships and Communities have access to a range of tools cooperation with other stakeholders and techniques that can be used to implement the waterfront plan and make it an essential Projects that address multiple priorities document for the community. and recommendations Amagansett, East Hampton The tools and techniques for local Actions which draw attention to the LWRP implementation can be organized by four categories: Projects included in the LWRP document should be presented as concise proposals. While project Local laws necessary to implement the descriptions should be brief, it is useful to LWRP prepare them in such a way that they can easily be translated into grant applications or other Management structure necessary to funding requests. Each project description implement the LWRP should include the name of the project, a brief statement regarding why the project is needed Financial resources necessary to and/or how the project will benefit the community implement the LWRP or waterfront, a description of the key steps Other public and private actions involved in project implementation, a summary of necessary to implement the LWRP estimated costs, a description of implementation partners, and an implementation timetable. As you assessed your waterfront, you also identified the local laws that your community has enacted. In this section, you will carefully review Queens West, East River

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 63 and analyze existing local laws and the LWRP public and private financial resources should be policies and projects. You will determine the considered. In cases where State or federal extent to which these existing local laws funding is needed, the specific funding program implement the LWRP.Your evaluation may show should be identified. Linking the plan with a that new local laws are needed to address an multi-year capital program and an annual issue, or that an existing local law needs to be operating budget is another way to assure plan amended. Before the LWRP can be approved by implementation. As each project identified in the the Secretary of State, the local laws necessary plan is readied for development, detailed budgets to implement your LWRP must be enacted by the will be developed, and where appropriate, municipality. referenced in the community’s Capital Improvement Program or annual budget process. Lake George One of the local laws that will be required is a local consistency law that ensures that local Adoption and approval of the LWRP actions are consistent with the LWRP.This local Many State and federal partners view formal law stipulates which agency reviews waterfront adoption as a reflection of the community actions and the criteria used in the decision- consensus on the LWRP.When the LWRP is making process. Model waterfront consistency complete, the local government will formally laws can be provided by the Division of Coastal adopt it and submit it to the Secretary of State Resources. for approval. Adoption makes clear that the plan will be a policy document which guides In addition to adopting implementing laws, the development over successive administrations. community should determine the best The Division of Coastal Resources can guide management structure to implement the LWRP you through the adoption and approval steps. and identify the organization or individuals best Tonawanda, Erie Canal positioned to oversee implementation and coordination of the LWRP.This will be discussed in more detail in the following chapter, Taking It One Step at a Time - Fulfilling Your Vision.

Your vision will not happen without a commitment to provide the staff and financial resources needed to carry out the plan. In this section of the LWRP, the community should identify the funds needed to implement the LWRP, including the proposed projects and routine administration of the program. Both Lewiston, Niagara River

64 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Case Study: Rochester development of new water-oriented gov) recreational facilities The City of Rochester (www.cityofrochester. has moved forward aggressively to One of the primary implementation tools implement projects identified in its Local involved zoning modifications. The City's River Waterfront Revitalization Program, undertaking Harbor (RH) zoning district was amended to public investments in shoreline areas that have include a purpose statement emphasizing the attracted private investment, stimulated importance of preserving and enhancing the economic growth, and substantially increased recreational character and visual quality of the public recreation and access opportunities. river harbor area, preserving and promoting public access to shoreline areas, and The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program encouraging tourism in waterfront areas. included comprehensive redevelopment plans Allowed uses in the River Harbor district were and identified specific projects: also modified to permit a broader range of water-dependent, -enhanced and -related uses Developing a mixed-use, waterfront including facilities such as marinas, boat center/festival site and enhancing launches, docks, and public walkways. A new existing water-oriented recreational, Harbor Town Design Overlay District was also commercial, and public access points at adopted, requiring a certificate of design the Port Authority site compliance for certain types of new development in the shore zone. Within the Developing another mixed-use waterfront overlay district, design approval is based on district through enhancement of water- specific design guidelines for landscaping, oriented recreation and public access opportunities, construction of new signage, visual compatibility, site development, housing, and rehabilitation of existing and similar factors. commercial facilities

Developing a boat launch facility with adjacent public access and water-related recreational activities along the east bank of the Genesee River

Implementing improvements at numerous existing park and recreational facilities including public access improvements, enhancement of existing water-oriented facilities, and

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 65

CHAPTER SIX: TAKING IT ONE STEP AT A TIME - FULFILLING YOUR VISION

In this chapter, you’ll work through the following using this committee to oversee the Reviewing direct local government actions steps: implementation of the plan. The committee and funding and permitting actions structure is already in place, partnerships have including applications for site plans, zone Ensuring success - organizing for already been developed, and everyone is aware changes, subdivisions, and public works implementation of what needs to be done to make the waterfront projects in the waterfront area; and vision a reality. If you don't have a committee, advising the appropriate agency as to their Project planning, financing, and then now is the time to ask if one would be helpful consistency with the LWRP policies implementation as you set out to implement your plan. Advice on Seeking funding from State, federal, or how to establish an oversight committee can be other sources to finance projects under Now that you have formalized a plan and found in Chapter Two of this guidebook. strategy for bringing new life and energy to your the LWRP community by enhancing your waterfront, it is If you have a committee in place, this is a good Coordinating with other committees, such time to implement your vision. Your success will time to re-evaluate who is on the committee. Do as the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and depend on how you organize your community you still have the key stakeholders involved? Are Historic Preservation Commission, and and manage the implementation of the various there individuals or groups that should be with nonprofit organizations and projects that will fulfill your vision. involved now that you are focused on community groups to implement the LWRP implementation? You may want to broaden the Ensuring success - organizing for membership base and consider breaking out into Reviewing proposed actions of State implementation specific sub-committees focused on particular agencies within the waterfront area to topics or projects, for instance, sub-committees identify any conflicts with the LWRP, Completing a LWRP or some other type of plan to deal with harbor management, public access, advising the local government and State for your waterfront often generates a feeling of or the redevelopment of a particular waterfront agency of these conflicts, and participating in discussions to resolve conflicts closure in the community and on the part of parcel. Remember, it is important to recruit the those involved in the planning work. But if your “movers and shakers” to be on the committee - plan is going to make a difference - enhancing Reviewing proposed federal actions the people who others listen to, and have the referred to the local government by the the waterfront and revitalizing the community - it experience, personal connections, and resources Division of Coastal Resources, and must be used. One way to help ensure success to make things happen. advising the local government on the is to put the right organization in place to consistency of the action implement the plan. The committee will now be responsible for overall management and coordination of the LWRP and Ongoing monitoring of the LWRP and its Early in the LWRP development process, most the implementation of its policies and projects. procedures by developing measurable communities establish a coordinating and The committee's tasks will likely include: performance indicators to review the oversight committee, often known as the program's overall success in achieving its waterfront advisory committee (WAC). If you Advising the local government on revitalization goals already have a committee to guide you through implementation, priorities, work the planning process, you should think about assignments, timetables, and budgetary requirements of the LWRP

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 67 In some communities, the development of the to how and when your projects should be plan may have been handled by an existing implemented, you might be tempted to rush into board, such as the planning board or a action. However, before you act you need to conservation advisory committee, or by formulate a carefully considered game plan. Take assigning the responsibility for coordinating the the time to discuss and plan your approach with implementation of the plan to existing staff, such your partners. This will not only avoid costly as in the Planning Department, Community mistakes, it will strengthen consensus and Development or Natural Resources Department. support for your project. Now is the time to see if this arrangement still works. Do you have the staff and expertise to It is essential to establish an action agenda for implement your projects? If you need more help, each project as you begin to implement your you may want to consider hiring a waterfront vision. But don’t panic - we are not talking about coordinator or a planning consultant to a repeat of your waterfront planning initiative. coordinate and advance your projects. This is a concise action-oriented agenda that is focused on steps that you will follow to The waterfront coordinator will be responsible implement your project. for managing, directing, and coordinating the Tuscarora Bay, Wilson implementation of a plan and its projects. The Like your visioning and planning process, project waterfront coordinator will make sure that all action agendas are best developed aspects of a project, including additional collaboratively. Depending on who is involved in planning, grant writing and administration, your project, a series of facilitated workshops is design, permits, environmental review and often the best approach to starting a project. construction, are completed in an appropriate Bring together the key stakeholders, diverse and timely fashion. A waterfront coordinator can interest groups, resource experts, and others oversee all contractors and consultants, and also who are involved in your project. See if there are make sure that all stakeholders and partners are others you want to include to expand your kept up-to-date and involved in the project. partnerships. Remember, it might take several sessions to reach consensus on your action Project planning, financing, and agenda, and you will continually need to implementation re-evaluate it as the project advances. Each project identified in your plan will likely require additional planning, feasibility analysis, engineering, design, and consultation before it can be implemented or constructed. Because you have already done some initial planning as North Tonawanda, Erie Canal

68 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Case Study: Mamaroneck neutral facilitator it was able to produce a program that is still considered visionary by The long-term success of the Town of community members today. Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont Local Waterfront Revitalization Program has Building on this foundation, the Town and been made possible by incorporating waterfront Village were able to institutionalize the management into day-to-day municipal communities’ commitment to the waterfront by management. creating the Coastal Zone Management Commission. This bi-municipal commission is Adopted in 1986, the Program dealt with flood responsible for determining whether Village and control, water quality improvements, Town actions are consistent with the Local preservation of wetlands and conservation Waterfront Revitalization Program and for areas, and public recreation. Grants received as recommending actions and projects to advance a result of the Local Waterfront Revitalization the waterfront program. Members of this Program have supported watershed planning to commission are appointed by the Village and reduce nonpoint source pollution, to restore Town Boards, with the chair of the commission significant marshland areas, and to stablize alternating between residents of the two streambeds. In addition, the local program has municipalities. served as a legal foundation for zoning changes, which were challenged and upheld, in In its role of monitoring the Local Waterfront part, due to their incorporation in the Local Revitalization Program, the commission has Waterfront Revitalization Program. By the early maintained liaisons to permitting boards and 1990’s, many of the projects identified in the commissions in both the Town and Village, original plan had been implemented. In 1995, ensuring that all decisions in both municipalities the community amended the LWRP providing are consistent with the Local Waterfront the foundation for its continued commitment to Revitalization Program. The commission has also coastal zone management. been responsible for producing annual status reports which have kept the communities focused This success can be traced to the strong base on the goals identified in the Local Waterfront of community involvement. The steering Revitalization Program and ensuring that it is a committee for the initial plan was carefully document that informs day-to-day decision- designed to ensure that all stakeholders - from making. local business owners to local yacht owners - had a voice. With over 20 individuals, the committee was large, but with the help of a

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 69 Your project action agenda will specify the If you are developing an abandoned Your action agenda should also generate following: building or site, your action agenda would excitement in the community.You will be able to identify specific tasks such as “assess the use this agenda to “sell” the project to elected the tasks to be performed structural integrity of the building,” officials, funding and permitting agencies, “understand the demographic and market stakeholders, and the community. Throughout the the techniques to be used trends,” “review zoning regulations,” “select process of developing your action agenda and a design team,” “determine the phasing of implementing a project, sustaining consensus the resources needed the project,” and “determine who will and community support will remain vital to your the people to be involved and areas of finance the project.” project’s success. responsibility If you are developing a park, your action The community can be involved in project the time frame for action agenda would identify such tasks as development through a series of project planning “acquire the land,” “understand the likely workshops and design charettes. In these By pulling these elements together, your action uses and facilities to be provided,” “select sessions, the public can work directly with the agenda outlines how a project will be organized, a designer,” “involve the community in the project team to develop the design program, select marketed, managed, and completed - one step design,” “conduct environmental review materials, create public access, and other aspects at a time. Your agenda should be documented in and get permits,” and “arrange financing.” of the project. Workshops and charettes also allow writing, but you do not need to go overboard with people to assess various alternatives and provide detail. Keep it short and simple. Use tables and If you are completing a watershed plan, broad community input. Help create community charts where appropriate, and illustrate it with your action agenda would identify specific support for each project by building community maps and plans to communicate clearly. tasks such as “establish watershed and involvement into the action agenda that you develop. sub-watershed boundaries,” “review When preparing the action agenda, include a existing water quality data,” “review land As you develop your action agenda, you will brief summary explaining how the proposed use and land cover patterns,” “analyze soil need to make an assessment of the scope of project relates to the established vision. By doing types,” “establish monitoring stations and work necessary to advance the project and this repeatedly as projects are planned, you can collect original data,” “develop modeling,” determine those tasks that can be accomplished anchor the vision statement in the minds of “analyze data,” and “develop with in-house staff, and those tasks that need to various stakeholders and help the community at recommendations and set priorities for be contracted to a consultant. Consultants can large to understand how each individual project improvements.” be used to flesh out projects in greater detail, is part of accomplishing the overall long-term analyze project feasibility, put together financing vision for your waterfront and community. Whatever your project, your action agenda deals, analyze market forces and conditions identifies how to do the project, who will do it, related to project implementation, design and A project action plan should describe the specific and when. construct your projects, and assist in marketing techniques and tools to implement the projects and promotion efforts. Once the assessment is you have identified. made that a consultant will be required, you will

70 Making the Most of Your Waterfront use a process similar to the process outlined in Ecological consultants to provide Chapter Two of this guidebook for selection of a guidance related to natural resource planning consultant. Remember that this process identification and analysis varies by community, based upon established local procurement requirements for contracts of Transportation planners and engineers who different types or sizes. can help understand transportation needs and help in project assessment and design Consultants working on waterfront revitalization projects might include: Project financing Architects, landscape architects, and Your action plan will outline how you will fund the urban designers who can facilitate design implementation of your projects. Communities Schoen Place - Pittsford, Erie Canal charettes and provide assistance in the use many different creative funding strategies to preparation of conceptual designs, final finance projects. Depending on the size and designs, existing conditions reports, scope, some projects will have one designated working drawings, and specifications for funding source, while others will have multiple waterfront projects sources of support. Some projects may be fully funded at the outset, while others will be phased Project managers to assist communities with only initial funding available and will require with project phasing, scheduling, securing ongoing fund-raising and grant writing to ensure consultants, and provide other services completion. Increasingly, many communities will needed to keep projects on track and within budget be called upon to develop partnerships which leverage and combine an array of public and Economists to help communities analyze private sector sources of funding. market strengths and weaknesses related Oswego to project implementation Communities rely heavily on grant assistance to complete many waterfront plans and projects. Public relations/marketing consultants for The Environmental Protection Fund, Clean help with the promotion and marketing of Water/Clean Air Bond Act, Community waterfront revitalization efforts Development Block Grant, and Community Renewal funding are good examples of Financial consultants who can facilitate programs that can help you enhance your financing plans related to project waterfront and revitalize your community. By implementation using their own capital funds, staff costs, in-kind services, and the value of community volunteers Environmental consultants to provide guidance related to brownfields cleanup as a match to public and private grants,

Battery Park, Manhattan New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 71 Case Study: Kingston City. Community meetings at each step of the totaling $10 million. As a result, Kingston's process have incorporated resident and waterfront is alive with activity. This waterfront Located at the confluence of the Hudson River stakeholder input. A series of meetings with renaissance has brought the City a long way and the Rondout Creek, the City of Kingston waterfront owners created understanding of from the boarded-up, neglected place it once adopted its Local Waterfront Revitalization short- and long-term needs. was. Kingston's success shows other Program (LWRP) in 1992 and has been communities how they might revitalize their own successfully implementing it ever since. The City As outlined in the LWRP and Implementation forgotten waterfronts. has sought public and private funding for Plan, the City’s goal of making the Rondout projects identified in its LWRP and the result is waterfront an attractive, culturally vibrant district, The City is now turning its attention to its a lively waterfront. is now a reality, with shops, restaurants, Hudson River shoreline as several large parcels recreation, events and waterfront amenities. are being proposed for mixed-use development The City’s primary focus has been on Through adoption of design standards, new projects. revitalizing the Rondout Creek area. Since the development must be consistent with the area’s LWRP was adopted, Kingston has made great natural and historic character. Incentive zoning, strides in bringing people to the waterfront, created during the LWRP process, allows attracting residents and visitors to the Kingston to obtain public easements from restaurants and small businesses which have private property owners on the waterfront. capitalized on the water-based recreational These easements have been key to creating a projects sponsored by the City. The continuous walkway along the Rondout Creek. transformation is highlighted in the West and Brownfields, such as the L&M Auto Recycling East Strand sections along the Creek. A Facility, have been cleaned up and new uses framework for implementing these projects was are proposed for former industrial sites such as formalized in the Kingston Waterfront the Forst Meat Packing Plant. Odor and Development Implementation Plan prepared in appearance problems associated with the 2002 with a Department of State Environmental adjacent wastewater treatment plant are being Protection Fund LWRP grant. mitigated. The last Creek-side oil tanks along the Kingston side of the Creek were recently Kingston has learned that it is important to demolished and for the first time in 75 years involve local stakeholders, particularly these tanks do not block waterfront views. waterfront property owners, to create solutions that work for all. The planning process was Public funding spent in this area is credited with overseen by a Steering Committee that included encouraging private investment. For every public property and business owners, Scenic Hudson, dollar invested on the waterfront there are $8 of the Division of Coastal Resources, waterfront private money dedicated to projects there, now museums, nonprofit organizations, and the

72 Making the Most of Your Waterfront communities are able to leverage funding to public access and recreation and ensure that you are eligible or can partner achieve their vision of an enhanced waterfront. with someone who is. The key to successfully improvements to protect water quality and completing a grant application within the Successful completion of public improvements restore natural habitats application deadline is to be as organized as can be supplemented by a wide range of funding possible, and to think the project through, in low-income families to restore residential and implementation techniques to encourage advance, to the greatest extent possible: buildings private redevelopment on the waterfront. Common financing tools that encourage public - the rehabilitation of historic buildings Make sure that you can meet any match private partnerships are low-interest loans, tax requirement. In most cases, the grant incentives, Empire and Enterprise Zones match will be a cash contribution, perhaps As you look for grants and other funding derived from municipal revenues or a programs, joint venture partnerships, land assistance, it is important to: ownership, and lease arrangements. A private donation. Sometimes it is in the form of donated land, buildings, goods, municipality can aid a development project by Know what you want to achieve with the services, or facilities rental. directing municipal capital and public works funding you are seeking expenditures to coincide with the needs of the Be as organized as possible and use the development. Identify possible sources of funding guidance provided in the application to fill assistance for what you want to achieve out the relevant forms.

Grant assistance Identify the scope of the grant program Make sure that you answer all the The majority of community waterfront plans will questions, provide all the supporting Find out if the wants on your list and the information that is required and that your be funded, at least in part, by grants. There are possible sources are compatible budget information and schedules are many grant programs available from the federal realistic. and State government, nonprofit groups, and Make sure you can meet the requirements charitable foundations that can help you achieve that come with a grant award, especially your vision. Some examples include grants for: with regard to local match

waterfront and community planning Grant awards are highly competitive. Most grants rank proven capacity as a crucial factor, so it is the redevelopment of underused important to establish credibility with the grant waterfronts making organizations. They need to know who the cleanup of brownfields and you are and to learn about your project and your contaminated sites capacity to make it happen.

the redevelopment of abandoned Once you have found a grant program that might buildings help you, identify the requirements for the grant Wilson

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 73 Graphic materials such as architectural those who award the grants. They will probably drawings, plans, maps, and photographs know of additional sources of funding. can help the grant reviewer to understand your project and letters of support from Federal grants are usually announced in the community groups, government agencies, Federal Register (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr), and and nonprofits will show widespread State grants in the State Register support for your project. (www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm). Another As you pull your application together, way of finding out about grants that might be make sure you have all the required available is to visit a grants clearinghouse on the forms, certifications, and signatures, and Internet. The New York State Smart Growth make sure you follow the submission website (www.SmartGrowthNY.com)provides Buffalo Beach, Lake Erie requirements. information and links to State agency funding programs. The online Catalog of Federal Domestic Remember, being successful in obtaining grant Assistance (www.cfda.gov) gives you access to a assistance requires that you target the grant database of all federal programs available to State programs that are right for your project, or a and local governments; domestic public, quasi- component of your project. No matter what the public, and private profit and nonprofit grant program, you should always make sure that organizations and institutions; specialized groups; you clearly specify why your project is worth and individuals. You can search this database to doing, what is involved in successfully find grant and funding opportunities meeting the implementing it, and what end result and benefits requirements for your project. Another excellent of project implementation can be expected. source of information on all aspects of grants is the Foundation Center (www.foundationcenter.org). Its mission is to promote public understanding of Lake George Finding out about grants and philanthropy and to help grant-makers and grant- funding assistance seekers succeed. The center is a valuable resource Opportunities for grant assistance from public and for a wide range of information on grantsmanship nonprofit agencies are generally distributed by and provides training on the grant-seeking process. direct mail or announced in press releases, A full range of grant possibilities are discussed in newsletters, or websites. Make sure you are on the Appendix. these mailing lists and collect information on grant programs. Keep a calendar with grant schedules One of the first grant sources you should on it so that you are aware of your opportunities examine is the New York State Environmental and deadlines. You should also talk to others who Protection Fund. This is the State's first have received grants and discuss your ideas with permanent fund dedicated to addressing a broad Syracuse Inner Harbor

74 Making the Most of Your Waterfront range of environmental needs. Through the developing interpretive signage, and start Environmental Protection Fund’s Local or expand educational and interpretive Waterfront Revitalization Program, the Division programs designed to build public of Coastal Resources can fund planning, design, awareness and stewardship of coastal feasibility studies, and construction projects resources that advance preparation or implementation of Plan, develop, and market blueway routes Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs. Any municipality located on the State's coastal waters or on a designated inland waterway is Constructing improvements eligible, although some restrictions apply. Program details and priorities are reviewed Using the action plan for each project as a guide, annually, but eligible activities generally you are ready to start constructing the include grants to: improvements to your waterfront. Obviously, the way you approach each project will vary with Initiate a community participation program project types. For instance, different partners will that introduces local leaders and be involved in different project types; different community residents to the waterfront regulations will apply; and simple projects might planning process, generates a community not need to go through every step. But it helps to Freeport’s Nautical Mile consensus for the future of the waterfront, be organized and take the implementation of a and develops a vision and revitalization project one step at a time. Below is a typical strategy approach you might follow on many construction projects, from a simple access and drainage Complete or implement a Local Waterfront improvement at a street end to a large park Revitalization Program, including project specific planning or design and development or the redevelopment of an construction of projects abandoned waterfront parcel. Implementation of the project might be completed by municipal Prepare and implement redevelopment staff, but more often a community will hire a strategies for urban waterfront areas consulting architect or engineer to design and where redevelopment can provide new manage the improvements. public access, spur economic activities, and improve environmental quality

Develop and implement waterbody management plans

Implement the New York State Coastal Resources Interpretive Program by East River

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 75 Case Study: Greenport and has developed numerous partnerships to Mitchell Park is part of a reinvigorated create a working waterfront that respects its waterfront that is attracting tourists, generating Greenport, Long Island has a rich and colorful heritage. sustained growth for Greenport's tax base, and maritime history. But, by the 1970's, the stimulating reinvestment in surrounding decline of traditional industries caused the Illustrating the private sector response to the neighborhoods. Managing the Village's success waterfront to deteriorate. In 1979, a proposal protection of waterfront commercial zoning and and maintaining quality of life for all residents to convert a former shipyard into uses, a single investor has redeveloped the has become Greenport's biggest challenge. condominiums forced the Village to make vacant Barstow Shipyard into the state-of-the-art decisions that would shape its future. Stidd Systems shipbuilding facility, employing 40 people and manufacturing a wide range of Controversy raged over whether or not the products for civilian and military clients. traditional maritime commercial waterfront would be converted into a residential waterfront. The downtown has also come alive, spurred on Village residents realized that Greenport's by the success of Greenport's key project - economic health depended on its waterfront. Mitchell Park. In 1988, the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program recognized that the To protect its waterfront's future, the Village abandoned Mitchell parcel could be the key to developed a Local Waterfront Revitalization revitalizing the community and identified the Program with a vision to use Greenport's need for a harborwalk. Today, the centerpiece of identity as a historic and working waterfront Greenport's revival is Mitchell Park and the community to revitalize the Village. Throughout harborwalk from one end of the downtown the planning process, Village Trustees reviewed waterfront to the other. draft documents and held regular public meetings to involve and inform residents and The Village acquired the vacant site through obtain their support for waterfront revitalization foreclosure proceedings and in 1995 held a plans. Additional meetings were held with highly successful design competition for the community groups, such as the Greenport reuse of the site. Following collaboration with Rotary Club, Greenport Merchant's Association, public and private sector partners and funding the Chamber of Commerce, property owners, from at least five government agencies, the first boaters, and others. phase of the park was completed in 2001. Improvements include a harborwalk, Following extensive public involvement, the amphitheater, and a stunning glass pavilion Village revised its zoning laws to protect housing a turn-of-the-century carousel. More traditional commercial and industrial uses of the improvements are to come. waterfront, adopted a historic preservation law, (www.greenportvillage.com/mitchellpark.html)

76 Making the Most of Your Waterfront 77 natural resources, including location of resources, natural mature trees condition of man-made structures or on or adjacent to the site facilities infrastructure ground and below above conditions environmental access to local transportation network corridors view historic and archeological resources criticalindication of any conditions requiring immediate stabilization or repair the and including a cost estimate for recommended work the project site? If it is not Who owns will the ownership, already in public or hinder the help facilitate current owner sale or lease? If proposed project? Is it for what are the asking price and terms?so, consider being a partner the owner Would What are the current in the project? on owed taxes property Are back taxes? the property? Are there any (mortgages,encumbrances liens, easements)? It is especially important to understand the and of potential impact of the current ownership and other regulations on the proposed the zoning project. should try to identify potential You the road. obstacles that might occur down New York State Department Sustainability and Community Office of Coastal, Local Government of State, York New Bringing the various owners together with Bringing owners the various agency to reach a the redevelopment regarding the negotiated agreement of targeted land and redevelopment transfer of a Real Estate Investment Development (REIT) in which individual property Trust use their land to become investors owners entity and share in in the redevelopment as land is the profits of redevelopment sold or leased that Eminent domain proceedings, entities and certainmunicipal development use to condemn propertyauthorities may purpose a compelling public or to for threat address a health and safety site survey showing extent of project extent showing site survey boundary identification of ownership/grant/lease lands to be incorporatedstatus of any into the design soil and, as appropriate, core samplings to determine site stability and hydrology topography

Conducting a site reconnaissance It is crucial at least that project participants have a preliminary analysis of the conditions in the project.site as early as possible The initial of a written the form take analysis will generally reportand illustrated that includes the following components: Community visioning sessions which build Community and where about how shared agreement should occur - convincing redevelopment or donate property to sell, transfer owners property Acquisition of land through simple land purchase negotiations for contractual or a development the municipality by authority parcels or working Purchasing available agencies with local and State government or similar deal, to work out a land swap, another one parcel for essentially trading to accommodate needs and goals of and seller buyer and mortgage foreclosures Tax Relocation planning and financing which can assess current property owners' needs and identify appropriate sites and financing

Land assembly techniques - Land assembly parcels acquiring key No matter if the project is being implemented by a common challenge sector, or private the public that areas is the fact revitalization to waterfront often or redevelopment improvements targeted for owned parcels of privately consist of separate property. It is often a challenge to accommodate the individual schedules and interests of the and organizations to assemble owners various parcels of land.key this challenge, In overcoming tried of successful a number have communities approaches including: Is the existing zoning of the site conducive development to ensure that your project is for the proposed project? If not, what is acceptable. It is important to document the involved in securing zoning and site plan federal, State, and local permit and approval? Will the community support the environmental review requirements for your proposed project and help facilitate any project and how the requirements will be regulatory approvals? Is the site a known satisfied by the design. Early in the project or potential brownfield? If so, what development process, prepare a project timeline investigations have been completed and what is known of the potential incorporating as many permit approval contaminants? Is the building or site listed schedules as possible. Revise it periodically as on the State or National Registers of the timeline progresses. Remember that Historic Places, or eligible for listing? construction on a project cannot commence until Port Jefferson, Long Island Sound What permits will be needed? the SEQR process is complete and all required permits have been issued. At this stage, the scope of work specifically does not include the preparation of plans and Detailed design specifications, construction documents or cost estimates except for any emergency stabilization Design development follows as conceptual plans work that may be needed. and schematic drawings are worked up in more detail to evaluate alternative approaches and reflect programmatic needs, technical aspects, Conceptual or schematic design site requirements, and materials. Site plans, floor After you have fully understood what you have to plans, elevations, landscaping plans, and plans work with, it is time to begin to discuss design for related infrastructure improvements are Syracuse Inner Harbor alternatives. Schematic designs establish the developed. Key dimensions and materials will be concepts and design characteristics of a project established. Best management practices should and are prepared based on the pre-design be identified to avoid or reduce water quality consultations and an analysis of project impairments from upland runoff or in-water requirements. Preliminary cost estimates should activities. It is essential that coordination with be prepared which can help determine a scope, permitting and funding agencies continues cost, and schedule needed for each project. throughout this stage in design development. Zoning and planning requirements and related permitting processes should be checked and other research may be undertaken. Options may be presented and alternatives evaluated. Coordination with permitting and funding agencies is essential at this stage in design Hudson

78 Making the Most of Your Waterfront 79 scheduling regular site visits and meetings clarifying details with the builder monitoring construction and progress adherence to documents and change orders processing variations to the contract certifying claims progress of a final inspections and preparation punch list final accounts checking closing the project For larger projects (typically over $5 million), a larger projects (typically over For be used.construction manager may A general is hired earliercontractor in the process and is in the design phase of project. more involved construction from a capable Using knowledge manager in the design phase can reduce costs, time later in construction, and reduce the save change orders. potential for in the involved It is important that everyone project understands their roles and responsibilities. Municipal staff also need to of consultants and monitor the performance on an ongoing basis and maintain all contractors of records associated with the disbursement and compliance with all grants revenue municipal and permits. New York State Department Sustainability and Community Office of Coastal, Local Government of State, York New project initiation local procurement and contracting requirements local procurement and contracting by funding has been made available, and, if grant the funding agency. by requirements established widely advertise the sure that you Make of the bid package.availability The bid must clearly outline the scope of work; an explanation bid submissions, for format of the preferred including required forms; proposing a process for alternates; about the and logistical information when, and where bidding process such as how, bids should be submitted, the type of contract and that will ultimately be used, and insurance permit requirements. procurement your follow sure that you Make policy. of bid Notification regarding the availability the is usually sent out to contractors packages with before. has worked community Solicitation as of bids is also advertised in local newspapers State York such as the New as publications well Reporter. Contract Construction phase on paper At the construction what was stage, or project. becomes a building now you Before project it is essential that begin constructing your permits, and reviews, environmental all your are in place. other approvals construction, The design team can help oversee and carryadminister the contract, out various such as: functions, site and drainage plans site and drainage and cross-sections elevations floor plans, plans and structural details framing plumbing and electrical details landscaping

Working/contract documents Working/contract phase of project This is the most work-intensive of detailed preparation design and involves and specifications to describe working drawings bid on the who may contractors the project for construction of the project. will These drawings also be used to obtain permits, which will be to the the project can progress needed before step.next typically include all types The drawings of construction such as: details, A written specification is also prepared which include conditions of contract. may Documentation is sometimes split into two consent for drawings stages with minimum supplementary by drawings purposes followed pricing the added detail required for providing and construction. Bidding phase bids to hire step is securing competitive The next project. design your to build a contractor Your contractors, team will assist in selecting building pricing, a and formalizing obtaining competitive contract. This process is typically specified by Signage - The New York State York The New Signage - Coastal Resources Interpretive (NYSCRIP) Program Interpretive sign systems are designed to inform. can use them to tell a story or communicate You in a shortinformation period of time. The of the interpretation depends on a effectiveness of factors:number whether the signage has been well-planned; and engaging organized well how is;the information if it has been sited in a high visibility area; or and whether the photographic imageryillustrated interesting. is graphically State's coasts and waterfronts York Across New a series of interpretive signage systems have appeared. while others Some are localized, miles of shoreline spanning encompass many communities.several there is cases, In many little to no coordination among these systems, with no design element linking them. are thinking of creating an interpretive If you should you waterfront, your for signage program State Coastal Resources York consider the New (NYSCRIP).Interpretive Program The NYSCRIP that signage system is designed to provide coordinating link. the Division of by Developed first York's this is New Coastal Resources, interpretive signage comprehensively-designed use in all coastal and waterfront system for communities. is located community Whether your NYSCRIP can be on marine or fresh waters, used to interpret common themes that define coasts and waterfronts. York's New visitors to the waterfront, including first- visitors to the waterfront, time and repeat visitors shoppers in commercial districts recreational enthusiasts on vacation families and children and adults in school groups all ages for enrichment programs residents visual presentations, live presentations, and presentations, live visual presentations, publications. of to the range should be given Consideration audiences that will use interpretive and educational materials. audiences include: Potential interpretive and Concepts and themes for using educational materials can be developed and gathered when the inventory information conditions is completed.analysis of existing For unique or rare have may communities example, or commercial districtscoastal habitats, and by residential neighborhoods characterized historically significant and and architecturally unique buildings. Identified concepts and themes and signs, in brochures, can be communicated other media, describing resources and and driving outlining walking efforts, restoration on a wide range information and providing tours, of topics. Interpretive and educational materials consultants in-house staff, by can be developed and volunteers. Making the Most of Your Waterfront Your Making the Most of 80

Ongoing management and maintenance Completed projects need management and maintenance. park instance, improvement For needs to clean, grass projects need to be kept collected, trash landscaping watered, be mowed, coordinated.and events of The redevelopment ongoing will involve abandoned buildings propertymarketing, management, and maintenance activities. restoration Wetland sure projects will need close attention to make the plantings survive. Implementation planning a project will be managed and address how must maintained. These activities are best incorporated plan that assigns into a formal and sets a creates a schedule, responsibilities, budget. at an This plan should be developed project. early stage in the design of your Interpretation and education projects Interpretation - in easy to is explaining and entertainingunderstand, imaginative, terms - or recreational the historical, cultural, natural, resources of the waterfront. Interpretation understanding, and awareness, expands and its resources. the waterfront appreciation for visitors to an area, It can be used to attract educate residents and visitors about local their and extend resources, and natural cultural them interested in their keeping visits by surroundings. can be communicated Information audio- through interpretive signs and exhibits, If a person views a NYSCRIP sign on Long Island Working on the Waterfront - Many signage designs but may make changes, with and then views another on the Hudson River and waterfronts have been developed for approval from the Division of Coastal Resources, then another on the Seneca Lake, that person will commercial purposes. While some people to text content and images to reflect local recognize that all the signs feature the same harvest and use the natural resources of variations. design look and the messages are similar, yet lakes, rivers, and oceans, others build and repair boats, move cargo, process fish, unique for the community. They are part of a provide lodging, develop and build homes, Brochures State-wide system. and cater to tourist business. Many communities have developed brochures to communicate various messages and inform the NYSCRIP signage will be used by communities to: Enjoying the Coast - The coasts, and public about waterfront amenities and resources. bodies of water adjacent to them, provide Connect people living along New York a great variety of recreational opportuni- Some communities have created brochures to State’s coasts and waterways ties. This theme can be applied where educate residents about the Local Waterfront there is swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, Revitalization Program or specific aspects of the Encourage residents and visitors to travel bird-watching or where the coast is used program, such as habitat restoration, along New York State’s coasts and for relaxation and rejuvenation. preservation of historic resources, or waterways and visit historic, cultural, environmental conservation efforts. Brochures natural and coastal resources Protecting the Waterfront - Both the can be simple tri-fold pieces consisting of black natural and historic resources of the text on white or colored paper with maps, Heighten awareness of the environmental, coasts and waterfronts are worth photographs and other graphics, or they can be social, and economic value of New York protecting. This theme illustrates what more expensive, full-color pieces. The critical State’s coastal and inland waterways measures are being taken to protect issue is that they communicate key messages resources sensitive habitats so that they may remain naturally productive. about the community’s waterfront and related NYSCRIP establishes detailed signage design resources to the public. guidelines and construction specifications Historic Coasts - Along our coasts and including layout, color schemes, and design, and waterfronts are important cultural and offers grants for signage development. The historic landmarks from our nation’s past. These include lighthouses from as far program outlines five interpretive themes for use back as the 18th century, forts from the in the development of signage. These themes early years of the republic, historic build- define the waterfront by use and how this use ings, early industrial sites, and waterfronts affects a sense of place. that played a part in battles of the Ameri- can Revolution. This theme addresses the Living on the Waterfront - Coasts and historic significance of the site and the waterfronts are habitats, not just for plants efforts to protect and preserve it. and animals, but for humans as well. This theme explores the natural rhythms of life When a community participates in NYSCRIP it is along both natural and developed coastlines. required to use the themes and approved

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 81 CONCLUSION

This guidebook has described for you the techniques and resources  You know what you have got to work with. available to make the most of your waterfront and revitalize your community. We began with a discussion of vision and finished with a  You take advantage of all your resources, assets, and opportunities. guide to project implementation. Each of the sections provided guidance and lessons on how to make opportunities happen.  You have developed a detailed plan and strategy for implementing your vision. Communities with a vision succeed. It starts by recognizing that the waterfront belongs to the community. Take a closer look at your  You have the patience and persistence to work through the many community. Local officials, community and neighborhood groups, phases of waterfront revitalization - one step at a time. nonprofit organizations, and the private sector are learning that a revitalized waterfront can create many benefits for their community. A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is the means for turning community visions into reality. Take it one step at a time - and stay focused on your vision. Patience and persistence pay off.

You can make the most of your waterfront when...

 You see your waterfront as the way to bring new life and energy to your community.

 You have generated a sense of community ownership of the waterfront.

 You know where you want to go.  You have created a clearly defined vision for the future of your waterfront.

 The people who live and work in the community have bought in to your vision.

 You have begun building a foundation of public support and confidence.

 You have established partnerships and gained commitments from Lake George all stakeholders.

Oswego 82 Making the Most of Your Waterfront APPENDIX

Where to find potential partners for An IDA is a corporate governmental body, assistance. Other regional groups which can be waterfront revitalization constituting a public benefit corporation created helpful are Save the Sound pursuant to General Municipal Law, Article 18-A. (www.savethesound.org); the Peconic Estuary Local governments They are an important financing vehicle. You can Program (www.peconicestuary.org); the contact your municipality's community Appalachian Regional Commission Local governments - whether county, city, town or development or planning office to see if your (www.arc.gov); the Adirondack Park Agency village - may have planning, design, engineering community has an IDA. (www.apa.state.ny.us); the Lake George and economic development staff, and local george2000.org/) Watershed Coalition (www.lake committees who can be instrumental in helping you IDAs work to provide appropriate financial ; the Adirondack North revitalize your waterfront. They can provide local incentives and assistance to eligible private- Country Association (www.adirondack.org); plans and consultant studies, such as appraisals, sector businesses to induce the construction, the Tug Hill Commission (www.tughill.org); cost estimates, feasibility studies, market studies, expansion, or equipping of facilities to stimulate the Catskill Watershed Corporation reuse analyses, engineering reports, land use capital investment and job creation for a wide (http://cwconline.org); the Catskill Center studies, and marketability studies. They can also range of commercial and industrial projects. (www.catskillcenter.org); the Regional Plan provide technical assistance at all stages of Financial assistance may involve issuance of tax- Association (www.rpa.org); the Great Lakes developing and implementing a Local Waterfront exempt or taxable bonds to cover the costs of Commission (www.glc.org); Great Lakes Revitalization Program. construction, rehabilitation, and equipping of a United (www.glu.org); Rochester Environment wide range of projects. Further financing benefits (www.rochesterenvironment.com); Finger Lakes The New York State Conference of Mayors and that IDAs may offer are sales, mortgage, and real - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance Municipal Officials (www.nycom.org) can property tax abatements, and lease back (www.fllowpa.org);and Scenic Hudson provide technical assistance to its members and agreements. Other types of assistance may (www.scenichudson.org). holds a Main Street conference annually that include expediting the local development review addresses many issues related to the and permitting process. redevelopment of waterfronts and how they can Nonprofit organizations link to downtowns. The Association of Towns of There are several nonprofit organizations the State of New York (www.nytowns.org) can Regional organizations specializing in waterfront planning and provide technical assistance to its members and Due in part to the geographic diversity of New revitalization. The Waterfront Center may be able to help with your project. The New York State, there are many regional planning and (www.waterfrontcenter.org), the Metropolitan York Association of Counties (www.nysac.org) environmental organizations. The New York Waterfront Alliance (www.waterwire.net), and provides information on local governments and State Association of Regional Councils the Working Waterfront Association county links. (www.dos.state.ny.us/lists/rgcoplan.html)fosters (www.workingwaterfront.org) are good starting coordination among neighboring communities points. The Glynwood Center Local governments - whether county, city or town and provides a regional approach to issues (www.glynwood.org) helps communities to - may have an Industrial Development Agency crossing municipal boundaries. The New York balance economic development and (IDA) to help develop the economic environment State Metropolitan Planning Organizations conservation of natural and cultural resources. and support infrastructure in their municipality. (www.nysmpos.org) provides regional planning The New York Planning Federation

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 83 is . National provides details provides provides details of its provides

(www.mainstreet.org) National Trust for Historic for Trust National can be an important partner. The

(www.nthp.org)

(www.preservenys.org) Preservation League of New York State York of New League Preservation programs. links to other It also provides rehabilitation. that can help with your programs community's is close to your waterfront If your one importantmain street or downtown, program role in the understand your that can help you is the community of your revitalization Main Street Program If your waterfront area contains historic waterfront If your properties, the Preservation is a national nonprofit organization that Trust to education, and advocacy leadership, provides historic places and revitalize diverse save in the United States.communities On its website, the Trust of its own small grant program and summaries of program small grant of its own that deal with the historic programs other grant vision. preservation aspects of your This program seeks to help communities This program commercial areas, their traditional revitalize using historic preservation and grassroots-based economic development. It serves as the nation's technical information, clearinghouse for on research, and advocacy assistance, preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The a nonprofit organization dedicated to the and rich diverse York's protection of New districts, and heritage of historic buildings, landscapes. the Preservation On its website, League are is a and the and

(www.pps.org) Sustainable

(www.sustainable.org)

(www.floods.org) Center for Livable Center for

(www.smartgrowth.org) provide information on information provide

(www.lgc.org/center) (www.lgc.org/center) . Business Improvement District Business Improvement may also be in a position to provide may Smart Growth Center for Watershed Protection Watershed Center for useful resource. The Communities and also good resources. organizations are also development Community an important potential source of assistance. development Resident-led community-based organizations are instrumental in transforming into distressed neighborhoods and communities and work. places to live healthy to your Talk planning or community municipality's office to find these organizations. development local Your (BID) assistance.redevelopment A BID is a partnershippublic/private through which a special assessment is used to finance or services within a designated improvements instance in Albany commercial area, for BIDs (www.downtownalbany.org). Frequently, a role in boosting local redevelopment play efforts. Partners for Livable Communities Livable for Partners Floodplain Managers enhancing community quality, and restoring and quality, enhancing community communities.renewing The Network Communities (www.cwp.org) heritage corridors, and trails, greenways, Parks, spaces are importantother public elements in planning and implementation.waterfront The Spaces Public for Project (www.livable.com) is provides Open Space provides a full provides . The

(www.osiny.org).

(www.tpl.org) (www.farmland.org) Sierra Club are also all good sources of The Nature Conservancy , National Audubon Society National Audubon Association of State

(www.lta.org) and the has information on planning and has information provides links to other wetlands provides Land Trust Land Trust Alliance protects significant recreational, Making the Most of Your Waterfront Your Making the Most of Society of Wetland Scientists Wetland Society of Conservation Foundation Conservation Trust for Public Land Public for Trust 84 zoning for local communities. for zoning Another source of assistance is local land trusts. land trustsCommunity-based are experts at to protect find ways helping interested landowners development of ever-growing their land in the face pressure. The array of advice on land trusts and how they can of advice on land trusts they and how array help communities assistance on land and watershed protection. assistance on land and watershed The The has community should be contacted if your resources. agricultural be useful Some conservation organizations may on protecting or restoring information in providing or stream corridors. habitats and river natural The Institute and historic agricultural, environmental, State York landscapes in New information and assistance. information be useful. Resource-specific organizations may These include the organizations. The (www.nypf.org) information.another resource for Local land trusts area should be contacted as well.in your The Trust American Farmland (www.theconservationfoundation.org) (www.sws.org) (www.audubon.org) (www.nature.org) (www.sierraclub.org) 85 is the source of a

(www.csc.noaa.gov/funding). National Oceanic and Atmospheric domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and private quasi-public, domestic public, and nonprofit organizations institutions; groups;specialized and individuals. can You and funding search this database to find grant opportunities your meeting the requirements for project.waterfront can then contact the office You to and find out how that administers the program apply. aids on this site are several Also available in the writing of a proposal to apply to guide you assistance. for The Administration (NOAA) to waterfront relevant of information wealth and coastal managers.communities It is through of the nation's coastal that many NOAA management goals are addressed. works NOAA to protect marine fisheries and endangered produces chartsspecies, to aid in air and and partnersnautical navigation, with states to protect coastal resources. State and local coastal primaryresource managers are one of NOAA's an important play as their programs customers, of the nation's coastal role in determining the fate resources. Coastal Services NOAA's Center “Funding Opportunities on maintains information Coastal Managers”for compiling information by programs and other grant of federal on a variety of interest To carry responsibilities under the out NOAA's To Coastal Zone Management Act, the Office of Coastal Resources Management works directly with coastal states and territories to support the Coastal Management of new development and National Estuarine Research Programs gives you gives New York York New State

(www.SmartGrowth (www.cfda.gov) (www.regional- Catalog of Federal . website website is an easy-to-use directory or ‘portal’is an easy-to-use directory or to New York State Department Sustainability and Community Office of Coastal, Local Government of State, York New Buffalo Law School, partnering Law Buffalo with civic businesses, foundations, governments, and nonprofits groups these State agencies with brief descriptions of services and links to the appropriate agency pages.website “Quality by Organized Principles,”Communities provides the website that guidance on State agency funding programs waterfront. your to revitalize can help you on economic will find information You development; revitalization; transportation and neighborhoods; conservation and environment; planning; technology; and partnerships. here on State agency Guidance is available and financial assistance including grant and data technical assistance, information, regional inventories. of a range offers government The federal to distressed programs economic development economic for urban and rural communities renewal. The online Domestic Assistance Many New York State agencies provide an array State agencies provide York New Many of technical and financial assistance that can from planning support revitalization waterfront through implementation. The Smart Growth institute.buffalo.edu) agencies State and federal NY.com) programs access to a database of all federal to State and local governments, available . The Land and the Cooperative This website contains a This website (www.esf.edu/la/ccdr) . is a unit of the University of is a unit of the University

(www.law.pace.edu/ landuse) (www.law.pace.edu/

(www.cce.cornell.edu) Center for Community Design Research Community Center for Community and Rural Development Institute and Rural Development Community The within the State is an outreach program College of Environmental York, of New University Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) Department of Landscape Architecture. The Center works in partnership elected officials, with communities, technical and nonprofits to provide agencies, and research educational programs, assistance, capacity to community projects that build futures.manage sustainable SUNY ESF prepared the SUNY Sourcebook of Community Assistance Programs on assistance to communities provides and agricultural environment, development, issues. Development and Rural The Community Institute (CaRDI) located at Cornell University to State University has partnered with Penn and Economic create the Community Toolbox Development of assistance on the development provides State.York The in New communities sustainable Regional Institute wide variety of resources and information that of resources and information wide variety capacity and provide can strengthen community that will help in your with information you project.redevelopment University's Pace Use Law Center Use Law Universities a list of SUNY-wide SUNY Sourcebook provides issues. redevelopment resources to address your Cornell through University Extension (http://devsoc.cals.cornell.edu/outreach/cardi) Reserves, to provide technical and financial partnership with the federal government is The Developed Waterfront assistance to coastal programs and reserve managed by the Division of Coastal Resources. Land use and development operations, and to promote coastal stewardship on a variety of critical coastal issues. Such The Department of State's Division of Coastal New York State issues include: coastal habitat protection and Resources can provide assistance on all aspects restoration; coastal hazards; public access to the of waterfront and community revitalization to help The Department of State's Division of Local shore for recreation; sustainable development of you make the most of what your waterfront has to Government can provide training assistance to coastal communities, including urban offer. The Division can provide technical and municipalities related to zoning procedures in waterfronts; and polluted runoff. financial assistance to help communities expand addition to other practical legal and technical public access, reinvigorate urban waterfronts, advice (www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss). NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) can restore habitats, protect scenic resources, provide support and information for coastal preserve historic resources, manage water uses, The Adirondack Park Agency can provide management related to coastal and ocean improve water quality, protect against flooding and assistance related to land use management science, management, response, restoration erosion, and strengthen local economies within the boundary of the Park and navigation (www.nos.noaa.gov).Also (www.nyswaterfronts.com). The Division of Coastal (www.apa.state.ny.us/About_Agency). included in NOS is the Coastal Services Center Resources is the first place to contact if you are (www.csc.noaa.gov). The Center serves coastal interested in revitalizing your waterfront. If you are located on the Hudson River, you may resource managers and the State coastal be able to seek funding from the Hudson River programs bringing information, services, and The Division of Coastal Resources can help you Valley Greenway. The Hudson River Valley technology to the nation's coastal resource develop partnerships with other state and federal Greenway Communities Council provides managers. agencies who can provide the specific community planning grants and technical information as well as technical and funding assistance through the “Greenway Communities The Coastal Zone Management Program assistance - from planning through Grant Program” and the “Greenway Compact (www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/programs/ implementation. Grant Program.” These programs help eligible czm.html)is a federal-state partnership dedicated communities develop and achieve a vision for to comprehensive management of the nation's The following summary covers some of the main their future and assists in the development of the coastal resources, ensuring their protection for State and federal agencies that you might turn to Greenway Compact, a regional planning strategy future generations while balancing competing for help, organized by topic area to enable a for the Hudson River Valley national economic, cultural and environmental quick search and fast results, from these links (www.hudsongreenway.state.ny.us). interests. It addresses policy issues and provides you will be able to navigate the Internet to find State coastal management programs with many other sources of information. Empire State Development (ESD) can provide technical and financial assistance in assistance on economic development issues implementing their programs. New York's (www.nylovesbiz.com/default.asp).

86 Making the Most of Your Waterfront Empire Zones are designated areas throughout The New York State Energy Research and Federal the State that offer significant incentives to Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public encourageTax_and_Financial_Incentives/Empire_Zones). economic development, business benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New U.S. Department of Housing and Urban investment and job creation (www.nylovesbiz.com/ York State Legislature and provides a wide Development (HUD) can provide assistance on variety of funding opportunities a range of economic development and (www.nyserda.org/funding) in support of their community renewal programs For economic development activities directed programs ranging from agricultural innovation, (www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/ toward neighborhood revitalization and economic environmental protection, community economicdevelopment/programs/index.cfm). development, New York State's Office of revitalization, and alternative transportation. Community Renewal may also be an important NYSERDA administers the New York Energy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partner (www.nysocr.org). The Office administers $martSM Program (www.nyserda.org/programs). Green Communities Program can provide the Community Development Block Grant assistance on sustainable community Program for the State of New York which The Division of Housing and Community development (www.epa.gov/greenkit). provides grants to eligible cities, towns, and Renewal (DHCR) is responsible for the villages with a population under 50,000 and to supervision, maintenance and development of U.S. Department of Defense Office of counties with an area population under 200,000 affordable low and moderate income housing in Economic Adjustment can provide assistance in order to revitalize neighborhoods, expand New York State. DHCR has a number of capital to communities adversely impacted by significant affordable housing and economic opportunities, programs with funding available for the Defense program changes and/or improve community facilities and services. development of affordable housing in New York (www.oea.gov/OEAWeb.nsf/Home?OpenForm). State, including the Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Department of Transportation (DOT) can the HOME Program, New York State Housing The National Park Service Rivers, Trails and provide assistance related to promoting Finance Agency (HFA), Homes for Working Conservation Assistance program helps economic growth by planning, coordinating, and Families (HWF), Senior Housing Initiative (SHI), communities work together to improve their implementingpage/portal/divisions/policy-and-strategy). strategies to improve the State's Housing Development Funds (HDF), Low special places (www.nps.gov/phso/rtcatoolbox). transportation network (www.nysdot.gov/portal/ Income Housing Credit Program (LIHC), and The HouseNY (www.nysdhcr.gov). U.S. Department of Energy Smart Communities Environmental Analysis Bureau of DOT works in Network can provide key planning principles as partnership with regional environmental The New York State Canal Corporation well as resources for strategies, tools, and civic personnel to promote safe, effective, balanced, (www.nyscanals.gov/welcome) actively seeks participation to help your community with and environmentally sound transportation individuals and businesses interested in playing a sustainable land use planning servicesportal/divisions/engineering/environmental- (www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/ role in the economic revitalization of the NYS Canal (www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/landuse/luintro. analysis). System. The Canal Corporation created the Canal shtml). Revitalization Program to foster economic development in municipalities along the Canal, and The Transportation Planning Capacity The Environmental Facilities Corporation can provides information about a wide variety of State Building Program (TPCB) is a collaborative provide public and private entities with and federal grants and direct assistance programs effort of the Federal Highway Administration assistance in complying with federal and State for Canal development strategies (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration environmental requirements (www.nysefc.org). (www.nyscanals.gov/corporation/community.html). (FTA) as well as various other public and private

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 87 organizations, to help state and local The manual outlines State, federal, and private Federal transportation staff meet complex political, funding and financial incentives, as well as social, economic, and environmental demands. technical assistance and liability protection The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency The program can provide information, training, available for the cleanup and redevelopment of (USEPA) Brownfields Program and technical assistance related to local brownfield sites. Funding is available for (www.epa.gov/brownfields) provides assistance transportation systems environmental restoration, with grant assistance to link environmental protection with economic (www.planning.dot.gov/default.asp). covering up to 90 percent of the cost of and community revitalization. USEPA also investigating and cleaning up contamination at participates in the Brownfields Environmental Abandoned sites and buildings abandoned sites (brownfields) that are municipally Development Initiative (BEDI) owned. These properties may then be marketed by (www.hud.gov/nofa/suprnofa/supnofa2/bedi.cfm) New York State the municipality for redevelopment or used by the in partnership with the U.S. Department of municipality for a variety of activities including Housing and Urban Development. If you have identified abandoned buildings in your industrial, commercial, or public use. For more community, the Division of Coastal Resources’ information on the New York State brownfields Historic resources guidebook “Opportunities Waiting program contact the Division of Environmental to Happen: Redeveloping Abandoned Buildings Remediation staff at (518) 402-9711. You may also New York State and Sites to Revitalize Communities” can want to visit the brownfields web page at: help you. This guidebook describes the www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/brownfields.html. The Historic Preservation Office of the New York development process, techniques and resources State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic available to redevelop abandoned buildings. The Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program, Preservation can help you understand the It begins with developing a vision for your building administered by the Division of Coastal historic value of your waterfront and what you and finishes with a step-by-step guide to project Resources in cooperation with the Department need to do to protect it implementation. Each of the sections provides of Environmental Conservation, helps (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/shpo/planning).If your guidance and lessons on how to communities and qualified community-based waterfront project includes a historic property, make opportunities happen. Contact the Division organizations to complete area-wide approaches the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation ofcommunities_guidebook_ab.asp. Coastal Resources at (518) 474-6000 if you to brownfields redevelopment planning. Through and Historic Preservation may be able to help would like a copy, or visit www.nyswaterfronts.com/ the Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program, with funding for protection and improvements communities can address a range of problems (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/grants). Through the posed by multiple brownfield sites and to Environmental Protection Fund, and in some If your waterfront project is going to involve establish the multi-agency and private-sector cases in partnership with federal grant programs, environmental remediation, you will want to review partnerships necessary to leverage assistance grant assistance is provided to municipalities the Department of Environmental and investments to revitalize communities by (including State agencies) and nonprofit Conservation’s brownfields manual. This provides returning idle areas back to productive use and organizations. Grant assistance is available assistance to municipalities and the private sector restoring environmental quality through the Historic Preservation Program for in the redevelopment of brownfield sites in New (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8447.html). the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of properties listed on the National or State Registers of Yorkremediation_hudson_pdf/brownmanual.pdf). State (www.dec.ny.gov/docs/ Historic Places. The Heritage Areas Program

88 Making the Most of Your Waterfront provides funds for facilities, exhibits, and The National Park Service manages the programs in legislatively designated Heritage “National Heritage Area” program. These areas Area (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/ are places designated by the United States New York State heritage/herit_area.asp). Congress where natural, cultural, Scenichistoric resourcesand recreational resources combine to form a Department of Transportation (DOT) can provide The New York State Council on the Arts cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising assistance related to State Scenic Byways (NYSCA) is a State funding agency that can from patterns of human activity shaped by (www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/programs/ provide support for activities of nonprofit arts and geography. Congress has established 40 scenic-byways). cultural organizations (www.nysca.org). National Heritage Areas around the country in which conservation, interpretation, and other The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Federal activities are managed by partnerships among Preservation (OPRHP) can provide assistance federal, state, and local governments and the related to the protection of historic landscapes The National Park Service’s Heritage private sector. A “management entity” is named (www.nysparks.state.ny.us). Preservation Services by Congress to coordinate the partners' (www.nps.gov/history/hps) helps individuals and voluntary actions. This management entity might Federal communities identify, evaluate, protect, and be a local governmental agency, nonprofit preserve historic properties for future organization, or an independent federal U.S. Department of Transportation Federal generations. It provides a broad range of commission. The National Park Service provides Highway Administration can provide products and services, financial assistance and technical assistance as well as financial assistance with the federal Scenic Byways incentives, educational guidance, and technical assistanceheritageareas). for a limited number of years Program (www.byways.org). information in support of this mission. If you’re following designation (www.nps.gov/history/ working with a historic building, Heritage Three areas have been Preservation Services will be able to help with established in New York State - the Niagara Falls almost every aspect of your project, from National Heritage Area (www.nps.gov/nifa), the planning and evaluation to repair and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor rehabilitation. The National Park Service (www.nps.gov/erie) and the Hudson River Valley administers grant programs focused on cultural National Heritage Area (www.nps.gov/hurv). resources and historic preservation (www.nps.gov/history/hps/hpg), including the The Advisory Council on Historic Land and Water Conservation Fund, managed in Preservation can provide assistance related to New York by the Office of Parks, Recreation and the preservation, enhancement, and productive Historic Preservation, which is intended to create use of our nation's historic resources and maintain a nationwide legacy of high quality (www.achp.gov). recreation areas and facilities, and stimulate non- federal investments in recreation resources (www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/lwcf).

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 89 The Natural Waterfront Island Sound, and the Great Lakes The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Flooding and erosion (www.ndbc.noaa.gov). Additional coastal has long been a source of assistance for shore observations and forecasts can be found at: protection information and project funding, and New York State www.nowcoast.noaa.gov. has a special interest in maintenance of federal navigation projects. The USACE can provide Department of Environmental Conservation Information on present and future tides and assistance related to shore protection, project (DEC), Division of Water, Bureau of Flood currents can be found at the National Ocean funding, and maintenance of federal navigation Protection and Dam Safety is the State’s point- Service website (www.nos.noaa.gov), along with projects (www.usace.army.mil/public.html). usace.army.mil/index.htm) of-contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers other coastal information. for shore protection, and includes the designated The USACE, New York District, (www.nan. State Floodplain Manager The Federal Emergency Management Agency operates gauges to (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/311.html).The Bureau (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland monitor sea and shore conditions in the Long addresses coastal storm impacts, flooding, and Security, is a primary source of federal Island region (www.lishore.org). In addition, the erosion, and manages the State's Coastal assistance in the event of a disaster. FEMA USACE Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory is an Erosion Hazard Areas and program. administers several programs to reduce hazard excellent source for information related to coastal risk, including the Flood Mitigation Assistance engineering (http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil).. The State Emergency Management Office Program which provides funding for preparation (SEMO) organizes disaster response, of State Hazard Mitigation Plans. FEMA also The USACE Detroit District maintains information emergency preparedness, and hazard mitigation awards Hazard Mitigation Grants, which provide and forecasts water levels in the Great Lakes for New York State (www.semo.state.ny.us). partial funding in support of projects that reduce (www.lre.usace.army.mil/index.cfm? SEMO is the primary contact for municipalities potential future damages. FEMA also coordinates chn_id=1400) for weekly levels or for monthly working with FEMA. SEMO prepares the State hazard mitigation loans from the Federal Small levels (www.lre.usace.army.mil/index.cfm? chn_id=1450 Hazard Mitigation Plan and manages FEMA Business Administration (www.fema.gov). ). grants for local hazard mitigation plans. The FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Since 1995, the Atlantic Coast of New York Federal (NFIP) (www.fema.gov/business/nfip) enables Monitoring Program (ACNYMP), a cooperative property owners in participating communities to effort of the NYS DOS, USACE New York District The NOAA Coastal Services Center (CSC) purchase insurance protection against losses and New York Sea Grant, has collected data on serves coastal resource managers and the state from flooding, if a floodplain management beach changes and coastal processes along the coastal programs. The mission of the CSC is to ordinance in identified flood risk areas is adopted 135 mile shoreline from Coney Island to support the environmental, social, and economic and enforced. FEMA has also developed the Montauk Point, to inform coastal managers, well being of the coast by linking people, Community Rating System (CRS) regulators, government officials and the public. information, and technology (www.csc.noaa.gov). (www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm) to (http://dune.seagrant.sunysb.edu/nycoast). The National Data Buoy Center provides near- correlate community standards for reducing flood realtime wave and meteorological information risks with rates for flood insurance, and help The International Joint Commission (IJC) is from buoys located in the Atlantic Ocean, Long communities reduce insurance premiums. studying options for regulating water levels on

90 Making the Most of Your Waterfront the Great Lakes. A number of investigations available for municipal wastewater treatment for marine recreational vessels have been completed including benefits and improvement, pollution prevention, and (www.nysefc.org/home/index.asp?page=21). impacts of current regulations and potential agricultural and non-agricultural nonpoint source results from several alternative plans. The IJC abatement and control. Significant support is The Department of Transportation funds and will present its findings for public review prior to available to acquire open space that protects implements environmental benefit projects that selecting a preferred regulation plan. Information water resources, and to acquire public parklands improve water quality, restore wetlands, promote about the current status of the study can be and protect farmland. Funding is also available to eco-tourism, protect fish and wildlife, and found at: www.losl.org/about/about-e.html. help small businesses protect the environment enhancepage/portal/divisions/engineering/environmental- transportation corridors through its and to address flood control for small Environmentalanalysis/environmental-initiative) Initiative (www.nysdot.gov/portal/ The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) municipalitiesgrants.html). and improve the safety of dams can provide information related to hazards throughout New York (www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/ reduction including dredged material management and smart growth Federal (www.epa.gov/owow/oceans). The Stormwater Phase II Program (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8468.html)requires In 1990, Congress established a new program The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology permits for stormwater discharges from requiring coastal states such as New York to Program, with offices in Menlo Park/Santa Cruz, municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) prepare a coastal nonpoint pollution control California, St. Petersburg, Florida and Woods in urbanized areas and for construction activities program to implement a series of management Hole, Massachusetts, maintains a research that would disturb one or more acres. measures (www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI). program on issues of coastal erosion, sea level United States Environmental Protection rise, and storm impacts. Information on these The Environmental Facilities Corporation's Agency (USEPA) can provide information on topics and others can be downloaded (EFC) mission is to promote environmental water quality programs and assistance with (http://marine.usgs.gov). quality by providing low-cost capital and expert planning and managing watersheds, water technical assistance to municipalities, quality,Natural and resources wetlands (www.epa.gov/water). Water quality businesses, and State agencies for environmental projects in New York State. Its New York State purpose is to help public and private entities New York State comply with federal and State environmental Department of Environmental Conservation requirements (www.nysefc.org). EFC's primary The Department of Environmental (DEC) can provide assistance with conserving, activities are the State Revolving Funds (SRF), improving, and protecting natural resources and Conservation (DEC) (www.dec.ny.gov) the Industrial Finance Program (IFP), and administers a wide variety of programs and the environment, and controlling water, land, and Technical Advisory Services (TAS). EFC also activities designed to conserve, improve, and air pollution (www.dec.ny.gov).Of interest to administers the NYS Clean Vessel Assistance protect the State's natural resources and waterfront communities are the funds for Program to increase the availability, public environment, and control water, land, and air protecting clean water. A variety of funds are awareness, and public use of pumpout stations pollution. Natural resource related activities

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 91 include fish and wildlife management and The Sea Grant Program encourages the wise manages public lands and outdoor recreation permit programs under the Division of Fish, stewardship of marine resources through (www.recreation.gov) as part of the National Wildlife and Marine Resources research, education, outreach, and technology Wildlife Refuge system (www.fws.gov/refuges). (www.dec.ny.gov/about/634.html);water quality transfer. Sea Grant can provide assistance with USFWS also offers several funding programs permitting and watershed planning and research, education, and outreach on coastal (www.fws.gov/grants), including Coastal Wetland protection under the Division of Water issues ranging from fisheries, environmental Conservation Grants and North American (www.dec.ny.gov/about/661.html);and quality, coastal processes, and development. Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants. acquisition and management of public lands and A cooperative program of SUNY Stony Brook outdoor recreation under the Division of Lands and Cornell University, New York Sea Grant The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Forests (www.dec.ny.gov/about/650.html). (www.seagrant.sunysb.edu) has 10 offices (USEPA) (www.epa.gov) works to protect throughout the State that work with partners environmental quality through a variety of air, water, The Hudson River Estuary Program is a unique “bringing science to the shore” pollution, and toxics and chemicals management regional partnership designed to protect, (www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/NYSMap). programs. The agency works along waterfronts conserve, restore, and enhance the estuary primarily through its Office of Wetlands, Oceans and (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4920.html).The heart of Federal Watersheds (www.epa.gov/owow). USEPA also the Hudson River Estuary Program is administers the National Estuary Program the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan The National Oceanic and Atmospheric (www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries), which includes (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5106.html), a set of Administration (NOAA) (www.noaa.gov) three estuaries in New York: New York/New Jersey twenty commitments intended to protect and conducts a wide array of research, mapping, and Harbor Estuary Program (www.harborestuary.org), conserve the estuary's natural resources and management programs related to weather, Long Island Sound Study ecosystem health, clean up pollution and other oceans (www.noaa.gov/ocean.html), remote (www.longislandsoundstudy.net),and Peconic impairments, and promote public use and sensing, fisheries (www.noaa.gov/fisheries.html), Estuary Program (www.peconicestuary.org). enjoyment of the river. Grants are available from climate, and coastal resources the Environmental Protection Fund to help (www.noaa.gov/coasts.html). The agency is The Public Waterfront communities implement the action plan and responsible for the nation's marine and Waterfront access and recreation protect and enhance the Hudson River Estuary. anadromous protected species (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr). NOAA's Restoration New York State The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Center (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration) Reserve (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4915.html), also sponsors a number of useful funding If your waterfront project includes park established in 1982, protects four exemplary programs fostering community-based fisheries acquisition, park development, or trail wetland sites on the estuary. Spaced along the restoration. development, the New York State Office of river from the brackish Tappan Zee to tidal Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation freshwater shallows north of the City of Hudson, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) grants) may be able to help (www.nysparks.state.ny.us/ these sites provide ideal settings for education and (www.fws.gov) administers most of the nation's . Through the Environmental Protection comparative research. The reserve is managed in fish and wildlife management programs, Fund and, in some cases in partnership with partnership by NYS DEC, and the National including terrestrial and freshwater endangered federal grant programs, grant assistance is Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration species protection (www.fws.gov/ endangered) provided to municipalities (including State (http://nerrs.noaa.gov/HudsonRiver). and migratory bird management. USFWS

92 Making the Most of Your Waterfront agencies) and nonprofit organizations. wish to become, a part of the water trail system are wharves, moorings, and permanent structures in eligible to participate in the program. Site owners State-owned underwater lands The Parks Program can be used to can undertake a variety of projects under this (www.ogs.state.ny.us/RealEstate/permits). acquire and/or develop parks and programcommcoun/Greenway%20Community%(www.hudsongreenway.state.ny.us/ recreational facilities and for the protection 20Grant%20 Application.pdf). The Department of Environmental of open space. Conservation (DEC) can provide information regarding wetlands, protected species, water The Acquisition Program for all three Federal quality classifications, and State environmental program areas for projects where regulations that may apply to your harbor and acquisition is of more importance than The National Park Service Land and Water its existing or proposed uses development. Conservation Fund Program can provide funding (www.dec.ny.gov). assistance for the acquisition, development, The Recreational Trails Program for the and/or rehabilitation of outdoor park and The Department of Transportation (DOT) can acquisition, development, rehabilitation recreation facilities. Funds are available to provide information about transportation and maintenance of trails and trail-related municipal public agencies and Indian tribal infrastructure, including roadways, bridges, and projects. governments (www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/lwcf). bicycle and pedestrian paths, ferries and public transportation, in your harbor area The Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and (www.nysdot.gov). River Valley provides grants to municipalities and Conservation Assistance Program can provide nonprofit organizations. The projects grants program assistance to conserve rivers, preserve open The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic provides funding for trail planning, construction and space, and develop trails and greenways Preservation (OPRHP) can assist in identifying amenities, historic landscape preservation, and (www.nps.gov/rtca). historic underwater sites or structures, such as regional and local partnerships as well as many shipwrecks or archaeological sites. The Division other resource enhancement and economic The National Park Service Federal Lands to of Marine and Recreational Vehicles can provide development projects Parks Program helps communities create new information regarding State reimbursements for (www.hudsongreenway.state.ny.us/ parks and recreation areas by transferring some municipal navigation law enforcement funding/funding.htm). surplus federal land to State and local expenses. OPRHP may also be a waterfront governments (www.nps.gov/flp). landowner in your community, managing The Hudson River Valley Greenway is establishing a recreational activities and access to the harbor Hudson River Water Trail stretching from Battery The Working Waterfront (www.nysparks.state.ny.us). Park in the Village of Waterford, Saratoga County, to Harbor management planning Battery Park in Manhattan. The trail will provide Federal access for kayaks, canoes, and small boats along New York State 156 miles of the river. As part of the “Hudson River The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is a critical partner Greenway Water Trail Program” the Greenway The Office of General Services (OGS), Real in harbor management with information about Communities Council provides financial and Property Management and Development, can marine safety, security and environmental protection technical assistance to site owners to help complete (www.uscg.mil). USCG approves aids to navigation the Hudson River Water Trail. Launch and campsite provide assistance related to grants or other conveyances of State interests in land under and regulatory markers such as buoys, and owners located along the Hudson River and within approves certain anchorage and mooring areas. the designated Greenway Area and who are, or water, and the construction of commercial docks,

New York State Department of State, Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability 93 USCG sponsors local Harbor Safety Committees as assessment and restoration assistance part of the federal interagency Marine (www.fws.gov/habitat), technical input in evaluating Transportation System. impacts to fish and wildlife, and may own or manage a National Wildlife Refuge in your area. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can provide harbor U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) managers with a variety of charting and navigation can provide information on air and water quality tools and information (www.noaa.gov/charts.html). programs and regulations related to the discharge NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has of wastes from boats and marinas information about Essential Fish Habitats, marine (www.epa.gov/owow/nps/marinas.html)waterscience/beaches), , beach and anadromous protected species, and closures and monitoring (www.epa.gov/ commercial and recreational fisheries in your area and assistance with (www.nmfs.noaa.gov). planning and managing watersheds, water quality, and wetlands (www.epa.gov/water). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) can Agriculture identify federally maintained navigation channels and other federal projects, such as breakwaters, and provide information and regulatory guidance on New York State dredging and dredged material disposal, flood protection, wetlands, and waterways The Department of Agriculture and Markets (www.usace.army.mil). New York's coastal areas and administers several funding programs including the inland waterways are covered primarily by the New New York State Agricultural Nonpoint Source York District (www.nan.usace.army.mil) and the Abatement and Control Program (ANSCAP), the Buffalo District (www.lrb.usace.army.mil). Agricultural and Farmland Protection Implementation Project Program, and the Farmland The U.S. Department of Interior (www.doi.gov) Viability Program (www.agmkt.state.ny.us). includes both the National Park Service (NPS) (www.nps.gov) and the Fish and Wildlife Service Federal (USFWS) (www.fws.gov), both providing valuable information for harbor management planning. NPS The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural is a good source for cultural resources information Resources and Environment, can provide (www.nps.gov/ history). It has a submerged assistance with rural development and help resources center communities with natural resource concerns, (http://home.nps.gov/applications/submerged), and such as erosion control, watershed protection, Montauk Point Lighthouse may own or manage a National Park, Seashore, or andNaturalResourcesEnvironment) forestry (www.ers.usda.gov/Browse/ Monument in your harbor area. USFWS can provide . endangered species consultation, habitat

94 Making the Most of Your Waterfront