Town and Village of Lake George Draft Hamlet Economic Development Plan September 23, 2017 This Page Intentionally Left Blank Project Introduction

This economic development plan for the Town and Village of Lake George is the result of collaboration between the Town, the Village, the Lake George Chamber of Commerce, Warren County, the Economic Development Corporation of Warren County, and the New York State Adirondack Park Agency (APA). In order to enhance the economic conditions of this unique region in the Adirondack Park, the Town and Village collaborated with the NYS APA in 2016 and 2017 to undertake the Agency’s Hamlet Economic Planning and Assistance (HEPA) process. Residents, business owners, planning board members, non-profit managers, and local government leaders committed their time, resources and energy to assist in the formation of this plan. Residents of both the Town and Village had the opportunity to provide public input through public outreach meetings, connections with local government and community leaders, and an online survey of community goals. The result is an economic development plan that focuses upon the needs and wishes of the Town and Village community and outlines a set of action items that will help the communities succeed in meeting their vision.

The Adirondack Park Agency’s Hamlet Economic Planning and Assistance initiative is a community- driven process, led by a local stakeholder workgroup with assistance from the Adirondack Park Agency, that develops and implements a plan for economic improvement of the community’s Hamlet area. This Page Intentionally Left Blank Purpose Statement

The Town and Village of Lake George offer residents an exceptional quality of life unique among small communities. Included in the region’s comforts are beaches and access to Lake George, quality schools and government services, a diversity of businesses, numerous visitor attractions, a vibrant main street, and a strong sense of community. The purpose of this economic development plan is to ensure that these amenities and services that make this a wonderful place to live continue to be available to current and future residents. Additionally, this plan seeks to grow the local community and enhance ac- cess to a plethora of year-round services.

Vision

The Town of Lake George outlined its vision for the community in its 2015 Comprehensive Plan. The comprehensive plan envisioned a year-round econo- my that is attractive to retirees and new businesses and built upon the principles of entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and property rights. The goal of this economic plan is to identify the steps neces- sary to achieve the comprehensive plan’s vision of a vibrant year-round community.

Process

In January 2016, representatives of the Town and Village government and other local and regional economic development organizations met with APA staff to discuss the Agency’s Hamlet Economic Plan- ning and Assistance initiative. These officials indi- cated that a local community workgroup could work with the Agency to develop an economic develop- Page 5

ment plan for the Hamlet areas of the Town munity. Over the same period, the core team munity and county representatives in Septem- and Village. In February, Agency staff met with devised a list of priority redevelopment sites, ber 2016 and initial feedback on the plan was the local community workgroup to discuss the both developed and undeveloped, and provid- provided to the Agency in early November. The initiative and to gain initial insights into the ed the Agency with an inventory of recreation- core team, with assistance from the Agency, region. al, civic, and commercial assets in the com- hosted a community outreach meeting on June munity. Agency staff synthesized the gathered 27, 2017 to gain public feedback on a revised Agency staff used U.S. Census data, informal information into a draft economic development plan. The plan was then amended to incorpo- interviews, field visits, and a community input plan for the hamlet areas of both the Town and rate the additional public input. The final plan survey to learn about the Lake George com- Village. The draft plan was provided to com- was adopted in XXXX. Page 6 Project Boundary % of Respondents Desiring Growth (by 2025 Population Size) The boundary for this economic development plan is the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan (APLUDP)-designated Hamlet Land Use areas in the Town and Village of Lake George. The plan particularly focuses upon the largely underutilized lands surrounding the Town’s “gateway” corridor. The overarching economic strategies identified in this plan will have direct impacts throughout the entire community.

Public Participation

Three public outreach meetings were held in Lake George. The first meeting occurred on May 18, 2016; over 20 members of the public attended. At this meeting APA staff introduced Over 76% of survey respondents indicated that they would like to see the town grow from its the planning process to attendees and solicited current population of 3,500 people and nearly 50% wanted to see growth of 14% or more. projects and priorities from the local residents and business owners. Ideas were recorded on an easel so that attendees could ensure that people responded to the survey. remaining respondents were seasonal residents their comments were included. The results (4.65%), seasonal workers (2.33%), and year- of this meeting are reflected throughout Feedback on the draft plan was solicited at round workers (4.65%). this plan. A second meeting was scheduled a public meeting at the Town offices on June for September 20, 2016. Despite marketing 27, 2017. Over 20 members of the public Respondents indicated that the area’s natural through Town channels, no members of the attended. The recommendations from that amenities (69%), recreation opportunities public attended. meeting are incorporated into this plan. (64%), and parks and beaches (62%) were among their favorite components of the Lake In order to gain additional feedback, an online Survey Response Summary Eighty-four people George community. The community’s walkable survey was developed and distributed to local responded to a public survey about priorities downtown (53.5%) and small town atmosphere business owners, residents, and area visitors. for economic development in the Town and (52%) rounded out the most popular The survey was distributed by the Town of Lake Village. Forty percent of respondents to the community attributes. Respondents identified George, the Adirondack Park Agency, and the survey indicated that they were Lake George that the diversity of local businesses was the Lake George Chamber of Commerce through residents while forty percent indicated that attribute that needed the most improvement email, social media, press releases, and they were visitors. An additional nine percent (51%). inclusion in the Town newsletter. Eighty-four identified themselves as business owners. The Page 7 Overall, the community would like to see more Capital Region, an economically prosperous growth. 76% of respondents articulated that region with a growing technology and they would like to see the town grow from its innovation-driven economy. In fact, a recent current population of 3,500 people and nearly report issued by U.S. News and World Report 50% wanted to see growth of 14% or more. In ranked the Albany metro area #3 nationally regards to economic and business growth, a (behind only San Francisco and San Jose) as majority of respondents wanted businesses a place to find a job in technology, ahead of to expand their seasons or open year-round other major markets such as Austin, Dallas, (53.5%), a longer tourism season (52.3%), Boston, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Detroit. a greater diversity of retail and restaurant This expansion has generated population businesses (52.3%), and more year-round growth throughout many parts of the region. employment opportunities in the non-retail Survey respondents articulated a preference commercial sector (51.2%). The Capital Region as a whole is well- for additional main street-type development, positioned to advance technology and similar to what already exists on Canada Street, In evaluating potential development along the entrepreneurship by serving as a host to along the “Gateway Corridor.” Town’s Route 9 “Gateway Project,” respondents over 21 institutions of higher learning (with a indicated a preference for walkable main regional student population of over 65,000) street development (79%). The next closest including top research centers such as SUNY desire was for low intensity retail and office Polytechnic Institute, Albany Medical College, use (39.5%). Less than 20% desired big box Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and stores, shopping plazas and mini malls, and the University at Albany. These intellectual industrial uses. Additional photographic centers provide economic anchors from which questions indicated that respondents preferred companies can grow and expand. The Capital development similar in character and scale Region boasts a higher percentage of residents to the existing main street-type development with a Bachelor’s degree or higher than either Lake George’s natrual resources, parks and already existing along Canada Street in the the State or national average. beaches, and recreational amenities were the Village. survey respondents’ favorite attributes of their Overall the Capital Region is recognized as an community. Public participation and feedback was critical economic leader within New York State and the in the development of this plan. Community country as a whole. The region has three of concerns and desires are featured throughout New York’s fastest growing counties in private this document and serve as the bedrock for the sector employment and ranks 57th in the prescriptions contained herein. United States in Gross Domestic Product (the region is the only upstate New York community Regional Context not to fall in the rankings since 2001). The region also punches above its weight by Lake George sits at the north end of New York’s ranking 39th in per capita personal income Page 8 above other major metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Miami, Austin, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Ann Arbor, Nashville, Cincinnati, and twelve other top 40-sized metropolitan areas.

Sited at the northern section of this prosperous region, the opportunity for economic expansion in Lake George combines its location in the Adirondack Park and reputation as a visitation hot-spot with close proximity to a growing metropolitan region centered on Saratoga and Albany counties. This plan will seek to expand the community’s existing residents. In 1980, the median age for the from hundreds of thousands of seasonal resi- tourism economy while diversifying the region Town (including the Village) was 32.7 years; dents and visitors coming into the community with new exporting industries that provide in 2010, the median age was 47. A drop in every year. There are over 1,000 seasonal year-round employment for residents. residents between the ages of 0 and 17 has homes in the Town and over 5,180 hotel, mo- correlated with this trend in that in 1980 there tel, and rental cottages. These visitors bring Demographic, Economic, and Opportunities were 885 people in this age group and in 2010 direct spending to the community that rever- Analysis there were only 568, a decrease of 35%. These berates throughout the economy. Additionally, demographic changes have had a dramatic these visitors, especially seasonal residents, Population and Age The growth of New York’s impact on school enrollment, local employ- are vested stakeholders likely to promote Lake Capital Region is not distributed evenly. As ment dynamics, and commercial and municipal George as a great place to visit or live. described in Figure 1, Lake George’s population services offered in the area. The community actually declined by 1.76% from 2000 to 2010 has expressed interest in attracting more young Employment In regards to employment, the while other nearby jurisdictions grew. Warren families and professionals to help provide and Town and Village enjoy synergistic relationships County as a whole grew by about 3.7% while maintain existing services, including those of- with surrounding communities. About 46% Essex County, a county located completely fering care for the area’s aging population. of the area’s workforce travels to jobs over 20 within the Adirondack Park, grew by 1.34%. To minutes from their homes. The largest sec- the south and west, Saratoga and Washington Income Lake George’s median income in 2012 tors employing Town and Village residents are counties grew 9.5% and 3.56% respectively. was $63,846, an increase of 9% since the 2000 “arts, entertainment, recreation, accommoda- The growth of surrounding communities indi- Census. This compares to median incomes of tion, and food services” (24.3%), “educational cates favorable overall economic trends within $59,269, $71,496, and $56,798 for New York services, health care, and social assistance” the region and that Lake George has an oppor- State, neighboring Saratoga County, and War- (24.0%), and “retail trade” (11.2%)%. Figure 2 tunity to capitalize on. ren County respectively. This suggests that the outlines the employment characteristics for the study area’s population is employed in skilled community. Like most Adirondack communities, Lake industries with higher incomes. George has seen an increase in the age of its Seasonality The large employment base in the Seasonal Stakeholders Lake George benefits arts, entertainment, recreation, accommoda- Page 9

tions, retail, and food service sectors indicates pancy tax revenues are generated during the Expanding the visitation season to be more that tourism is a major driver of the Lake months of June, July, and August. The second year-round, and bringing in new year-round George community. Tourism and visitation most popular season in Warren County is employment opportunities outside the tourism often benefit communities by providing cus- autumn when between 19% and 26% of hotel sector, would help to reduce such fluctuations tomer bases that support goods and services revenues are generated. Only 5%-6% of such in unemployment. provision that a small community may not be revenues are generated during the months of able to support with just a year-round popula- January, February and March. Correspondingly, Location Quotient Analysis Location quotient tion alone. However, in places where visitation unemployment rates in the County fluctuate by analysis indicates that the area’s largest export- is highly dependent on the weather or seasons, about two percentage points between winter ing industries, or basic industries, are “arts, visitation level fluctuations can lead to seasonal and summer. In August of 2015, the County’s entertainment, and recreation, and accom- business closures and short-term employment unemployment rate was 4.3%. The following modation and food services,” “other services, dynamics. February (2016) the unemployment rate inched except public administration“, and “public up to 6.4%; by the subsequent August, the administration.” The relatively limited diver- Analysis of Warren County occupancy data unemployment rate was back down to 4.1%. sity of exporting industries in the Lake George found that between 56% and 60% of all occu- Figure 3. Page 10

region, coupled with low location quotients for lation of 20.2 million), and Boston (Greater to business and possessing a high quality of life industries that service local residents, indicates Boston metropolitan statistical area population may lead a business owner to move their busi- significant opportunity for new small business 4.73) all within a three and-a-half hour drive. ness to Lake George. Thirdly, as a high visita- growth within the community, particularly in This positions existing businesses and potential tion area and one with many seasonal property “finance and insurance, and real estate and businesses in the community with the ability to owners, Lake George has the opportunity to rental and leasing” and “construction.” Figure quickly reach customers in the coveted north- market itself as a business destination to hun- 3 compares the Town’s basic industries to those east corridor. Additionally, the Capital Region’s dreds of thousands of people who have already of other regional communities (exporting in- Port of Albany, as well as nationally-connected identified this as a region they enjoy. dustries are highlighted in orange). A location freight railways, are assets that can be market- quotient of 1.05 means that a community has ed by Lake George as being of particular value. 5% more resident’s employed in a given sector than New York State as a whole indicating that The above economic opportunities analysis, that sector is an exporting or “basic” sector. coupled with Lake George’s easy access along 1.05 is the generally accepted threshold for an Interstate 87, highlights several viable pros- industry being considered exporting. pects for economic growth in Lake George. Firstly, the community is already recognized as Access to Markets Lake George is ideally suited a visitation destination and a targeted off-sea- for economic development with its two exits on son experience marketing campaign, coupled Interstate 87 (the Northway) and relative prox- with new year-round amenities and events, imity to major urban markets including Mon- would likely expand the visitation season. treal (metropolitan population 4.09 million), Secondly, the surrounding region already has Albany (regional population of 1.08 million), a manufacturing base from which to recruit New York City (New York-Newark-Jersey City, from. A targeted business recruitment cam- NY-NJ-PA metropolitan statistical area popu- paign highlighting Lake George as being open Page 11 Land Use Development Opportunities

Through public input, field study, aerial photog- raphy analysis, and economic analysis, the Lake George Core Team and the Adirondack Park Agency identified needed uses and significant developable land opportunities. Among the most needed uses were a designated and mar- ketable commerce park, rental housing, mul- tifamily housing, office space, and craft/light manufacturing space. This plan seeks to iden- tify areas best suited for such development so that the Town can capitalize upon these invest- ment and development opportunities.

Commerce Park: This planning effort has identified the need for marketable sites for the development of light manufacturing, commer- In 2016 the Town of Lake George undertook an $8 million redevelopment of Route 9. New side- cial offices, biomedical development, institu- walks, street trees, benches, and street lamps were added to the “Gateway Corridor” to enhance tional space, and craft industry. The plan has the area’s pedestrian appeal. New zoning allowing for “main street” - type development would identified two sites within the Hamlet area that augment the Gateway Corridor’s appeal to pedestrians and visitors. may be suitable for a designated commerce park. In order to develop either site as a com- make this a prime opportunity for a commerce modate workforce housing in the community. merce park, the Town may wish to evaluate park. their current zoning to ensure that it accommo- Gateway Corridor In 2016, the Town under- dates the desired development. Commerce Park Alternative 2 The took an $8 million overhaul of Route 9 from second potential commerce park site is land I-87 Exit 21 north to Canada Creek. The Town Commerce Park Alternative 1 The first currently owned by the Lake George School envisions this area becoming more pedestrian potential commerce park site identified in this District. Development on the western edge friendly and conducive to small business. Simi- plan would be accessed directly from 9N and of the parcel should be prioritized to promote larly, public input indicated that the community is located only 250 feet from Lake George’s ease of access for potential buildings as well also wishes this area to serve as a “walkable southern exit on Interstate 87. The approxi- as to avoid the site’s extensive wetlands. Ad- main street” area. mately 27-acre site contains a former hotel ditional consideration should be given to access property and several vacant lots. The site’s for larger vehicles at the intersection of Route 9 Current zoning along the corridor largely excellent proximity to the Northway, its dis- and Old Military Road. precludes “main street” type development with tance from potentially incompatible uses, and front and side yard setback requirements larger its position in an APA-designated Hamlet area The large site also has the potential to accom- than those recommended for walkable dis- Page 12 tricts. The Town could either potentially alter are those determined to be current opportunities the existing zoning code to facilitate mixed-use for the community. These sites do not comprise walkable development or explore the use of a complete list of developable land in either the an overlay district that encourages this type of Town or the Village. Map 1 outlines the loca- environment. Uses that could be incorporated tions of the Additional Priority Development into a walkable Gateway Corridor include a mix Site Opportunities. of market-rate housing, hospitality, workforce housing, senior housing, office space, and retail. 1. Sand and Gravel Storage Site This site, cur- The form of this type of development could be rently used for sand and gravel storage, is a vertically integrated with retail on the ground critical gateway site into Lake George. This 2.2 floor fronting the sidewalk with residential and acre lot could be developed to accommodate office uses above. Additionally, small craft in- larger-scale, mixed use development. dustry could be accommodated toward the rear Sited near an entrance ramp onto Interstate 87, of lots when the front of the lot is occupied by 2. Howard Johnson’s This site sits above a re- this road would provide direct access into the retail and other uses. taining wall that separates the property from the first alternative for a commerce park. sidewalk. To improve the attractiveness of this Convention Center Local government and site from a walkability perspective, stone ve- business leaders identified the need for conven- neer has been added to the retaining wall. More tion center in the community. Research into intensive development on this site could bring convention center locations indicates that they retail to the sidewalk and incorporate mixed are most successful when located within walk- residential and/or office uses above the retail. ing distance to hotels and amenities. This plan This parcel could be combined with adjoining recommends that a potential convention center properties to make more dense development be located in close proximity to the existing economically attractive. downtown core in the Village, potentially on agglomerated parcels that are currently under- 3. 264.06-3-27, 264.06-3-26 This motel prop- utilized. This plan does not suggest the exact erty has been underutilized in recent years and site but recommends a general vicinity of within has been the site of potential land purchase 1/2 mile of Shepard Park or along the Gateway speculation by the Town of Lake George. Corridor which is host to many larger-scale The site, which borders West Brook, could be This underutilized property has been identi- hotels. redeveloped with retail fronting Route 9 and fied as a site for a craft beverage and distilling residential units above and behind the retail, school. The project sponsor has secured grant Additional Development Site Opportunities fronting along the Brook. funding from New York State to pursue the Research for this plan identified additional sites school’s development. available for redevelopment within the Town 4. 264.06-2-1, 264.06-2-2 This site, which cur- and Village. Although the below sites are not rently houses a restaurant / distillery, has been organized in an order of priority, the sites listed identified as the site for a future craft brewing Page 13 Map 1. Lake George Development Sites - Gateway Corridor Focus Area

and distilling education facility through the pedestrian plaza. a larger mixed-use project. receipt of a NYS grant. Such a project will anchor a revitalized Gateway Corridor by at- 5. 251.18-4-4 This vacant former drive-through 6. 251.18-4-5 This seasonally-used tourist tracting more people to the area, and can help restaurant building could be repurposed as an- attraction/mixed use building could be rede- connect the Village to the Town’s new side- other drive-through restaurant or included into veloped with new retail uses and apartments or walks through use of a pedestrian bridge or a an agglomeration of neighboring properties for office space above. The property could also be Page 14 included into an agglomeration of neighboring Action Item 1.1: Promote the development properties into a larger mixed-use project. of diverse housing options within walking dis- Action Item 1.2: Market Lake George as a tance to the communities’ commercial areas. great place to live. 7. 264.04-1-21, 264.04-1-20 This seasonally- used hotel property is likely to be developed Implementation Item 1.1.1: Encourage Implementation Item 1.2.1: Create and into a new hotel as demand for rooms increases. Canada Street business owners to develop liv- distribute a digital brochure (with a printable ing units on underused floors above commercial function) highlighting the quality of life avail- 8. Water Slide World The owners of Water enterprises. able in the communities. Specific highlights Slide world have expressed their desire to re- -Seek grant funding, specifically NYS should include abundant recreation opportuni- develop the property. This large site offers the Department of Homes and Community Renew- ties, available broadband infrastructure, proxim- potential for a variety of uses including senior al Main Street Program funds, to help building ity to large cities and amenities, and the com- housing, multi-family housing, office, and owners develop the upper floors. munities’ unique hamlet centers. retail. -Explore (with Warren County) and market local tax abatement programs for prop- Implementation Item 1.2.2: Pursue a 9. Former Thompson’s Garage The Former erty owners to redevelop their vacant upper social media campaign highlighting millennials Thompson’s Garage property provides the floors. living in the area and their employment, social opportunity for new mixed use development in- activities, and recreational pursuits. cluding retail with apartments or offices above. Implementation Item 1.1.2: Prioritize additional housing unit development on vacant Action Item 1.4: Leverage the region’s Economic Development Plan and underutilized properties within a quarter- robust visitation/tourism sector as a means to mile of the commercial centers and along the introduce potential residents to the concept of In order to provide the market potential and tax Gateway Corridor with targeted support for living in Lake George. base necessary to retain and expand the civic, senior housing and varied housing typologies commercial, and retail services available in the (i.e. condos, apartments, etc.). Implementation Item 1.4.1: Develop communities, this plan identifies four overarch- -Perform or commission a market study advertising around the Town and Village high- ing objectives and numerous action items and for housing needs in the Lake George area to lighting the quality of life in the community i.e. implementation items. determine existing housing gaps and the poten- Lake George: Not Just a Place to Visit tial profitability for new developments Objective 1: Build the residential base nec- -Increase the zoning of property along Action Item 1.5: Encourage local service essary for a vibrant, year-round retail sector the Gateway Corridor to allow for new, dense businesses (restaurants, retailers, etc.) to expand by working to retain current residents, attract mixed-use and residential development. In- operations into shoulder seasons. new residents, and extend the stays of seasonal creased density will improve the economic residents. This work should include a focus on viability of redevelopment of underutilized Implementation Item 1.5.1: Conduct mar- promoting residential density in neighborhoods properties. ket analyses that can be presentented to local within walking distance to the commercial cor- -Promote the above-mentioned list of service providers explaining the market oppor- ridors of Lake George. properties and market study to prospective tunity of expanding operations into the shoulder housing developers. seasons. Page 15 ence center that can attract conferences year Action Item 1.6: Retain existing businesses round. and seek to attract new businesses, with a focus -Fund a market analysis for either a pub- upon industries that export goods outside the lic or private convention facility. community including light/craft manufacturing, information, and other office users (See “Objec- Action Item 2.2: Continue to market Lake tive 3”). George as both an attractive daytrip and extend- ed-stay destination. Objective 2: Augment tourism to create a year-round visitor economy, recognizing that Action Item 2.3: Work with the Chamber visitation is a substantial opportunity to expand of Commerce and CVB to develop events to commercial services in the community to a attract new visitors to the region. Lake George hosts diverse historic assets. Ex- year-round benefit. panding and marketing historic programming Implementation Item 2.3.1: Solicit recre- can attract additional visitors to the region. Action Item 2.1: Ensure that the necessary ational and competitive sporting events/compe- Photo credit: Fort William Henry Museum attractions, facilities and infrastructure con- titions to take place in Lake George. ducive to attracting the 21st century traveling -Work with existing and new sports public are available within the Lake George organizations to pursue year-round sporting visitor market. events that capitalize upon the area’s unique natural setting and resources. Implementation Item 2.1.1: Increase the number of modernized rooms available to over- Implementation Item 2.3.2: Host lake- night visitors. specific events (sailing regattas, fishing derbies, -Commission a market study to deter- etc.) with on-shore registration and events in mine the market for additional updated rooms. downtown Lake George -Continue to promote and support the modernization of older hotels, motels, and cot- Implementation Item 2.3.3: Expand Lake tage colonies by working with regional eco- George’s market share in attracting weddings, Mountain biking offers a recreational opportu- nomic developers to provide low interest loans particularly in the “off season”. nity not currently available within the commu- and potentially grants. nity. Stakeholders should work with the New -Ensure that adequate public infrastruc- Action Item 2.4: Develop additional con- York State Department of Environmental Con- ture, particularly sewer and water, is available nections to the area’s natural amenities includ- servation to amend local State land Unit Man- for accommodation facility development (see ing the Lake George Wild Forest. agement Plans to include trails for this use. “Objective 4”). Location: Flume Trails, Wilmington, NY Implementation Item 2.4.1: Work with the Implementation Item 2.1.2: Explore the New York State Department of Environmental economic feasibility of a medium-scale confer- Conservation to ensure a diversity of four- Page 16 season recreation opportunities are included in throughout the Village and Town a Unit Management Plan for the Lake George -Host yearly sculpture contests with Wild Forest as well as adjacent private lands. sculptures spread around the community. -Seek to expand and build trail connec- tions (snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking) Action Item 2.5: Market and expand the to neighboring communities. region’s historic assets. -Encourage the development of hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and Implementation Item 2.5.1: Inventory and mountain biking trails for all age levels with a market the region’s historic resources. diversity of distances (i.e. 2 hour hikes, 4 hour -Partner with the Heritage Foundation, hikes, etc.). Pomeroy Foundation, and other local historical organizations to inventory, map, and market the Implementation Item 2.4.2: Explore addi- region’s historic sites. Diverse events, such as this “YogaPalooza” in tional new uses for prospect mountain including downtown Albany, can attract new visitors to weddings, sporting events, and cross country Implementation Item 2.5.2: Expand and a region and generate additional spending at skiing. enhance the region’s historic assets. local businesses. Photo credit: The Hollow -Develop an online and interactive map Bar+Kitchen Action Item 2.5: Market and expand the and inventory of local battles, sites, and historic region’s arts assets. shipwrecks. -Explore the feasibility of developing a Implementation Item 2.5.1: Inventory and Lake George Military Museum. market the region’s artistic resources. -Host and market battle reenactments. -Partner with the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) to promote local Objective 3: Retain existing businesses and artisans and craftsmen seek to attract new businesses, with a focus -Host craft fairs highlighting the re- upon industries that export goods outside the gion’s artisans. community including craft/light manufacturing and technology/information. Implementation Item 2.5.2: Empower new and aspiring artists within the region. Action Item 3.1: Recognizing that the area’s -Identify underutilized and less valuable greatest regional competitive advantage is its commercial space and provide shared studio high quality of life and proximity to natural and Increasing the allowable density allong Route space for artists recreational assets, create a digital brochure 9, as well as bringing new development to the -Work with ANCA to develop shared (with a printable function) highlighting the sidewalk, will encourage a more pedestrian- marketing opportunities for artists. quality of life available in the community (see friendly environment and foster additional -Provide showcase space for sculptors Action Item 1.2). small business development. at the Visitor’s Center as well as park spaces Page 17 Action Item 3.2: Support existing local George. practices. manufacturers and work to attract new “cottage- -Commission a market study to deter- industries” to the community. mine the current and potential future demand Action Item 3.3: Attract and retain entrepre- for office space in Lake George. neurs, with a focus on the information sector. Implementation Item 3.2.1: Work with -Promote the results of this study to regional economic development leaders includ- encourage landowners to expand the existing Implementation Item 3.4.1: Improve and ing Warren County Economic Development office space in the community. expand business services and infrastructure. Corporation, the Center for Economic Growth, -Seek State and Federal grants where Explore the development of a shared maker- regional commercial and industrial real estate possible to promote new office development. space/workspace. brokers, regional business owners, and Empire -Work with the local library to offer State development to develop a manufacturing Implementation Item 3.2.4: Identify and services necessary for people to work remotely sector growth strategy. inventory additional sites for potential craft from Lake George. -Develop a business recruitment work- manufacturing use within the Hamlet. -Expand the services available to tele- group to identify challenges to development workers and remote workers at the local library in Lake George, address such challenges, and Implementation Item 3.2.4 Pursue the re- including Wi-Fi availability, convenient 9am-6- develop a marketing plan to attract new busi- cruitment of an institutional facility such as an pm hours, printing and scanning facilities, and nesses. auxiliary college campus or medical campus. potentially computer support. -Host quarterly roundtables with second -Meet with regional universities to home owners in the area to leverage their pro- gauge interest in the development of an auxil- Implementation Item 3.4.2: Work with fessional experiences in promoting the region as lary campus in Lake George. Adirondack Teleworks to train and link resi- a place to do business. -Meet with local health care providers dents to telecommuter jobs (www.adirondack- to ascertain the market feasibility of a medical teleworks.com) Implementation Item 3.2.2: Pursue the facility in Lake George. -Offer computer teleworking training development of a pre-identified commerce to the local workforce in collaboration with park that is marketable to businesses and pre- Implementation Item 3.2.5: Identify Adirondack Teleworks. approved for such development. incentives, including grant funding and property -Market the Teleworks program through -Work with the current property owners tax abatements, which will allow existing busi- brochures at the library and schools, as well as of the land identified in this plan as ideal for a nesses to expand, attract new businesses, and through a traditional public relations strategy commerce park to develop the site. encourage entrepreneurship in the region. (newspaper stories, local television interviews, -Coordinate the installation of necessary -Market local and State incentives for etc.). facilities to accommodate development. manufacturing businesses to the area workforce, -Market the commerce park to regional with the goal of encouraging local manufac- Objective 4: Ensure that community laws and real estate agents and economic developers to turing industry employees to start small-scale infrastructure are consistent and compatible build interest in the property. manufacturing/cottage industry businesses. with the growth desired by community. -Explore the use of local tax abatements Implementation Item 3.2.3: Facilitate the for projects in the central business district or Action Item 4.1: Develop the sewer and development of modern office space in Lake implement environmentally-sound building water facilities necessary to accommodate new Page 18 development in Lake George. or explore the use of an overlay district that using NYS Brownfield Opportunity Area fund- encourages this type of environment. ing to redevelop areas affected by the presence Implementation Item 4.1.1: Work with of brownfield sites. NYS EFC to identify and pursue state and Implementation Item 4.3.1: Explore the federal grant and loan funding to improve water feasibility of increasing density and building and sewer infrastructure. heights to accommodate diverse housing types as well as office buildings. Implementation Item 4.1.2: Extend water and sewer infrastructure into areas of the Ham- Action Item 4.4: Ensure the community let that do not currently have access to such regularly updates its broadband infrastructure infrastructure. so that residents and businesses alike have ac- cess to the fastest possible internet speeds. Action Item 4.2: Expand public parking in Lake George’s hamlet center without detracting Action Item 4.5: Explore the need for and from the community’s main street fabric. possibility of expanding the Adirondack Park Agency-designated Hamlet Land Use Area Implementation Item 4.2.1: Require new within the town, with particular attention to the parking spaces to be set behind buildings to Luzerne Road. preserve the visual quality of the street. This can be included in updated zoning documents Action Item 4.6: Continue to monitor for or through the use of an overlay district (See and incorporate best practices to ensure storm- Action Item 4.3). water runoff into Lake George is minimized. Additionally, alternatives to road salt should Implementation Item 4.2.2: Seek to lease continue to be evaluated. underutilized land to allow for the construction of additional parking lots. Action Item 4.7: Monitor and protect the water quality of Lake George. Implementation Item 4.2.3: Work with local churches, whose lots are vacant for much Implementation Item 4.7.1: Continue the of the week, to allow for public parking during Lake George Boat Inspection program to pre- non-church hours. vent invasive species from entering the lake.

Action Item 4.3: Current zoning along the Implementation Item 4.7.2: Immediately Gateway Corridor largely precludes “main remediate invasive species infestations as they street” type development. The Town could are identified. either potentially alter the existing zoning code to facilitate mixed-use walkable development Action Item 4.8: Explore the feasiblity of