City of Watervliet Section II. Inventory and Analysis of Existing Conditions
Section II Inventory and Analysis of Existing Conditions Inventory and Analysis of Existing Conditions Watervliet Overview The City of Watervliet, located 5 miles north of Albany, New York’s state capital, grew along the western bank of the Hudson River. With the Erie Canal and the Hudson River, the City was a significant maritime center during the 19th century. Since the 1970s, the City has been separated from the River by Interstate-787, a major limited access highway that connects downtown Albany with the City of Cohoes, north of Watervliet. Watervliet, at 916 acres, or 1.3 square miles, is one of the smallest communities in Albany County. It is approximately 150 miles north of New York City, 200 miles west of Boston, and 200 miles south of Montreal. The Town of Colonie encircles Watervliet on three sides, with the Hudson River forming the City’s eastern View from Hudson Shores Park. boundary. Other neighbors include the Village of Menands to the south, the City of Cohoes and the Village and Town of Green Island to the north, and the City of Troy across the river to the east. Like many other small cities and villages across New York State, Watervliet has experienced a population decline in recent years. While the City’s overall population is decreasing, the City is becoming more diverse. In addition, as the number of residents decreases, the City’s elderly population is increasingly comprising a larger portion of the City’s population. With the number of families living in Watervliet decreasing, the City‘s share of renters and non-resident landlords has increased.
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