VILLAGE of NORTHVILLE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Village Board Review Rev 1

Home , Great Sacandaga Lake, Sacandaga River

2017

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Village Board Review Rev 1

ADOPTED: RESOLUTION: ~ 0 ~

VISION STATEMENT

In 2035, as you cross the bridge into Northville you will find the Village to be an age diverse yet community minded population living in a quaint and historical atmosphere having a relaxed lifestyle complimented by a strong commercial tax base. The Village's commercial core area will provide residents and visitors with a wide variety of essential goods and services such as grocery, convenience and hardware stores, pharmacy and a bank. The commercial core will 4also be home to a mix of residential uses located above existing commercial buildings providing for an increase in population density to support the commercial establishments. Excellent emergency services to include ambulance, fire and police will continue to serve and be supported by the local population. A healthcare facility will continue to operate within the Village and continue to provide general healthcare services using the latest technologies. Among these essential service establishments, you will find just as many unique family owned and operated businesses such as restaurants, a recreational outfitter, outdoor sporting goods establishment and specialty foods.

The Village will feature a low property tax rate and a government that is proactive, ready to assist and support, financially and by other means initiatives important to its citizens. Housing choices will be available for both senior citizens, millennials and young families alike. The Village shall continue to support and be served by a strong school system educating students for both college and the 21st Century workforce through increased educational technologies and disciplines. The Northville Public Library will continue to provide excellent media resources for all age groups.

Year-round tourism shall remain the most vital and integral component of the Village's economy and will be aggressively promoted by a shared Village/Town Tourism Director and a strong Merchants and/or other Civic Association utilizing the latest advertising and active website technologies.

The Village will be regionally recognized as a premier recreational destination stop where visitors can enjoy year round outdoor recreational opportunities via the Northville-Lake Placid Trailhead and year round municipal access to the Great Sacandaga Lake for boating and snowmobiling activities. Year round bed and breakfast facilities will provide attractive and unique visitor accommodations. Performances and exhibits sponsored by a regional arts organization will provide cultural experiences for both residents and visitors alike.

The Village will strive to promote its close proximity to major urban areas like the Cities of Saratoga Springs and Albany, roughly a thirty to fifty minute drive, as an easy commute for either work or pleasure. To think one could touch down at the Albany International Airport from anywhere in the world and essentially "land" in the Village within one hours time illustrates the geographic relationship that Northville has with world class facilities.

The Village's tourism based economy, quaint and historical atmosphere, natural resources, year round outdoor recreational opportunities, housing for all ages and incomes, low tax rates, educational and cultural resources and excellent emergency services will continue to make Northville an attractive place to raise a family, visit and do business. ~ 1 ~

INTRODUCTION

For the past 27 years, the Village of Northville has been guided by a Comprehensive Plan that was adopted on September 19, 1990. Having aged 24 years, in 2014 the Village Board of Trustees made a decision to update the 1990 plan and created a Comprehensive Plan Committee to prepare the update. Between August 2014 and March 2017, the Comprehensive Plan Committee held twenty (23) meetings to discuss issues faced by the Village and to formulate recommendations to solve those issues. Public input was obtained through a public survey to Village residents and students in the Participation in Government class at Northville Central School. A special meeting of existing business owners was also held to discuss specific issues.

On August 19, 2014, the Village Board of Trustees formally appointed the following Committee made up of Village, Planning and Zoning Board representatives and Community members:

John Markiewicz, Village Board of Trustees Jim Conkling, Planning Board Carl Sedon, Planning Board Carl Ingalls, Zoning Board of Appeals Art Simmons, Zoning Board of Appeals Barbara Sperry, Community Member Ron Reu, Community Member

Support to this Committee was provided by:

Wendy Reu, Village Clerk Nathaniel Matthews, Village Treasurer Carm Greco, Village Attorney Gail Cramer, Village Historian Scott Henze, Planner, Fulton County Planning Department

Once the draft Plan was completed it was added to the Village of Northville website on December 7, 2016 and several color copies were made available for viewing at the office of the Village Clerk in order for the public to view the draft document. The Committee then conducted one (1) public hearing to obtain additional public input on the Plan. This hearing was held on February 1, 2017. The draft Plan was amended based upon input recieved. On March 28, 2017 the Comprehensive Plan Committee approved the Comprehensive Plan and forwarded it to the Village Board of Trustees.

The Village Board of Trustees held a public input session on August 15, 2017 and its own Public Hearing on the Plan on ______. The Village Board of Trustees adopted the Comprehensive Plan on ______.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CHAPTER 1: PUBLIC INPUT…………………………..…….…………………………………….. 6

CHAPTER 2: VILLAGE PROFILE………………………………………………………………….. 20

CHAPTER 3: HISTORY……………………………………………………………….……………… 37

CHAPTER 4: HOUSING……………………………………………………………………………. 40

CHAPTER 5: COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SERVICES AND RECREATION………… 52

CHAPTER 6: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION…………………….. 78

CHAPTER 7: TRANSPORTATION………………………………………………………………. 101

CHAPTER 8: PERIODIC REVIEW...... 111

APPENDICIES : (PUBLIC SURVEY) (HAMLET ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN) (FEBRUARY 1, 2017 PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS)

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MASTER LIST OF MAPS

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Housing Chapter: Residential Property Analysis by Ownership Map………………………. 46 Housing Needs Map…………………………………………………………………. 49

Community Facilities, Services & Recreation: CF-1 Community Facilities and Services Map……………………………. 52 CF-2 Waterfront Park………………………………………………………………. 60 CF-3 Village Green…………………………………………………………………… 61 CF-4 Main Street Park……………………………………………………………… 61 CF-5 Village and Town Beach…………………………………………………… 67 CF-6 Village and Town Beach Improvements……………………………. 67 CF-7 Existing Sidewalk Locations Analysis…………………………………. 68

Economic Development & Recreation: ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites………………………………… 86 ED-2 Former Bank Building on Main Street………………………………… 88 ED-3 Former Hotel on Main Street……………………………………………… 89 ED-4 Old Glove Shop…………………………………………………………………. 90 ED-5 Old Glove Shop Area…………………………………………………………. 90 ED-6 Water Street Park……………………………………………………………… 92 ED-7 Service Station Area…………………………………………………………. 93 ED-8 Snowmobile Access………………………………………………………….. 96

Transportation: T-1 Transportation Existing Conditions………………………………………. 101 T-2 Road Classifications…………………………………………………………….. 102 T-3 Street Intersections……………………………………………………………… 103 T-4 Traffic Analysis……………………………………………………………………. 103 T-5 South Main Street Causeway………………………………………………. 105 I-1 Bridge and Main Street………………………………………………………… 106 I-2 Bridge and Third Street………………………………………………………… 107 I-3 South Third and Washington Street……………………………………… 107 I-4 South Third Street and Van Arnam Avenue…………………………… 107 E-1 Waterfront Park Access Drive……………………………………………… 108

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E-2 U.S. Post Office Building along North Main Street…………………. 108 P-1 Main Street Parking Improvements………………………………………. 108

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CHAPTER 1: PUBLIC INPUT

This Comprehensive Plan is the vision for what the Village desires to be by the year 2035. This vision is based upon the entire Village's input, from those who are lifelong residents to those who have recently discovered Northville, from the existing seniors to the existing millennials, all input is essential.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee utilized several techniques to obtain the public’s input into the Comprehensive Plan. The Committee conducted a public survey and held a Public Hearing. All of the public input received was recorded and incorporated into this chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

1. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY:

The Comprehensive Plan Committee decided to obtain public input by conducting a survey. Committee members prepared a survey consisting of eight (8) questions. The survey was included within the May 6, 2015 water bill mailing that was direct mailed to the Village's 624 water accounts. Copies of the survey were also made available at Village Hall and the Northville Public Library. The Northville Central School senior class also completed and submitted forty (40) surveys as part of a Participation in Government Class. There were 121 responses received outside of the Northville Central School senior class. Overall participation was 24%.

The following is a summary of the public input received from the Comprehensive Plan Survey mailed to the general public (Not all participants answered every question):

2015 VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

QUESTION 1. THINGS LIKED BEST ABOUT THE VILLAGE

Response Total % Overall location/size/atmosphere & people 152 50% Village services/cleanliness (Highway Dept) 45 15% Great Sacandaga Lake/Waterfront 33 11% Small Businesses/Convenience 29 9% Public Safety (Police, Fire Dept., Ambulance Dept) 23 8% Existing Parks and Recreational Resources 21 7%

QUESTION 2. THINGS TO CHANGE IN VILLAGE

Response Total % Village Government (taxes, existing laws) 54 27% Less Blight 29 15% Condition of Roads, Sidewalks & streetscape 28 14% More variety of businesses/overall economy 28 14%

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Expand safe waterfront access (spillway) 26 13% More Social/Recreational Opportunities for all ages 20 10% Diversified Housing (Sr. Housing) 9 4% Expand public infrastructure (municipal sewer etc) 6 3%

QUESTION 3. THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE OR ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE VILLAGE:

Response Total % More Social/Recreational Opportunities for all ages 45 21% More Businesses/Variety of Businesses/Economy 37 17% Expand Safe waterfront access (spillway/water street) 29 13% Improve Roads/Sidewalks/Parking/Streetscape 25 11% More Housing Choices (Sr. Housing/Affordable) 16 7% Enforce existing/create new regulations 14 7% Maintain Historic Character/Small Town feel 12 6% Less Blight 10 5% Lower Taxes 9 4% Improve/expand infrastructure (water/sewer) 9 4% Increase Public Transportation 7 3% Improve Village Communication with residents/website 4 2%

QUESTION 4. SHOULD THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE PURSUE THESE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES?

Economic Development Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly No Objectives Disagree Opinion

Extend commercial 27 44 21 16 11 development outward along Main and Bridge Streets Promote the development of a 26 37 20 22 16 local brewery/pub Create new mixed 15 42 27 21 13 commercial/residential areas within the Village Spend tax dollars to create and 24 44 21 9 22 maintain a Village website

Spend tax dollars to purchase 30 38 18 22 12 and demolish dilapidated buildings for new business to locate on. Pursue the creation of a shared 36 51 13 5 14 Village/Town Tourism Department

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Pursue the development of a 28 27 19 18 21 Village of Northville owned and operated sewer system Invest in the Town of 19 30 18 22 23 Northampton’s Sacandaga Park sewer system to accommodate the Village of Northville Develop and implement a 29 51 17 12 7 marketing/branding strategy to promote the Village of Northville to new businesses, housing developers and potential tourists Pursue the development of a free 30 36 13 11 28 WiFi hotspot within the Village’s downtown area

QUESTION 4. (CONT'D) WHAT IS MISSING FROM THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND HOW SHOULD THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE FILL THIS GAP:

Response Total % Expand variety of businesses (clothing, restaurants, entertainment) 58 37% Expand Recreational Opportunities/Facilities for all age groups 24 15% Expand Tourism (Attractions and Accommodations) 18 12% Market Village 12 8% Diversify Housing Types (Senior Housing) 10 6% Employment Opportunities 7 5% Venue for Receptions/Gatherings 7 5% Expand Social Events/Opportunities for all age groups 7 5% Infrastructure (water/sewer, gas, WiFi) 5 3% Young Families 5 3% Public Transportation 2 1% Less Blight 1 >1%

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QUESTION 5. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT DIVERSITY OF HOUSING TYPES IN THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE? Yes 55 No 65

If no, please identify, in order of priority, the five (5) types of new housing that should be developed in the Village. 1 should be the most important and 5 being the least important.

Housing Type 1 2 3 4 5

Single-family homes 12 1 8 9 6

Two-Family homes 4 3 4 7 5

Apartments/affordable 13 5 15 11 7 housing Townhouses/Condominiums 7 7 4 5 8

Second home/seasonal home 3 3 3 8 development Senior Housing 52 11 3 1 2

Assisted Living Facilities for 20 28 9 2 Seniors Loft style living space above 14 5 7 10 11 commercial space NOTE: On some surveys, surveyor did not use numbers to prioritize and only checked a couple of categories. On those surveys, tallied all checked as being priority 1.

QUESTION 6. SHOULD THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE SPEND TAX DOLLARS DEVELOPING OR IMPROVING THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES?

Community Recreational Facilities Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly No Agree Disagree Opinion Expand Waterfront Park 24 32 29 17 14

New Community Center 24 37 26 11 14

Plant/replant street trees 30 52 12 7 16

New Senior Center 23 48 16 5 21

Organize/implement 4th of July 29 55 10 5 15 celebration

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Paving municipal parking lots 19 47 20 7 20 New playgrounds not on School 12 26 38 17 20 property New athletic courts and fields not 13 24 41 15 20 on school property Assist NCS in maintaining their 33 41 18 13 10 recreational facilities (Tennis/basketball courts, track etc.) Replace/repair damaged sidewalks 47 59 1 6 5 and street to sidewalk grassed buffer area Improve/Expand Village Hall 5 22 39 23 24

New Municipal boat access (docks) 36 29 26 8 14 to the Great Sacandaga Lake New Municipal access (docks) to 32 30 27 14 12 the Northville Lake Promote/develop snowmobile 28 32 25 18 11 route into Village to access businesses

QUESTION 6 (CONT'D) THREE (3) MOST IMPORTANT COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IDENTIFIED:

Replace/repair damaged sidewalks and street to sidewalk grassed buffer area 48 New Senior Center 30 New Municipal boat access (docks) to the Great Sacandaga Lake 30 New Municipal access (docks) to the Northville Lake 28 Plant/replant street trees 26 New Community Center 22 Expand Waterfront Park 22 Assist NCS in maintaining their recreational facilities (Tennis/basketball 22 courts, track etc.) Organize/implement 4th of July celebration 16 Paving municipal parking lots 16 Promote/develop snowmobile route into Village to access businesses 14 New playgrounds not on School property 11 New athletic courts and fields not on school property 6 Improve/Expand Village Hall 2

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QUESTION 7. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

A. How old are you?

18 or under 19-35 36-64 65-74 75+ 2 6 43 45 23

B. What is your sex?

Male Female Transgender 56 64 1

C. Where do you live?

Village Town (Outside of the Village) Non-Resident property owner 86 19 16

D. How many years have you lived here?

0-10 10-20 20+ 26 24 64

E. How do you use your property in Northville?

Main Second Investment Residence Business Home Property Other 87 5 21 9 5

F. What is your employment status?

Full-time Part-time Self- College Student employed employed employed Student Retired Other 2 31 7 15 65 4

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The following is a summary of the input received from the Northville Central School Participation in Government Senior Class Comprehensive Plan Survey:

2015 VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY RESULTS NORTHVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT CLASS

QUESTION 1. THINGS LIKED BEST ABOUT THE VILLAGE

Response Total % Overall location/size/atmosphere 56 51% Waterfront/Lake Access 19 17% Small Businesses/Convenience 17 16% Existing Parks and Recreational Resources 11 10% Public Safety (Police, Fire Dept., Ambulance Dept) 6 6%

QUESTION 2. THINGS TO CHANGE IN VILLAGE

Response Total % More businesses/overall economy 22 28% More Social/Recreational Opportunities 19 24% Blight 12 15% NCS/NCS Facilities (Recreational/Sports Fields) 12 15% Condition of Roads and Sidewalks 11 14% Village Government 3 4%

QUESTION 3. THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE OR ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE VILLAGE:

Response Total % More Social/Recreational Opportunities 19 23% Improve Roads/Sidewalks/Streetscape 19 23% More Businesses/Variety of Businesses 18 22% Improve/Expand Existing Recreational Facilities 12 14% Less Blight/Improve Cleanliness 10 12% More Housing Choices 3 4% Increase Public Transportation 2 2%

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QUESTION 4. SHOULD THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE PURSUE THESE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES?

Economic Development Objectives Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly No Disagree Opinion

Extend commercial development 9 16 5 2 8 outward along Main and Bridge Streets

Promote the development of a local 11 21 4 0 4 brewery/pub Create new mixed 6 22 7 0 5 commercial/residential areas within the Village Spend tax dollars to create and maintain 1 5 15 9 10 a Village website

Spend tax dollars to purchase and 13 13 5 1 8 demolish dilapidated buildings for new business to locate on. Pursue the creation of a shared 3 19 7 2 9 Village/Town Tourism Department

Pursue the development of a Village of 1 14 1 1 23 Northville owned and operated sewer system Invest in the Town of Northampton’s 2 13 2 1 21 Sacandaga Park sewer system to accommodate the Village of Northville Develop and implement a 11 16 7 0 6 marketing/branding strategy to promote the Village of Northville to new businesses, housing developers and potential tourists Pursue the development of a free WiFi 19 19 0 1 1 hotspot within the Village’s downtown area

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QUESTION 4 (CONT'D.) WHAT IS MISSING FROM THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND HOW SHOULD THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE FILL THIS GAP:

Response Total % Expand variety of businesses (clothing, restaurants, entertainment) 36 40% Infrastructure (water/sewer) 11 12% Less Blight 11 12% Expand Recreational Opportunities/Facilities for all age groups 10 11% Expand Social Events/Opportunities for all age groups 9 10% Expand Tourism (Attractions and Accommodations) 5 6% Market Village 4 5% Improve Roads/Sidewalks 1 1% Diversify Housing Types 1 1% Public Transportation 1 1%

QUESTION 5. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT DIVERSITY OF HOUSING TYPES IN THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE?

Yes 23 No 16

If no, please identify, in order of priority, the five (5) types of new housing that should be developed in the Village. 1 should be the most important and 5 being the least important.

Housing Type 1 2 3 4 5

Single-family homes 4 5 2 1 4

Two-Family homes 1 3 5 3 1

Apartments/affordable 11 3 2 1 1 housing Townhouses/Condominiums 1 4 1 1 2

Second home/seasonal home 0 0 3 2 1 development Senior Housing 1 3 1 3 5

Assisted Living Facilities for 1 3 0 0 2 Seniors Loft style living space above 0 1 3 6 1 commercial space

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QUESTION 6. SHOULD THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE SPEND TAX DOLLARS DEVELOPING OR IMPROVING THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES?

Community Recreational Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly No Facilities Agree Disagree Opinion

Expand Waterfront Park 7 17 10 0 6

New Community Center 1 15 12 0 10

Plant/replant street trees 9 26 4 1 0

New Senior Center 1 18 9 0 12

Organize/implement 4th of July 14 15 8 0 3 celebration Paving municipal parking lots 6 22 7 1 4 New playgrounds not on School 7 17 11 0 4 property New athletic courts and fields 12 18 6 1 3 not on school property Assist NCS in maintaining their 20 17 1 0 0 recreational facilities (Tennis/basketball courts, track etc.) Replace/repair damaged 23 16 1 0 0 sidewalks and street to sidewalk grassed buffer area Improve/Expand Village Hall 0 9 11 2 19

New Municipal boat access 5 18 6 0 11 (docks) to the Great Sacandaga Lake New Municipal access (docks) to 3 15 10 0 12 the Northville Lake Promote/develop snowmobile 9 21 5 0 5 route into Village to access businesses

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QUESTION 6 (CONT'D) THREE (3) MOST IMPORTANT COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IDENTIFIED:

Replace/repair damaged sidewalks and street to sidewalk grassed buffer area 21 Assist NCS in maintaining their recreational facilities (Tennis/basketball 17 courts, track etc.) Plant/replant street trees 14 Organize/implement 4th of July celebration 11 Paving municipal parking lots 10 New athletic courts and fields not on school property 10 Promote/develop snowmobile route into Village to access businesses 10 Expand Waterfront Park 9 New playgrounds not on School property 7 New Community Center 3 New Municipal boat access (docks) to the Great Sacandaga Lake 3 New Municipal access (docks) to the Northville Lake 2 New Senior Center 1

QUESTION 7: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

A. How old are you?

18 or under 19-35 36-64 65+ 36 4

B. What is your sex?

Male Female 24 16

C. Where do you live?

Village Town (Outside of the Village) Non-Resident property owner 15 23 3

D. How many years have you lived here?

0-10 10-20 20+ 14 26

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E. How do you use your property in Northville?

Main Second Investment Residence Business Home Property Other 39 2

F. What is your employment status?

Full-time Part-time Self- College Student employed employed employed Student Retired Other 37 1 9 1 2

2. INPUT FROM LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS:

The Comprehensive Plan Committee wanted to hear from local business owners regarding various economic development issues and topics such as the need for additional transient beds (hotel) or the Village investing dollars to hire a tourism director to what the keys are to promoting the Village on a year-round basis.

On September 9, 2015, the Committee sent a letter invitation to thirty-four (34) local business owners requesting their attendance at the September 29, 2015 committee meeting. Four (4) business owners attended the meeting. The following is a summary of comments to specific questions asked by the Committee to business owners:

 Hiring a Tourism Director- o If position could be funded in part by the Town of Northampton and/or grant funding. o Economic Development should be a major focus for the Village.

 Centralized Commercial Area Sewer System - o Would be a difficult sell to those commercial establishments who have properly functioning septic systems. o Why would those business owners want another cost burden placed on them?

 Establish a Trolley Transportation System in Village - o This is an interesting idea and should be pursued on a trial basis at first. o It is known that the Great Sacandaga Lake is the primary attraction for the area, getting tourists from the Great Sacandaga into the Village is difficult, a trolley system may work. o Maybe grant funding is available within Tourism grants?

 Re-establish Hotel - o A hotel is needed, and in general more tourist accommodations are needed. o A public/private partnership should be pursued if it is in the best interest of the Village as a whole.

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 Business Development - o Unique businesses should be encouraged. o Businesses establishing in the Village should not necessarily compete with one another but should benefit from one another.

 Village Brand - o Undergoing a Village Branding exercise should be looked into but the cost should be offset through grant funding. o If undertaken, a Village Branding exercise should be a very public initiative. o Anything to enhance the Village's year-round economy should be pursued.

 NBT Bank Property Reuse - o Skeptical about a local Brew Pub competing with established businesses. o Not totally understood as to what a Brew Pub is. o Concerned about clientele and disruption to the Village.

 Village Snowmobile Access - o Has been talked about in the past. o Many residents fear allowing snowmobiles in the Village will create noise issues, particularly during the evening hours. o Could be economically beneficial for established businesses. o Should be pursued in a coordinated and planned way. o Would need to figure out how to enforce restrictions/regulations if allowed.

 Public Parking - o Maximize parking spaces via existing public parking areas particularly Waterfront Park. o Should not look to add additional public parking lots in the Village by demolishing existing buildings. o Utilize all Community Facilities parking such as congregations.

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3. PUBLIC HEARING:

General Municipal Law required the Comprehensive Plan Committee to conduct a formal public hearing on the draft Comprehensive Plan. This hearing had to be conducted before the Plan was formally transmitted to the Village Board for approval. The Comprehensive Plan Committee conducted this public hearing on February 1, 2017. The Public Hearing was held at the Northville Central School auditorium in anticipation that there would be many in attendance. Total attendance during the public hearing was 95+/- people of which there were 26+/- speakers. The Comprehensive Plan Committee also drafted and distributed a voluntary public comment sheet to be completed and left in a comment box. At the conclusion of the Public Hearing, there were nine (9) public comment sheets provided. (See February 1, 2017 Public Hearing Comments in Appendices).

4. RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. In order to disseminate specific types of information to the public on important topics and "happenings" within the Village, the Village should consider adding additional/alternative resources. Some of the additional resources the Village should consider could include:

1. Enhance the informational marquee located at the Village Green. This could include additional lighting or some form of electronic display. 2. Utilize a mass email system such as Nixle.com or MailChimp.com. 3. Engage the services of an Information Specialist to develop a customized mass notification system for the Village.

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CHAPTER 2: VILLAGE PROFILE

1. POPULATION TRENDS:

Between 1970 and 1980, the Village's population increased from 1,192 to 1,304 or by 112 persons. Since 1980, the Village's population has steadily decreased. The 2010 Census showed that there are 1,099 residents in the Village.

The population decline between 1980-2010 is not unique to the Village of Northville. As shown in the following table, similar decreases were experienced in most Villages in Fulton County. Since 1970, the populations within Fulton County's Village's have decreased.

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POPULATION TRENDS IN FULTON COUNTY

MUNICIPALITY 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 City of Gloversville 18,349 20,642 22,075 23,099 23,329 23,634 21,741 19,677 17,836 16,656 15,413 15,665 City of Johnstown 10,130 10,447 10,908 10,801 10,666 10,923 10,390 10,045 9,360 9,058 8,511 8,743 Total Cities 28,479 31,089 32,983 33,900 33,995 34,557 32,131 29,722 27,196 25,714 23,924 24,408

Bleecker 603 500 389 202 190 220 245 294 463 515 573 533 Broadalbin 1,946 1,845 1,949 2,226 2,300 2,543 2,945 3,542 4,074 4,397 5,066 5,260 Caroga 470 441 332 306 408 462 568 822 1,177 1,337 1,407 1,205 Ephratah 1,566 1,312 1,038 949 1,045 1,063 1,237 1,297 1,564 1,556 1,693 1,682 Johnstown 2,661 2,511 1,948 2,612 3,561 4,153 5,120 5,750 6,719 6,418 7,166 7,098 Mayfield 2,136 2,056 1,866 2,077 2,734 3,145 3,613 4,522 5,439 5,738 6,432 6,495 Northampton 2,226 2,228 2,191 1,919 1,761 1,925 2,033 2,379 2,289 2,705 2,760 2,670 Oppenheim 1,258 1,241 1,812 1,147 1,202 1,290 1,223 1,431 1,806 1,848 1,774 1,924 Perth 667 695 596 838 1,000 1,299 1,768 2,383 3,261 3,377 3,638 3,646 Stratford 830 607 453 384 401 464 421 495 625 586 640 610 Total Towns 14,363 13,436 12,574 12,660 14,602 16,564 19,173 22,915 27,417 28,477 31,149 31,123

Village of 1,192 1,304 1,180 1,139 1,099 Northville Village of Mayfield 981 944 817 811 840 Village of Broadalbin 1,452 1,415 1,397 1,418 1,327 Village of Dolgeville 627 529 442 428 415 (In Fulton County) Total Villages 4,252 4,192 3,836 3,792 3,681 Total Fulton County 42,842 44,525 45,557 46,560 48,597 51,121 51,304 52,637 54,613 54,191 55,073 55,531 * Note that the total Town population between 1970-2010 includes the Village population for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

The 2010 Census showed that a long term trend of population growth in the ten (10) towns and a decline in the two (2) Cities may have reversed. In 2010, the population in the ten (10) towns was 31,123, which was a decline of 26 from 2000. In comparison, the population in the two (2) Cities increased by 484 between 2000 and 2010. Following in line with Town trends, the total Village population between 2000 and 2010 decreased by 111.

The following is a summary of key population trends in Fulton County based upon the results of the 2010 Census: 1) Between 2000 and 2010, Fulton County’s overall population increased by 458 or 0.8%. 2) Between 2000 and 2010, the population of the Cities of Gloversville and Johnstown increased by 484 or 2.0%. 3) Between 2000 and 2010, the population in the towns decreased by 26 or 0.1%. 4) Between 2000 and 2010, the population in the villages decreased by 111 or 3%. 5) Between 2000 and 2010, the City of Gloversville had the highest absolute population increase with 252 followed by the City of Johnstown with 232.

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6) Between 2000 and 2010, six (6) of the ten (10) towns in Fulton County experienced population decreases. Of the six (6) towns whose populations decreased, Northampton ranks second with a population decrease of 90. 7) The increased populations in the two (2) Cities in 2010 reverses a 50-year trend of population decreases. 8) The decreased population of the ten (10) towns in 2010 reverses an 80-year trend of population increases.

The following table compares the trends in the distribution of Fulton County’s population between the Cities and Towns:

Year Total Population in % Total Total Population in % Total Total County Cities Towns Population 1950 34,557 67.6% 16,564 32.4% 51,121 1960 32,131 62.6% 19,173 37.4% 51,304 1970 29,722 56.5% 22,915 43.5% 52,637 1980 27,196 49.8% 27,417 50.2% 54,613 1990 25,714 47.5% 28,477 52.5% 54,191 2000 23,924 43.4% 31,149 56.6% 55,073 2010 24,408 44.0% 31,123 56.0% 55,531

The age of the Village of Northville's population has been increasing at a rate greater than Fulton County as a whole. As shown in the table below, the average age of Village residents increased from 32.9 in 1980 to 43.7 in 2010, an increase of 10.8 years or 32.8%, while the County’s overall average age increased by only 9.0 years or 27.4% during the same time period.

MEDIAN AGE IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1980-2010 Change 1980- % Change 1980- Change % Change Municipality 1980 1990 2000 2010 2010 2010 2000-2010 2000-2010

City of Gloversville 34.1 34.9 37.3 37.1 3.0 8.8% -0.2 -0.5%

City of Johnstown 33.4 35.9 39.0 40.4 7.0 21.0% 1.4 3.6%

Town of Bleecker 33.4 37.0 45.0 51.7 18.3 54.8% 6.7 14.9%

Town of Broadalbin 32.3 35.5 37.8 41.4 9.1 28.2% 3.6 9.5%

Town of Caroga 32.3 35.5 41.7 46.9 14.6 45.2% 5.2 12.5%

Town of Ephratah 29.2 32.1 36.7 44.2 15.0 51.4% 7.5 20.4%

Town of Johnstown 32.7 37.7 40.1 44.7 12.0 36.7% 4.6 11.5%

Town of Mayfield 31.3 34.8 38.9 45.4 14.1 45.0% 6.5 16.7%

Town of Northampton 32.5 37.3 42.0 46.0 13.5 41.5% 4.0 9.5%

Town of Oppenheim 29.2 31.7 38.2 41.5 12.3 42.1% 3.3 8.6%

Town of Perth 30.9 33.2 36.6 43.2 12.3 39.8% 6.6 18.0%

Town of Stratford 26.8 31.7 40.8 46.2 19.4 72.4% 5.4 13.2%

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Village of Northville 32.9 37.2 41 43.7 10.8 32.8% 2.7 6.6%

Village of Mayfield 32.6 32.5 36 37.5 4.9 15.0% 1.5 4.2%

Village of Broadalbin 36.4 32.9 37 40.7 4.3 11.8% 3.7 10%

Village of Dolgeville 33.3 29.5 41 39.8 6.5 19.5% 1.2 2.9% (In Fulton County) Fulton County 32.8 35.2 38.6 41.8 9.0 27.4% 3.2 8.3%

* Note that the median age of Town populations between 1980-2010 includes the Village median age for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

The 2010 Census showed that the Town of Northampton has the fourth oldest (46.0) average age of all Fulton County municipalities, with the Town of Bleecker having the oldest (51.7). As of the 2010 Census, the Village of Northville has the highest median age (43.7) of all Villages within Fulton County. In comparison, the average age of the population of the entire State of New York is 38.0.

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE POPULATION TRENDS 1980-2010 1980 1990 2000 2010 Total Population 1,304 1,180 1,135 1,099 Population Per Household -- 2.41 2.3 2.3 Median Age 32.9 37.2 41.0 43.7 Population 65+ 206 198 222 229 Population 75+ -- 99 91 110 Population 85+ -- 23 38 29

Not only has the average age of the Village's population grown, but so has its elderly population. As shown below, the Village's 65+ population increased between 1990 and 2010, from 198 to 229 or 15.7%. As of the 2010 census, the Village of Northville has the greatest population of 65+ residents than any other Village in Fulton County.

TRENDS IN 65+ POPULATION IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1980-2010 Municipality 1980 1990 2000 2010 Change % Change

City of Gloversville 3,326 3,300 2,754 2,188 -1138 -34.2%

City of Johnstown 1,639 1,774 1,634 1,597 -42 -2.6%

Total Cities 4,965 5,074 4,388 3,785 -1180 -36.7%

Town of Bleecker 57 73 102 107 50 87.7%

Town of Broadalbin 484 617 685 713 229 47.3%

Town of Caroga 133 158 234 195 62 46.6%

Town of Ephratah 142 146 199 244 102 71.8%

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Town of Johnstown 907 1,007 1,191 1,235 328 36.2%

Town of Mayfield 598 748 907 1,117 519 86.8%

Town of Northampton 390 417 490 547 157 40.3%

Town of Oppenheim 195 216 233 257 62 31.8%

Town of Perth 291 442 464 598 307 105.5%

Town of Stratford 76 69 87 103 27 35.5%

Total Towns 3,273 3,893 4,592 5,116 1,843 56.3%

Village of Northville 206 198 222 229 23 11.2%

Village of Mayfield 133 130 121 107 26 19.5%

Village of Broadalbin 236 260 222 207 29 12.3

Village of Dolgeville -- 16 ------(In Fulton County) Fulton County 8,238 8,961 8,980 8,901 663 8.0% * Note that the 65+ age group Town populations between 1980-2010 includes the Village 65+ age group for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

At the other end of the age spectrum, between 2000-2010, the number of school-age children (5- 19) decreased by 15 or 7%. The declining number of school-age children will have an impact on school enrollments. Likewise, the 35-44 age group had the greatest decrease of 34 or 24.6%.

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE POPULATION BY AGE 2000-2010 2000 2010 2000-2010 2000-2010 % Change Change Under 5 82 70 -12 -14.6% 5-9 76 60 -16 -21.1% 10-14 68 75 7 10.3% 15-19 66 60 -6 -9.1% 20-24 69 70 1 1.4% 25-34 128 128 0 0.0% 35-44 138 104 -34 -24.6% 45-54 163 141 -22 -13.5% 55-59 84 84 0 0.0% 60-64 43 78 35 81.4% 65-74 131 119 -12 -9.2% 75-84 53 81 28 52.8% 85+ 38 29 -9 -23.7% Total 1,139 1,099 -40 -3.5%

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2. HOUSING TRENDS:

A. Total Housing Units:

As shown below, in 2010, there were 581 housing units in the Village. Between 1980-2000, the total number of housing units in the Village increased by 44. During that same time period, the Village's population decreased by 165.

TRENDS IN NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1970-2010 Municipality 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Change 2000- % Change 2010

City of Gloversville 7,514 7,795 7,596 7,540 7,477 -63 -0.8% City of Johnstown 3,693 3,912 3,971 3,979 4,047 68 1.7% Total Cities 11,207 11,707 11,567 11,519 11,524 5 0.0%

Town of Bleecker 267 344 380 429 487 58 13.5% Town of Broadalbin 1,657 2,028 2,287 2,625 2,736 111 4.2% Town of Caroga 1,538 1,713 1,797 1,794 1,708 -86 -4.8% Town of Ephratah 425 603 601 720 759 39 5.4% Town of Johnstown 1,937 2,412 2,459 2,728 2,914 186 6.8% Town of Mayfield 1,961 2,650 2,777 3,211 3,436 225 7.0% Town of Northampton 1,268 1,685 1,843 1,962 2,026 64 3.3% Town of Oppenheim 544 691 791 858 897 39 4.5% Town of Perth 751 1,143 1,277 1,416 1,529 113 8.0% Town of Stratford 422 531 481 525 546 21 4.0% Total Towns 10,770 13,800 14,693 16,268 17,038 770 4.7%

Village of Northville 554 586 598 581 -17 -2.8% Village of Mayfield 370 333 355 364 9.0 2.5% Village of Broadalbin 536 591 596 600 4.0 .70% Village of Dolgeville 74 41 100 ------(In Fulton County) Fulton County 21,977 25,507 26,260 27,787 28,562 775 2.8% * Note that the number of Housing Units within the Town totals between 1980-2010 include the Village totals for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

B. Seasonal Housing Units:

As shown below, between 2000-2010, there was a decrease of 3 seasonal housing units. During the same time period, the total number of housing units also decreased by 17 units. As of the 2010 census, Northville ranks number one with the most seasonal units (61) of all villages within Fulton County.

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TRENDS IN NUMBER OF SEASONAL UNITS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1970-2010 Municipality 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Change 2000- % Change 2010 City of Gloversville 6 3 16 31 48 17 55% City of Johnstown 2 4 11 12 26 14 117% Total Cities 8 7 27 43 74 31 72%

Town of Bleecker 159 138 156 170 232 62 36% Town of Broadalbin 38 482 513 531 479 -52 -10% Town of Caroga 1,251 1,252 1,279 1,130 1,114 -16 -1% Town of Ephratah 32 60 39 46 54 8 17% Town of Johnstown 113 132 116 158 190 32 20% Town of Mayfield 451 667 563 478 614 136 28% Town of Northampton 180 558 708 716 761 45 6% Town of Oppenheim 63 48 86 91 100 9 10% Town of Perth 7 3 17 19 9 -10 -53% Town of Stratford 233 320 267 249 280 31 12% Total Towns 2,527 3,660 3,744 3,588 3,833 245 7%

Village of Northville 73 63 61 -3 -4.8% Village of Mayfield 17 13 18 5 38% Village of Broadalbin 3 9 10 1 11% Village of Dolgeville 0 -- 11 -- Fulton County 2,535 3,667 3,771 3,631 3,907 276 8% * Note that the number of Seasonal Housing Units within the Town totals between 1980-2010 include the Village totals for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

C. Housing Type:

1. Owner Occupied: In 2010, there were 306 owner-occupied housing units in the Village, which represented 53% of all housing units. However, between 2000-2010 the number of Owner Occupied Housing Units decreased by 3.5%.

TRENDS IN NUMBER OF OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1970-2010 Municipality 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change Change City of Gloversville 4,164 4,064 3,802 3,515 3,356 -159 -4.5%

City of Johnstown 2,247 2,293 2,273 2,136 2,162 26 1.2%

Total Cities 6,411 6,357 6,075 5,651 5,518 -133 -2.4%

Town of Bleecker 91 156 174 221 231 10 4.5%

Town of Broadalbin 941 1,236 1,409 1,639 1,748 109 6.7%

Town of Caroga 245 356 434 533 471 -62 -11.6%

Town of Ephratah 332 456 463 563 568 5 0.9%

Town of Johnstown 1,549 1,950 2,021 2,208 2,313 105 4.8%

Town of Mayfield 1,214 1,641 1,844 2,122 2,162 40 1.9%

Town of Northampton 601 776 803 879 871 -8 -0.9%

Town of Oppenheim 352 500 557 597 625 28 4.7%

Town of Perth 609 925 1,041 1,159 1,270 111 9.6%

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Town of Stratford 131 173 178 204 210 6 2.9%

Total Towns 6,065 8,169 8,924 10,125 10,469 344 3.4%

Village of Northville -- -- 316 317 306 -11 -3.5% Village of Mayfield -- -- 240 236 250 14 5.9% Village of Broadalbin -- -- 440 419 405 -14 -3.3% Village of Dolgeville ------595 -- -- Fulton County 12,476 14,526 14,999 15,776 15,987 211 1.3% * Note that the number of Owner Occupied Housing Units within the Town totals between 1970-2010 include the Village totals for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE HOUSING UNITS 1990-2010

TYPE 1990 2000 2010 1 Unit, Detached 374 396 TBD 1 Unit, Attached 2 6 TBD 2 to 4 Units 168 169 TBD 5 to 9 Units 8 12 TBD 10 or more Units -- -- TBD Mobile Home, Trailer, Other 34 19 TBD

With regards to the units in structure, there was one notable change between 1990 and 2000. The number of Mobile Home, Trailer & Other category decreased by 15 units.

2. Renter Occupied: As shown below, between 1990-2000, the number of Renter-occupied housing units in the Village increased from 174 to 178. As of the 2010 census, 29% of all housing units are renter occupied.

TRENDS IN NUMBER OF RENTER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1970-2010 Municipality 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Change 2000- % Change 2010 2000-2010 City of Gloversville 2,958 3,112 3,125 2,985 3,130 145 4.9% City of Johnstown 1,215 1,368 1,459 1,443 1,524 81 5.6% Total Cities 4,173 4,480 4,584 4,428 4,654 226 5.1%

Town of Bleecker 7 9 20 11 9 -2 -18.2% Town of Broadalbin 163 200 250 312 362 50 16.0% Town of Caroga 19 46 59 55 55 0 0.0% Town of Ephratah 38 50 55 62 87 25 40.3% Town of Johnstown 183 195 218 263 278 15 5.7% Town of Mayfield 204 239 304 413 507 94 22.8% Town of Northampton 178 243 250 284 280 -4 -1.4% Town of Oppenheim 80 106 93 88 105 17 19.3%

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Town of Perth 75 146 141 159 191 32 20.1% Town of Stratford 22 19 22 33 25 -8 -24.2% Total Towns 969 1,253 1,412 1,680 1,899 219 13.0%

Village of Northville -- -- 174 178 171 -7 -3.9% Village of Mayfield -- -- 67 73 71 -2 -2.7% Village of Broadalbin -- -- 117 136 147 11 8.1% Village of Dolgeville -- -- 16 13 ------Fulton County 5,142 5,733 5,996 6,108 6,553 445 7.3% * Note that the number of Renter Occupied Housing Units within the Town totals between 1970-2010 include the Village totals for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

3. INCOME TRENDS:

The Village of Northville's 2000 median household and per capita incomes were higher than the overall County's as a whole. As of the 2010 Census, the Village's per capita income is still higher than the County's however the County's median household income has exceeded that of the Villages.

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE INCOMES 1990-2010 1990 2000 2010* % Change Village: Per Capita $ 11,287 $ 17,808 $ 23,892 53% Median Household $ 21,776 $ 37,566 $ 44,333 51%

County: Per Capita $ 11,330 $ 16,844 $ 23,527 52% Median Household $ 23,862 $ 33,663 $ 45,333 47.4% * Based upon the US Censes 2008-2012 American Community 5-Year Estimate data.

The 2000 Census showed that 20.5% of Northville's 473 households earned an average income between $50,000-$74,999 dollars respectively. In addition, 147 of the 326 families in the Village, or 45%, had a family income over $50,000.

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD INCOME RANGES - 2000 Range Households % Families % Less than $10,000 40 8.5% 16 4.9% $10,000 - $14,999 48 10.1% 18 5.5% $15,000 - $24,999 69 14.6% 42 12.9% $25,000 - $34,999 70 14.8% 45 13.8% $35,000 - $49,999 84 17.8% 58 17.8% $50,000 - $74,999 97 20.5% 89 27.3% $75,000 - $99,999 43 9.1% 38 11.7% $100,000 - $149,999 18 3.8% 18 5.5%

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$150,000 - $199,999 2 0.4% 2 0.6% $200,000+ 2 0.4% -- 0.0% Total 473 326

4. POVERTY:

As shown below, in 2000, there were 155 individuals living in poverty in the Village of Northville. This was a decline of 2.5% from 1990. However, the Village of Northville has the greatest number of individuals living in poverty than all other Villages in Fulton County.

# OF INDIVIDUALS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 1970-2000

Municipality 1970 1980 1990 2000 Change % Change (1990-2000) (1990-2000) City of Gloversville 1,529 2,573 2,831 2,929 98 3.5% City of Johnstown 648 1,050 1,186 1,094 -92 -7.8% Total Cities 2,177 3,623 4,017 4,023 6 0.2% Town of Bleecker 12 40 51 25 -26 -51.0% Town of Broadalbin 255 378 301 260 -41 -13.6% Town of Caroga 12 179 144 124 -20 -13.9% Town of Ephratah 111 220 215 257 42 19.5% Town of Johnstown 537 341 470 576 106 22.6% Town of Mayfield 323 558 591 548 -43 -7.3% Town of 311 526 414 302 -112 -27.1% Northampton Town of Oppenheim 323 262 332 222 -110 -33.1% Town of Perth 121 173 237 199 -38 -16.0% Town of Stratford 62 97 117 150 33 28.2% Total Towns 2067 2774 2635 2663 28 1.1%

Village of Northville -- -- 159 155 -4 -2.5% Village of Mayfield -- -- 94 87 -7 -7.4% Village of Broadalbin -- -- 59 76 17 29.0% Village of Dolgeville ------Fulton County 4244 6397 6652 6686 34 0.5%

* Note that the number of Individuals Below Poverty Level within the Town totals between 1970-2000 include the Village totals for Mayfield, Northampton, Broadalbin and Oppenheim.

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5. EXISTING LAND USES:

The Village Assessor identifies the existing land use of every parcel of land in the Village of Northville. The following table summarizes how the Village of Northville Assessor classified existing land uses of all tax parcels in the Village in the 2014 assessment roll (See Existing Land Use Map at the end of this chapter):

Land Use # of Parcels % Acres % Single Family Residential 378 58% 266 47% Two and Three Family Residential 52 8% 16 3% Seasonal Residential 22 4% 30 5% Residential with Commercial Use 8 1% 6 1% Apartment 13 2% 3 1% Total Residential 473 73% 321 57%

Vacant 86 14% 117 21% Vacant w/ Improvements 22 3% 40 7% Commercial 36 5% 13 2% Government/Institutional/ 37 5% 76 13% Religious/Utility

Total 654 100% 567 100%

As shown above, 73% of all parcels of land in the Village are used for residential uses. Fourteen percent (14%) of all tax parcels in the Village are vacant.

6. VILLAGE ASSESSED VALUATION, TAXES & EQUALIZATION RATE:

The total assessed valuation of property in the Village is an important figure with respect to calculating tax rates. Since the costs of government typically rise each year for a number of reasons, a municipality’s total assessed valuation of its properties must also increase in order to maintain stable tax rates. As shown on the following pages, the total assessed valuation of properties in the Village increased by only 4.8% between fiscal years 2005-2006 and 2014-2015. This has negatively affected the Village's ability to maintain a low Village tax rate. As shown below, the Village of Northville has the second highest 2015 Village tax rate of the five (5) Village areas in Fulton County:

2015 Village Tax Rates:

Village of Dolgeville : $26.78 Village of Northville : $ 8.05 Village of Broadalbin(M) : $ 5.05 Village of Broadalbin : $ 3.89 Village of Mayfield : $ 4.01

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TRENDS IN VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE'S TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION AND VILLAGE TAX LEVY

FISCAL TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION SUBJECT TOTAL VILLAGE TAX LEVY YEAR TO TAX LEVY 2005-06 $ 55,893,803.00 $ 433,176.97 2006-07 $ 56,914,925.00 $ 441,090.67 2007-08 $ 57,234,317.00 $ 440,704.24 2008-09 $ 57,873,427.00 $ 442,731.72 2009-10 $ 58,136,363.00 $ 444,743.18 2010-11 $ 58,461,921.00 $ 447,233.68 2011-12 $ 58,478,211.00 $ 447,358.31 2012-13 $ 58,616,274.00 $ 448,414.50 2013-14 $ 58,616,191.00 $ 454,275.48 2014-15 $ 58,577,048.00 $ 461,087.94

Change 2005- $ (+) 2,683,245.00 $ (+) 27,910.97 2015 % Change (+) 4.80% (+) 6.44%

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All properties located in Villages pay three (3) governmental tax's being County, Town and Village. The combined Village tax rates are shown below. Again, as was the case with solely the Village tax rates, the Village of Northville has the second highest 2015 combined Village tax rate of the five (5) Village areas in Fulton County:

2015 Combined Village Tax Rates:

Village of Dolgeville : $51.61 Village of Northville : $21.28 Village of Broadalbin(M) : $18.21 Village of Mayfield : $17.32 Village of Broadalbin : $14.14

As shown in the following table, since 2005, the Village's equalization rate has dropped 19.15%. An equalization rate is New York State's measure of a municipality’s level of assessment and is determined by dividing the total assessed value of properties within the municipality by the total market value of property within the municipality.

Equalization rates are necessary in New York State because each municipality determines its own level of assessment. Taxing jurisdictions such as school districts and County government do not share the same exact boundaries as the municipality who is responsible for assessing properties.

In order to distribute school district and county taxes among multiple municipalities, the level of assessment of each municipality must be equalized to full market value. To do this, the total assessed value of the municipality is divided by the equalization rate of the municipality in order to determine the full market value of the municipality.

Once the full market value of the municipality is determined, the school district or County government can determine how much tax should be collected from the municipality. ~ 32 ~

The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance provides the following examples:

 Equalization rate = 100 o Town is assessing property at 100% of market value o Most likely a reassessment was conducted in recent years o Your property's assessment should be roughly its market value (the price for which you could sell your property)  Equalization rate < 100 o Overall property in the town is assessed less than market value o The lower the equalization rate, the longer it has probably been since the last reassessment o Equalization rate of 43 means overall property in the town is assessed at 43% of market value  Equalization rate > 100 o Overall property in the town is assessed higher than market value o Property values may have decreased since the last reassessment, but assessments were not adjusted downward

In 2015, the Village's equalization rate was 70%, or, the overall property in the Village was being assessed at 70% of its full market value.

TAX & EQUALIZATION RATES IN FULTON COUNTY VILLAGES (2005-2015)

VILLAGE YEAR EQ. RATE COUNTY TAX RATE TOWN TAX RATE VILLAGE TAX RATE TOTAL TAX RATE Northville 2005 89.15 $ 13.87 $ 1.39 $ 7.750000 $ 23.010000 2006 78.00 $ 11.42 $ 0.98 $ 7.750000 $ 20.150000 2007 68.48 $ 10.70 $ 0.96 $ 7.700000 $ 19.360000 2008 57.57 $ 10.86 $ 0.90 $ 7.650000 $ 19.410000 2009 60.44 $ 12.42 $ 0.90 $ 7.650000 $ 20.970000 2010 65.00 $ 12.06 $ 0.90 $ 7.650000 $ 20.610000 2011 66.00 $ 12.70 $ 0.90 $ 7.650000 $ 21.250000 2012 67.00 $ 13.38 $ 0.92 $ 7.650000 $ 21.950000 2013 68.00 $ 13.43 $ 0.96 $ 7.750000 $ 22.140000 2014 70.00 $ 12.86 $ 0.96 $ 7.870000 $ 21.690000 2015 70.00 $ 12.07 $ 1.16 $ 8.050000 $ 21.280000

Mayfield 2005 84.72 $ 14.03 $ 0.33 $ 3.640000 $ 18.000000 2006 80.00 $ 12.18 $ 0.07 $ 3.760000 $ 16.010000 2007 75.00 $ 10.58 $ 0.46 $ 3.350000 $ 14.390000 2008 67.00 $ 10.03 $ 0.46 $ 3.450000 $ 13.940000 2009 67.00 $ 10.80 $ 0.47 $ 3.600000 $ 14.870000 2010 70.00 $ 11.02 $ 0.46 $ 3.600000 $ 15.080000 2011 71.00 $ 11.95 $ 0.47 $ 3.600000 $ 16.020000 2012 74.00 $ 12.62 $ 0.47 $ 3.600000 $ 16.690000 2013 75.00 $ 12.33 $ 0.46 $ 3.720000 $ 16.510000 2014 71.00 $ 11.80 $ 0.52 $ 3.910000 $ 16.230000 2015 71.00 $ 09.30 $ 0.52 $ 4.010000 $ 13.830000

Dolgeville 2005 72.87 $ 17.73 $ 4.52 $ 18.350246 $ 40.600246 2006 66.58 $ 14.68 $ 5.04 $ 20.156406 $ 39.876406 2007 59.77 $ 13.35 $ 5.51 $ 21.496526 $ 40.356526 2008 54.92 $ 12.94 $ 8.29 $ 23.858230 $ 45.088230 2009 55.29 $ 13.61 $ 8.23 $ 24.647638 $ 46.487638 2010 54.64 $ 15.07 $ 8.63 $ 24.431000 $ 48.131000

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2011 55.43 $ 15.90 $ 8.63 $ 26.879165 $ 51.409165 2012 55.93 $ 16.76 $ 8.72 $ 27.084866 $ 52.564866 2013 57.64 $ 16.99 $ 8.73 $ 26.865141 $ 52.585141 2014 56.02 $ 16.04 $ 8.78 $ 26.666096 $ 51.486096 2015 55.20 $ 15.94 $ 8.89 $ 26.784561 $ 51.614561

Broadalbin 2005 100.00 $ 20.65 $ 1.75 $ 3.256000 $ 25.656000 2006 94.62 $ 10.34 $ 0.89 $ 1.801000 $ 13.031000 2007 89.02 $ 9.06 $ 0.89 $ 1.803000 $ 11.753000 2008 88.00 $ 8.54 $ 0.89 $ 1.993000 $ 11.423000 2009 87.00 $ 8.35 $ 0.90 $ 2.020000 $ 11.270000 2010 90.00 $ 8.66 $ 0.90 $ 3.749000 $ 13.309000 2011 90.00 $ 9.50 $ 0.90 $ 3.823000 $ 14.223000 2012 90.00 $ 10.16 $ 0.89 $ 3.910000 $ 14.960000 2013 92.00 $ 10.31 $ 0.90 $ 3.898000 $ 15.108000 2014 92.00 $ 9.67 $ 0.89 $ 3.948000 $ 14.508000 2015 92.00 $ 9.35 $ 0.90 $ 3.897000 $ 14.147000

Broadalbin 2005 84.72 $ 14.03 $ 0.33 $ 2.571000 $ 16.931000 (m) 2006 80.00 $ 12.18 $ 0.07 $ 2.001000 $ 14.251000

2007 75.00 $ 10.58 $ 0.46 $ 2.254000 $ 13.294000 2008 67.00 $ 10.03 $ 0.46 $ 2.365000 $ 12.855000 2009 67.00 $ 10.80 $ 0.47 $ 2.653000 $ 13.923000 2010 70.00 $ 11.02 $ 0.46 $ 4.868000 $ 16.348000 2011 71.00 $ 11.95 $ 0.47 $ 4.915000 $ 17.335000 2012 74.00 $ 12.62 $ 0.47 $ 4.956000 $ 18.046000 2013 75.00 $ 12.33 $ 0.46 $ 4.741000 $ 17.531000 2014 71.00 $ 11.80 $ 0.52 $ 4.843000 $ 17.163000 2015 71.00 $ 12.08 $ 0.52 $ 5.050000 $ 17.650000

7. NORTHVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL & LIBRARY TAX RATES:

As of fiscal year 2015-2016, Northville Central School's tax rate has increased 23.42% since fiscal year 2009-2010. The Northville Public Library's rate has increased nearly half the school rate at 9.89%.

TRENDS IN NORTHVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL AND NORTHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY'S TAX RATES 2010-2015

FISCAL SCHOOL TAX RATE LIBRARY TAX RATE YEAR 2009-10 $ 13.8855 $ .3640 2010-11 $ 14.1423 $ .3704 2011-12 $ 15.5217 $ .3669 2012-13 $ 15.7663 $ .3637 2013-14 $ 16.4471 $ .4006 2014-15 $ 16.8437 $ .4020 2015-16 $ 17.1377 $ .4009

Change $ (+) 3.2522 $ (+) .036 2010-2016 % Change (+) 23.42% (+) 9.89%

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8. SUMMARY:

Based upon a review of the previous information, the following observations can be made:

Population  Between 1970 and 1980, the Village population increased by 112. Since 1980, the Village population has steadily decreased by 205.  Of the four (4) Villages located within Fulton County, as of the 2010 census, Northville is ranked second in total population with 1,099. The Village of Broadalbin is ranked first with 1,327.  As of the 2010 Census, the Village of Northville has the highest median age of all Villages in Fulton County at 43.7 years.  As of the 2010 Census, the Village of Northville has the greatest population of 65+ residents than all other Villages in Fulton County.  Between 2000 and 2010, the Village of Northville's 75+ population increased and the 85+ population decreased.  Between 2000 and 2010, the 35-44 age group has shown the greatest decrease while the 60- 64 age group has shown the greatest increase.

Housing  Between 2000 and 2010, the total number of housing units decreased by 17.  The Village of Northville has more seasonal housing units than all other Villages combined.  The majority (53%) of housing units in the Village are owner occupied.  As of the 2000 census, the greatest number of housing units by type consist of a single unit with detached garage followed by 2-4 units.  The Village of Northville has the greatest number of renter occupied housing units than all other Villages in Fulton County.

Income  The 2000 Census showed that 55% of Village households have a family income less than $50,000.  The 2000 Census showed that the Village of Northville had the greatest number of individuals living below the poverty level than all other Villages in Fulton County.

Existing Land Uses  73% of the 654 parcels in the Village are being utilized for residential purposes and 58% of those specifically as single family residential.  Only 36 of the 654 parcels are being utilized for Commercial purposes. 37 parcels are utilized for Government/Institutional/Religious & Utility.  86, or 14% of the 654 parcels in the Village are vacant.

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Assessed Valuation, Taxes and Equalization Rates  The Village of Northville has the highest tax rate of any Village located entirely within Fulton County, nearly 52% higher than the Village of Broadalbin.  Between fiscal years 2013-2015, the Village's total assessed valuation decreased by $39,143. During the same years, the total tax levy increased by $6,812.46.  As of 2014, the Village of Northville has the second lowest equalization rate of all other Villages in Fulton County.

School and Library Tax Rates  As of fiscal year 2015-2016, Northville Central School's tax rate is 113% higher than the Village's Tax Rate. Comparatively, during fiscal year 2009-2010, Northville Central School's tax rate was 81% higher than the Villages Tax Rate.  The Northville Public Library is supported through a Library tax placed on all residential properties located within the Northville Central School District. Taking a single family home with an assessed value of $75,000, the total Northville Public Library tax bill would equal $30.06.

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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CHAPTER 3: HISTORY

1. ORIGINS:

The Village of Northville was originally part of the Sacandaga land patent of 1741. Originally known as "Old Ford" then renamed Sacandaga and finally renamed Northville in 1827 by Joseph Spier, the first postmaster because it was the northernmost Village to have a post office. The Village was incorporated in 1873 setting itself apart from the Town of Northampton.

2. FIRST SETTLER SAMUEL OLMSTEAD:

In 1786, Samuel Olmstead arrived from Danbury, Connecticut by canoe to discover the area we call the Village of Northville. He built a log cabin on what is now South Main Street. There is a historical marker denoting this information at the location where he built his home, approximately sixty five (65) yards south of Van Arnam Street.

3. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY:

At first, this small community was devoted entirely to agriculture, lumbering, grist and sawmills. In 1800, Abraham Van Arnam built the first store and tavern on North Main Street. He also operated a tannery on Hunter's Creek and a fulling mill. As the community grew, carpenters were needed as well as carriage-makers, coopers, blacksmith's and general stores, so the Village population started to grow.

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the lumber industry created a boom town in Northville. Hundreds of men were needed to drive teams of horses, cut timber and float the logs down the river. Hotels were built to accommodate some of the men, others brought their families and built homes.

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In 1875 the FJ&G railroad was extended from Gloversville to Northville, which created another boom for the Village. The train was not only for passengers but brought in supplies and also allowed businesses to export lumber, ice, oxen, produce and any other commercial commodity. The Northern Terminal of the FJ&G railroad was located at the entrance to the Village.

At this time, large buildings were built on Main Street, such as Allen and Palmer Hardware, Hardpan Store, Cole Block, Fry Block, Wright Block, a Drugstore, Funeral Parlor, Grocery stores and many other businesses. There were nine (9) hotels built to accommodate the influx of visitors coming by train to the Sacandaga Amusement Park and to the Adirondack mountains for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational endeavors.

Electricity was installed in the Village in 1893, but it was very limited. In 1900, a steam powered generating plant was built on the bank of the Sacandaga River a short distance south of the Northville bridge. This enabled more power for street lights and homes. The first telephone service in Northville came into being in 1897.

The glove industry provided work for local folks from the late 1800's through the mid 1900's. Many shops were built and gloves were also sewn in homes.

The Northville Bank was organized in 1895 when 28 Northville men met and subscribed to 300 shares of the proposed capital of $30,000. A building was immediately erected on North Main Street. The New bank opened for business July 25, 1895.

Northville's Fire Department: A group met in 1892 to discuss the need for an organization and equipment to fight fires in the village. The Citizen's Hose Company No. 1 was established and a two – wheeled hand drawn hose cart was purchased from Gloversville. A few years later a hook and ladder truck, (horse drawn), was purchased from Gloversville for $150. Local horse owners were paid $3.00 a fire for the use of their horse. The village bought its first piece of motorized equipment, a Sanford Pumper, in 1928.

4. CHURCHES:

Circuit riders followed early settlers to hold religious meetings wherever people would congregate. Methodist Episcopal formed in 1798. In 1805 a meetinghouse was built and shared with the Baptists. The first Methodist church built was a wooden structure then replaced by a brick church in 1872 that still stands today on the corner of South Main and Washington Streets.

Baptist church members met for the first time in 1802. The meetinghouse that had been built in 1805 was remodeled in 1847 and ultimately torn down in 1869 then rebuilt in 1870. In 1902, exactly 100 years from its first meeting the church was struck my lightening causing enough damage that the church was leveled and rebuilt again in 1903 on First Street.

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Presbyterian church members met in 1849 and subsequently built a church in 1853. The Presbyterian church is the oldest church building in Northville.

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church: As early as 1887, before there was actually a building, Masses were said and the Sacraments administered in private homes in the village and in Sacandaga Park. In 1920 a Franciscan residence was established on the corner of Bridge and Fourth Streets. A house built in 1896, the lot beside the house and a barn was bought from J. Wright Olmstead. The house is still used as the Rectory.

Pilgrim Holiness Church was formed in 1906, by a group from the Methodist Church. They first met in several different locations until 1908 when they occupied a two story building on North Main Street. There were living quarters on the second floor and a barbershop attached to the south side of the building. In the congregation built a new church building on the Mountain Road outside of the village.

5. CEMETERIES:

The first cemetery was the South Main Street Village Cemetery where you'll find Samuel Olmstead our earliest settler buried, as well as many other earlier settlers. In the early 1880's it was noted that a new cemetery for the village was needed.

Prospect Hill Cemetery: In 1882 land was purchased and a cemetery was established on Prospect Street. A cemetery association was organized in 1885. There are other cemeteries in the area but not in the village.

6. SCHOOLS:

The first school in the Village was built in 1800 on South Main Street next to the cemetery. It was a log cabin. It was soon much too small for the growing population, so a new school was built on the north east corner of Bridge Street and First Street. It was grades 1 – 8, the high school students attended an academy in Gloversville.

In 1813 the township divided into 13 school districts to accommodate rural school children.

In 1876 a committee was appointed to look over the situation of the need for more classrooms. The old Methodist church on Washington Street was rented at $65.00 a year and other small facilities were also used for classes.

In 1887 a lot was bought on South Main Street where a new school house was built, and was called Union Free School. Over the years there were additions made on this school until the need for a larger school became apparent. In 1933 the Northville Central School was built. Several additions have been added to it since then.

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CHAPTER 4: HOUSING

1. INTRODUCTION:

The quality, diversity and age of a community’s housing stock strongly influences whether a person or family chooses to reside in that community. If a community wants to attract people to reside there, a variety of housing options need to be available. This Chapter takes a look at the Village of Northville's existing housing stock, identifies what housing needs exists and offers recommendations on how to ensure there is an adequate supply and diversity of housing choices to meet the future needs of the Village.

2. HOUSING TRENDS:

A. General: The 2010 Census identified a total of 581 housing units in the Village of Northville. The following is a breakdown of that total:

HOUSING TYPES: 2010 Housing Type # Units % A. Year Round Units 477 82% Owner-Occupied Units: 306 Renter-Occupied Units: 171 B. Seasonal Units 61 10.5% C. Vacant Units 43 7.5% Total 581 100%

As shown in the table below, between 1990 and 2000 the Village experienced an increase in the number of housing units followed by a decline in the total number of housing units between 2000 and 2010.

TRENDS IN TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 1990 2000 2010 1990-2010 Change % Change Total Housing Units 586 598 581 -5 -.85% Total Year Round 490 495 477 -13 -2.65% Units Total Seasonal Units 73 63 61 -12 -16.44% Total Vacant 23 40 43 +20 +87% * Housing Units - the US Census Bureau defines housing units as being vacant or occupied, seasonally or year round. Includes houses, mobile homes or trailers, apartments, a group of rooms or a single room occupied as separate living quarters or, if vacant, intended for occupancy as separate living quarters.

As shown above, since 1990, the total number of housing units to include both year round and seasonal units have decreased, however, the total number of vacant units has increased.

Between 1990-2010, the Village of Northville's percent of total housing units that are year round decreased from 84% in 1990 to 82% in 2010. As shown below, the Village of Northville ranks third (Dolgeville excluded) in percent of year round units of all Fulton County Villages.

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YEAR ROUND HOUSING UNITS 1990-2010 MUNICIPALITY 1990 2000 2010 Total Total Units % of Total Total % of Total Total % of Units (Year Total Units Units Total Units Units Total Round) (Year (Year Round) Round) Village of Northville 586 490 84 598 495 83 581 477 82 Village of Mayfield 333 307 92 355 307 86 364 321 88 Village of Broadalbin 591 557 94 596 555 93 600 552 92 Village of Dolgeville 74 -- -- 100 ------(In Fulton County)

The Village of Northville's seasonal housing stock has decreased slightly over the past twenty years, particularly between 1990-2000. As of the 2010 Census, seasonal units consist of 10.5% of the total housing units in the Village. Since 1990, the Village of Northville has had the greatest number of seasonal units of all other Villages. Interestingly enough, although the Village of Broadalbin has the greatest number of total housing units, they have the least number of seasonal units.

SEASONAL UNITS 1990-2010 MUNICIPALITY 1990 2000 2010 Total Seasonal % of Total Seasonal % of Total Seasonal % of Units Units Total Units Units Total Units Units Total

Village of Northville 586 73 12.5% 598 63 10.5% 581 61 10.5% Village of Mayfield 333 17 5.1% 355 13 3.7% 364 18 5% Village of Broadalbin 591 3 .5% 596 9 1.5% 600 10 1.7% Village of Dolgeville 74 0 -- 100 3 -- -- 11 -- (In Fulton County)

As shown in the table below, the percent of total housing units being owner occupied has remained relatively constant over the past twenty years with the majority of the housing units being owner occupied. However, compared to both the Villages of Mayfield and Broadalbin, Northville has the lowest percentage of owner occupied housing units, nearly fifteen percent lower than the Village of Broadalbin.

OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 1990-2010 MUNICIPALITY 1990 2000 2010 Total Total % of Total Total % of Total Total % of Units Owner Total Units Owner Total Units Owner Total Occupied Occupied Occupied Units Units Units Village of Northville 586 316 54% 598 317 53% 581 306 53% Village of Mayfield 333 240 72% 355 236 66% 364 250 69% Village of Broadalbin 591 440 74% 596 419 70% 600 405 68% Village of Dolgeville ------(In Fulton County)

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As stated in the previous paragraph, the number of owner occupied housing units has remained relatively constant over the past twenty years. This might be attributed to the Villages aging population base. As shown in the table below, 37% of the owner occupied housing units are owned by the 65+ age group.

TENURE BY AGE OF HOUSEHOLDER OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 2010

Age Group # %

15 to 24 years 2 0.7% 25-34 years 21 6.90% 35-44 years 32 10.5% 45-54 years 58 19.0% 55-64 years 80 26.1% 65+ years 113 36.9% 65-74 years 61 19.9% 75-84 years 40 13.1% 85+ years 12 3.90%

The tenure by household size table below identifies 131 or nearly 43% of owner occupied housing units are occupied by 2 persons while 71 or 23.2% are occupied by a single person. These two (2) statistics most likely represent the 65+ age group couples and the 65+ age group single person living in the owner occupied housing unit. The remainder of the number of persons per household categories most likely represent families.

TENURE BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 2010

# of persons # % 1-person household 71 23.2% 2-person household 131 42.8% 3-person household 43 14.1% 4-person household 40 13.1% 5-person household 18 5.9% 6-person household 2 0.7% 7 or more person 1 0.3% household

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RENTER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 1990-2010

MUNICIPALITY 1990 2000 2010 Total Units # Renter % of Total Total Units # Renter % of Total Total Units # Renter % of Occupied Occupied Occupied Total Units Units Units

Village of Northville 586 174 30% 598 178 30% 581 171 29% Village of Mayfield 333 67 20% 355 73 21% 364 71 20% Village of Broadalbin 591 117 20% 596 136 23% 600 147 25% Village of Dolgeville -- 16 -- -- 13 ------(In Fulton County)

As shown in the table above, in 2010, there were 171 rental units in the Village of Northville. This represents 29% of the Village's total housing stock. Since 1990, the Village of Northville has maintained the greatest overall number and percent of total units being renter occupied compared to all other Villages in Fulton County. As shown in the table below, the 2010 Census identified that there is a relatively even number of renter occupied housing units per age group in the Village, however, as expected, the 25-34 age group accommodates the greatest number of renter occupied housing units at 43 or 25.1%. This age group can be identified as the young professionals.

TENURE BY AGE OF HOUSEHOLDER RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 2010

Age Group # %

15 to 24 years 25 14.6% 25-34 years 43 25.1% 35-44 years 22 12.9% 45-54 years 22 12.9% 55-64 years 20 11.7% 65+ years 39 22.8% 65-74 years 11 6.4% 75-84 years 18 10.5% 85+ years 10 5.8%

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The table below identifies the number of persons living in renter occupied housing units. As expected, the single person rental comprises nearly 50% of the rental housing units.

TENURE BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 2010

# of persons # % 1-person 82 48.0% household 2-person household 33 19.3% 3-person household 28 16.4% 4-person household 18 10.5% 5-person household 8 4.7% 6-person household 1 0.6% 7 or more person 1 0.6% household

Data obtained from the 2009-2013 American Community Survey of the US Census Bureau estimates there are eighty five (85) occupied units paying rent. The table below identifies the approximate rents paid during this time period in the Village with a median monthly rent of $633.

OCCUPIED UNITS PAYING RENT (2009-2013)

Monthly Rent Total % Units Less than $200 0 0% $200-$299 0 0% $300-$499 9 10.6% $500-$749 47 55.3% $750-$999 16 18.8% $1,000-$1,499 13 15.3% $1,500 or more 0 0% Median Monthly $633 (x) Rent

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In comparison, the table below estimates that there were 157 units having a mortgage within the Village during the same period of time. 53 or 35.8% of units have a monthly mortgage between $1,000 and $1,500 respectively. The median monthly mortgage is estimated at $1,197 or nearly twice as much as the median monthly rent.

ESTIMATED MONTHLY MORTGAGE COSTS 2009-2013

Monthly Total % Mortgage Units Less than $300 0 0% $300-$499 0 0% $00-$499 9 10.6% $500-$699 13 8.8% $700-$999 35 23.6% $1,000-$1,499 53 35.8% $1,500-$1,999 45 30.4% $2,000 or more 2 1.4% Median Monthly $1,197 (x) Mortgage

Between 1990-2000, the number of vacant housing units increased from 96 to 103 units. As of the 2010 Census, there were 104 vacant units, or 18% of the total housing units within the Village. This trend is not unique to Northville as all other Villages have also witnessed an increase in their number of vacant units. The Village of Northville, however, has always maintained the greatest number and percent of total units being vacant compared to all other Villages in Fulton County. This is partially due to the US Census Bureau's definition of a vacant housing unit (as identified below) and what can be constituted as a vacant housing unit. It can be assumed that the Village of Northville's vacant housing unit figures are influenced by the number of seasonal housing units as discussed previously within this chapter.

VACANT HOUSING UNITS 1990-2010

MUNICIPALITY 1990 2000 2010 Total # Vacant % of Total # Vacant % of Total # Vacant % of Units Units Total Units Units Total Units Units Total

Village of Northville 586 96 16% 598 103 17% 581 104 18% Village of Mayfield 333 26 8% 355 40 11% 364 43 12% Village of Broadalbin 591 34 6% 596 41 7% 600 48 8% Village of Dolgeville ------103 ------(In Fulton County) *Vacant Housing Unit - the US Census Bureau defines a vacant housing unit as vacant if no one is living in it at the time of enumeration, unless its occupants are only temporarily absent (i.e. at work). It may also include seasonal units etc.

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B. Location of Owners of Residential Properties:

An analysis was conducted of residential property ownership within the Village. This analysis utilized 2014 records from the Village Assessor’s Office and not the 2010 Census. As a result, there are some discrepancies in the total number of housing units identified by the Census Bureau in 2010 and the total number of properties classified as residential as of 2014 by the Village Assessor. Also, since several Town of Northampton properties have the same zip code as the Village of Northville, potential ownership of properties within the Village by a Town resident cannot be determined (See Residential Property Analysis By Ownership Map at the end of this chapter).

Table I identifies the 465 properties in the Village as of 2014 classified by the Assessor as residential. This table also identifies the mailing addresses of the owners of all 465 parcels. By reviewing the mailing addresses of property owners, one can identify owner-occupied versus non-owner occupied residential properties. As shown below, 355 or 76.5% of the 465 properties in the Village classified as Residential are owned by persons with a Village of Northville mailing address. This compares to the 306 owner-occupied units identified in the Village based upon the 2010 Census. Conversely, 68 residential units, or 14.5%, are owned by persons who live outside of the County but within New York State. Of these 68 residential units, 52% or 35 are located directly on either the Northville or Great Sacandaga Lakes.

RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE I

OWNERSHIP OWNER % TOTAL ASSESSED TOTAL ACRES AVE. # VALUATION (SUM) ASSESSED (SUM) ACRES VALUATION (AVE.) Village1 355 76.5 $34,585,522 $97,424 234.4 .66

Town2 0 0 0 0 0 0

County3 7 1.5 $946,100 $135,157 2.9 .41

State4 68 14.5 $7,398,140 $108,796 68.5 1.0

Out of State5 35 7.5 $4,432,000 $126,628 20.8 .60

Totals: 465 100% $47,361,762 $117,001 326.6 .67

1Village: Property owner has a local mailing address. 2Town: Unable to differentiate 3County: Property owner has a mailing address equal to a Fulton County municipality outside of the Village and Town. 4State: Property owner has a mailing address outside of Fulton County but within New York State. 5Out of State: Property owner has a mailing address located outside of New York State.

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Table I shows that:

a. Residential properties owned by someone having a Village address have an average assessed valuation of $97,424. b. The Total Assessed Valuations of combined residential properties owned by someone having an out of state mailing address are 23% higher than residential properties owned by someone having a local mailing address (Village). c. The average total assessed valuation of all residential properties within the Village is $117,001.

To further the analysis, using the same ownership criteria and Assessor data, Table II identifies the specific property classification by ownership.

RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP BY PROPERTY CLASS TABLE II

OWNERSHIP OWNER % SINGLE FAMILY 2 FAMILY 3 FAMILY APT MFG MULT RES /W COMM SEASONAL RES RES RES HOUSING RES USE RES

Village1 355 76.5 280 35 5 13 15 1 1 5

Town2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

County3 7 1.5 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 0

State4 68 14.5 42 4 0 1 1 0 0 20

Out of State5 35 7.5 30 2 1 1 0 0 0 1

Totals: 465 100% 355 43 8 15 16 1 1 26

Table II shows that:

a. 13 of the 15 residential apartment buildings are owned by someone having a Village address. b. 20 of the 26 seasonal residences are owned by someone not living within Fulton County but living within New York State. c. 30 out of the 35 overall residential properties owned by someone having an out of state mailing address are single family residences.

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C. Condition of Existing Housing Stock:

It is of no surprise that a significant portion of the Village's housing stock is old. The most recent data available through the 2009-2013 American Community Survey of the US Census Bureau indicates that 60.8% of total housing units within the Village were built prior to 1939. In many cases these older housing units are in need of improvement both structurally and aesthetically. In order to continue to maintain the Village's existing character, it is important to provide ways to maintain, preserve and enhance the existing housing stock.

Understanding this, in 2013 the Village of Northville Board of Trustees passed Resolution # 10 of 2013 supporting the formation of an Historic District located in sections of the Village of Northville. (See Historic District inset below.) This Historic District was officially listed through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on May 7, 2014.

The essence of the Historic District is to encourage property owners to preserve the character of the Village by preserving certain historic structures. Income producing properties located within the Historic District may qualify for State and Federal income tax benefits while residential properties may qualify for State income tax benefits for approved work to their residential homes.

There exists other State and Federal housing rehabilitation programs that provide financial assistance to property owners to address substandard housing and blight conditions. The Village should consider working with the Fulton County Community Heritage Corporation or another organization in applying for State and Federal financial assistance to help homeowners improve their homes.

It is the vision of the Comprehensive Plan that the Village aggressively pursue State and Federal financial assistance for housing rehabilitation within the Village. This financial assistance would be used to assist homeowners to improve their homes both structurally and aesthetically thereby improving their quality of life as well as the Village's appearance. These benefits are consistent with the vision of the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

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3. HOUSING NEEDS:

Based upon the Village's population trends, the Village's existing housing stock and the Village's Vision, the following housing needs have been identified (See Housing Needs Map at the end of this chapter):

A. Housing suited to meet the needs of the Village’s increasing Senior Citizen population: There is a need for Senior Citizen housing in the Village of Northville. Based upon the Village's increasing 65+ age group population and increasing overall median age, the Village will need to be able to provide for housing that is of low maintenance and is within close proximity to the Village's downtown area for ease of access to goods and services. If this form of housing is not made available, the 65+ age group population may be forced to seek this type of housing in other locations outside of the Village. For the 65+ population who stay within the Village, there is the potential that they may not have the ability, means or desire to maintain their existing single family homes as they once did. If this happens, the Village's existing housing stock will continue to deteriorate. Housing options could include townhouse/condominium style development or well planned apartment style housing suited to meet the needs of Seniors. Potential Senior Housing sites located within the Village have been identified to include the following:

1. The .62+/- acre vacant piece of property located on South First Street (32.6-2-3.2) 2. The former .75+/- acre Village of Northville Public Works property located at 202 North Third Street (32.5-4-6) 3. A large 1.8+/- acre vacant piece of property located on North Main Street (18.17-8-17.1). 4. The former .6+/- acre Hotel property located on North Main Street (32.5-10-5).

B. Housing suited to meet the needs of younger couples and families: There is a need to diversify the housing stock suited for younger couples and young families. Housing options could include the backfilling of existing housing, new townhouse style development, two-family owner-occupied style homes and well maintained owner-occupied apartment buildings. Potential sites within the Village could be the same sites identified for Senior Citizen housing.

C. Housing to meet the needs of the young professional: Wikipedia defines a young professional as those in their 20's and 30's who are employed in a profession or white-collared occupation. For the purposes of this plan, a young professional is also identified as persons whom recently completed their education or who are otherwise entering into the workforce. Typically this age group does not have the ability to purchase a single family residence let alone have the time or desire to maintain one. However, it is also understood that this age group plays a vital role within a vibrant community and will continue to do so as long as they chose to stay. One way to attract and retain this age group is by providing housing choices suited to their needs. This form of housing should be of low maintenance. Housing options could include second and third story flat style housing, two-family owner- occupied homes, well planned owner-occupied apartment style housing and even townhouse/condominium style development. Interestingly enough, many of the housing needs of the young professional echo those of Seniors. With that being said, potential sites within the

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Village could be the same sites identified for Senior Citizen housing. Additional housing sites to meet the needs of the young professional within the Village are the existing second and third story buildings along Main Street.

D. New Housing Stock: Allowing for new housing stock to be developed is important to all municipalities. The development of new housing stock not only provides for a diversity of housing choices, it also assists in the contribution to the property tax base. Other than a few select vacant parcels, the primary center of the Village of Northville has reached maximum development. Extending beyond the center of the Village but still within the confines of the Village limits, there are lands available for new planned residential or planned residential cluster-style development. Promoting these lands for new residential development will continue to diversify the Village's housing stock. In order for these areas to benefit from a higher density of residential development, it will be imperative that some form of municipal wastewater treatment be implemented. Two (2) general areas for new planned residential development have been identified as follows:

5. A 94+/- acre area to the east of the Village center. 6. A 44+/- acre are to the north of the Village center.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. The Village should promote and encourage the development of Senior Citizen housing and other housing types to meet the needs of the Village's increasing Senior Citizen population. These housing types should be of low maintenance and located within easy access to the Village center.

B. The Village should aggressively pursue State and Federal financial assistance for housing rehabilitation of the Village's existing housing stock in order to continue to maintain, preserve and enhance the existing housing character.

C. The Village should promote and encourage the development of housing types to attract and retain young couples and families. These housing types should allow for a mix of residential options to include the existing housing stock, townhouse/condominium, owner-occupied two family homes and well maintained owner occupied apartment buildings.

D. The Village should promote and encourage the development of housing types suited to meet the needs of the young professional. These housing types should be of low maintenance. Housing options could include second and third story flat style housing, two-family owner-occupied homes, well planned owner-occupied apartment style housing and even townhouse/condominium style development.

E. The Village should promote and encourage the re-use/re-utilization of the existing second and third story floor space for residential purposes above the commercial spaces within the buildings along Main Street.

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F. The Village should promote and encourage the development of new housing stock through planned residential or planned residential cluster-style development by utilizing the primarily vacant lands outside of the Village Center. In order to create cluster style residential development or generally a higher density of development within these areas, a method of wastewater treatment other than individual on-site septic systems will need to be incorporated into the development. The following waste water treatment options have been identified:

1. Packaged Wastewater Treatment Plant (PWWTP) servicing the immediate developed area. Typically speaking, a PWWTP would be proposed, purchased and installed by a developer of the residential development. In some instances, and upon completion of the development to the satisfaction of the municipality, the developer requests that the local municipality assume the ownership and responsibility of the PWWTP to include its operation. In other instances, the developer forms an association as part of the development and the association assumes the ownership and responsibility of the PWWTP to include its operation. In most instances, the developer will not continue to own and operate the PWWTP on their own.

2. Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant servicing the Village (See Recommendation C within Chapter 5 of Community Facilities, Services and Recreation).

G. The Village of Northville should continue to support the objectives identified within the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan that was accepted on December 5, 2014.

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CHAPTER 5: COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SERVICES & RECREATION

1. INTRODUCTION:

Community Facilities are a vital component of a community’s character and well being. Community Facilities not only include physical facilities, but also municipal and private services and programs that collectively help to strengthen a community’s overall quality of life. Community Facilities generally include police and fire protection, ambulance service, health care, school, libraries, mass transit, utility services (electric), communication services (phone, cellular, cable, internet), solid waste disposal, water and sewer, churches and related facilities and programs. Many of the community facilities provided within the Village of Northville are a joint effort with the Town of Northampton.

2. EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES:

This Chapter summarizes the key Community Facilities currently within the Village of Northville. See Community Facilities & Services Map CF-1 at the end of this chapter for general locations. A. Joint Municipal Offices:

The Village and Town Municipal offices are located at 412 South Main Street in the Village of Northville. The 6,500+/- square foot building sits on 1.4 acres of land that includes a thirty-one (31) space blacktop parking lot and is handicap accessible. The property also is home to the Northville/Northampton Schoolhouse Museum and, at one time, a community garden.

The original building was owned by Mr. Paul Bradt and utilized as his wildlife museum. In 1969, Mr. Bradt graciously donated the building and property to the Village and Town to be utilized for their municipal offices. Mr. Bradt's only stipulation was that his wildlife museum contained in one (1) room of the complex, be maintained and remain open for public viewing. The Municipal office complex is also utilized by various community organizations throughout the year.

B. Fire Protection:

Fire Protection in the Village of Northville is provided through the Village of Northville Fire Department and is considered as a volunteer Fire Department. The department's firehouse is located at 182 South Main Street in the heart of the Village and is owned and operated by the independent Northville Fireman’s Association. Since the mid 1950’s, the Northville Fire Department has utilized the two (2) story three-bay half brick building as its firehouse. While the ground floor is utilized for the indoor storage of fire trucks and other fire protection equipment, the second story is utilized as a meeting room supporting a commercial kitchen. Many organizations and the general public rent this meeting space for events throughout the year.

For many years, the Northville Fireman's Association has been working towards increasing the size of the fire house. With the increasing size of today's fire trucks along with the invention of additional pieces of fire protection equipment further taxing the already relatively small firehouse, the Northville Fireman's Association has looked at ways to

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increase the size of their building. Adjacent to the firehouse is the original Stewart's Shop that was constructed on or around 1980. At the date of this plan, Stewart's corporation has relocated by constructing a new, larger Stewarts Shop at the location of the former Robin Station Convenience Store property at 111 South Main Street. With this move, the Northville Volunteer Fire Department t o o k possession of the original Stewart's Shop property affording the department the ability to expand their existing firehouse to better suit their needs.

The Northville Volunteer Fire Department is technically a Village owned department. The Village of Northville pays an annual rent to the independent Northville Fireman's Association for their building. The Village of Northville also, through a Capital Budget, allocates monies on a yearly basis for the purchase of fire equipment. The Northville Fireman’s Association, in turn, holds many fund raising events to further raise monies for firefighting equipment.

The extent of the Northville Volunteer Fire Department's response extends beyond the borders of the Village and encompasses the entire Town of Northampton excepting the extreme South East corner otherwise known as Fish House that is covered by the Broadalbin- Kennyetto Fire Department. The Town of Northampton contracts on an annual basis with the Northville Volunteer Fire Department to provide fire protection services. The Northville Volunteer Fire Departments District also extends into Hamilton County to cover the Town of Benson and Hope. The Town of Hope maintains their own Volunteer Fire Company and provides mutual aid/response to Northville. The Village of Northville's fire insurance rate is very good partly due to the mutual aid/response provided by the Hope Volunteer Fire Department. A municipal fire insurance rate is based in part on the incident response

C. Police Protection:

The Village of Northville operates and maintains year-round part time police presence within the Village. As of 2016, the inventory of major police equipment consists of one (1) police cruiser. The cruiser is primarily maintained by Highway Department staff. Every year the Village budget includes an appropriation for Police services. As of 2015, the Village of Northville appropriated $74,000 for police protection services. In the near future, the Village will purchase a new police cruiser to replace the existing one. The existing cruiser will become a back up cruiser in case the new one is in need of repair. Additional Police protection is provided by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and the NYS Police. The Village of Northville and County of Fulton have a mutual response agreement. This agreement allows for the Northville cruiser to respond to a call outside of the Village boundary. The NYS Police has a substation located in the Village of Mayfield on NYS Route 30 that is approximately 10 miles from the Village of Northville. The total combined services of the part time Village Police, Sheriff’s Department and the NYS Police appear to be providing adequate services for the Village of Northville. D. Highway Services:

Historically, the Village of Northville Highway Department Facility was located at 202 North Third Street within a primarily residential neighborhood in the Village. The .75 acre property contained a 4,500 s.f. two (2) story building constructed in 1930 with an attached 1,500 s.f. single story addition that housed the highway equipment. Also located on the property was an inadequately sized salt storage building and a 20' x 40' three (3) bay garage that housed miscellaneous highway equipment and the Village's Police cruiser. The original Highway Department building lacked sufficient space to house the Village's expensive equipment, was in need of significant repairs and was not in compliance of the NYS Building and Fire Prevention Codes. In 2009, utilizing

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a successful Shared Intermunicipal Services Grant through the State of New York, the Village and Town hired MJ Engineering and Land Surveying of Clifton Park, NY to conduct an Intermunicipal Maintenance Facility Feasibility Study. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the existing conditions, efficiencies and needs of the Village, Town and Northville Central School District's maintenance facilities. Based upon the evaluation of existing conditions, MJ Engineering then prepared cost analyses to bring each respective facility up to adequate standards. Lastly, and based upon the evaluation of each facility's needs, MJ Engineering then evaluated the feasibility of combining the Village and Town facilities into a single facility as well as combining all three (3) facilities into a single facility at one location being the former jointly- owned Delia property along NYS Route 30 at its intersection with High Rock Road. The result of the study determined the following:

 Village - The Village's facility was inadequate in size, in dire need of repair and failed to meet a significant number of NYS Building and Fire Prevention Code requirements. It also determined that it would be cost prohibitive to bring the existing building up to code compliance and provide adequate space for equipment.

 Town - The Town's facility was determined to be in better condition than the Village's however lacked sufficient equipment space. In the end, the study showed that it would be less costly to the tax payers to expand the existing facility while bringing it up to code than it would be to participate in the construction of a new jointly owned facility.

 School - As was the case with the Town's facility, it was determined that the School's facility lacked sufficient space to meet their needs. In the end, the study showed that it would be less costly to the tax payers to expand the existing facility than it would be to participate in the construction of a new jointly owned facility with the Village and Town.

Upon completion of the study, the Village of Northville began working toward relocating its facility to the jointly owned Delia property. Both the Town of Northampton and the Northville Central School determined to remain at their respective locations.

As of 2013-2014, the Village of Northville successfully moved its Highway Department to the NYS Route 30 location. In doing so, the Village converted an existing building into new space and constructed a new salt storage facility. In 2015, a cold storage building was also added to house highway equipment.

In September of 2016, the former Highway Department facility located at 202 North third Street was demolished by the Fulton County Demolition Team making way for new development on the site.

The Village of Northville Highway Department performs a wide variety of services and is praised by many for their hard work and dedication to keeping Village a clean and orderly . Some of the services the Highway Department perform include:  Street Maintenance o Prepare project specifications for blacktop and striping work o Patch/repair blacktop o Sidewalk replacement o Road sand removal o Catch basin cleaning & repair o Winter maintenance o Sign maintenance and replacement

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 Collection o Curbside garbage/refuse o Curbside brush/leaves  Municipal Water (Through the Water Department) o Installation/repair of waterlines at street o Water meter reading o Maintenance of municipal water system  Construction o General construction work for Village projects

E. Ambulance Service:

Ambulance service is provided by the Town of Northampton through the Northampton Volunteer Ambulance Service. The Northampton Ambulance Service Association was established in 1964. The Northampton Volunteer Ambulance Association maintains a Town owned building at 112 South Second Street in the Village. The Association relies on contributions, fund raisers and grants to sustain its operations. Between the years of 2012-2014, the Ambulance responded to 379 patient calls. The Northville Volunteer Fire Department provides a First Responder Team.

The Village of Northville is covered by LifeNet emergency medical air transport services. LifeNet 7-2 Glen, NY base is located to the south in the Town of Glen, Montgomery County, NY more accurately at 3966 State Highway 30A. LifeNet's coverage area extends from the 7-2 Glen, NY base as far north as the Village of Speculator, Hamilton County, South to the Town of Windham, Green County, West to the City of Utica, Oneida County and East to the Village of Stillwater Saratoga County. The Village of Northville has one (1) designated helicopter landing area that is located at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation office at 701 North Main Street. F. School:

The Northville Central School District services the entire Village and extends into the Town's of Bleecker and Mayfield in Fulton County, Benson and Hope in Hamilton County and the Town of Edinburg in Saratoga County covering 150 square miles.

Northville Central School District

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The Northville Central School District educates children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The sole district building is located on 11+/- acres at 131 South Third Street in the Village and is organized into an elementary school serving students in grades Pre-K through 5th grade, a middle school serving students in grades 6 through 8 and a high school servicing students in grades 9 through 12.

The Northville Central School District is run by a five member elected school board, with each member serving a five-year term. Staffing includes four administrators, forty-nine teachers and forty-eight support staff.

While total pupil enrollment has generally decreased, the cost per pupil has increased over the years. The following table illustrates Northville Central School District's school enrollment since the 1987- 1988 school year and associated costs and revenues since the 1994-1995 school year. TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL PER PUPIL MINUS TOTAL TOTAL EXPENDITURE PER TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL YEAR PUPILS TEACHERS PUPIL PER PUPIL (Thousands of dollars) (Thousands of dollars) EXPENDITURE PER 2014-2015 444 Unknown Unknown Unknown UnknownPUPIL ($) 2013-2014 483 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 2012-2013 483 42.82 Unknown Unknown Unknown 2011-2012 492 45.42 Unknown Unknown Unknown 2010-2011 488 45.31 18,311 19,590 1,279 2009-2010 497 48.50 17,751 17,732 (19) 2008-2009 482 47.70 17,421 19,745 2,324 2007-2008 521 54.50 16,712 17,881 1,169 2006-2007 544 50.60 14,904 17,200 2,296 2005-2006 558 50.70 13,609 15,772 2,163 2004-2005 547 Unknown 14,155 15,146 991 2003-2004 549 50.70 13,364 14,042 678 2002-2003 549 50.20 12,812 14,122 1,310 2001-2002 556 51.00 12,104 13,331 1,227 2000-2001 566 50.00 11,187 12,253 1,066 1999-2000 555 50.10 11,155 12,095 940 1998-1999 577 50.00 10,010 11,771 1,761 1997-1998 612 49.00 9,080 10,603 1,523 1996-1997 599 44.10 9,115 11,005 1,890 1995-1996 636 48.10 8,057 9,233 1,176 1994-1995 615 47.10 8,359 9,387 1,028 1993-1994 600 47.60 Unknown Unknown Unknown 1992-1993 667 47.00 Unknown Unknown Unknown 1991-1992 656 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 1990-1991 639 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 1989-1990 640 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 1988-1989 672 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 1987-1988 669 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

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Northville Central School also serves as the middle and high school for students educated from grades Pre-K through 6th grade at the adjacent Edinburg Common School.

The 11+/- acre Northville Central School district property includes the following: BUILDINGS YEAR BUILT DESCRIPTION AREA/DIMENSI ON (SQ. Main Building 1933 Two (2) story brick building 55,000FT.) Auditorium An attached two (2) story 3,500 auditorium. Capacity 500 to include balcony West Wing Addition An attachedseating two (2) story 19,000 brick building Gymnasium Complex An attached building to 15,500 include a basketball court, locker rooms, concession stand and lobby area Bus Garage 1950 A detached seven (7) bay 5,000 building to include one (1) small office Equipment Building A detached four (4) 1,500 bay equipment Varsity Soccer Field Naturalbuilding turf soccer field 65y(w) x 120y(l)

Modified Soccer Field Natural turf modified soccer 60y(w) x 85y(l) field

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Baseball Diamond A natural turf varsity baseball diamond that occupies the space of the Varsity and Modified Soccer fields. Tennis Court An asphalt court that 225'(w) x 375'(l) includes three (3) tennis courts and one (1) basketball court encompassed by a ten (10) Bridge Street Lot footA highblacktop chain parking link lot to 175' x 200' include 90fence parking spaces owned by St. Third Street Lot A blacktopFrancis parking of Assisi lot to 85' x 150' include 30 parking Playground Area A playgroundspaces area with 17,000 (total) modern playground 9,000 (sand area) equipment. In 2010, the Mayfield Central School District and Northville Central School Districts applied for a New York State Local Government Efficiency Grant in the amount of $35,000 to hire a consulting firm to guide the two (2) districts through a Merger Study. In January 2011, the Districts hired SES Study Group to prepare a study on the potential merger of these two (2) Districts. The study explored the possibility of merging districts or sharing services. The study was completed in 2012 and presented to residents of both districts in March of 2012 with public forums occurring in each district. On July 19, 2012, both Boards of Education voted unanimously to put the merger proposal before residents for an advisory referendum. That referendum was held on September 18th, 2012. In order to continue the merger study, the residents of both districts had to approve the Advisory Referendum. The results of the advisory referendum vote were as follows:

Support Oppose Northville Central School District 256 457 Mayfield Central School District 529 206

As a result of the failed referendum, merger talks came to an end for a period of t i m e . On June 25, 2013, voters in the Northville Central School District entertained a non- binding "straw vote" to allow continued merger discussions with the Mayfield Central School District. The results of the "straw vote" were as follows: Support Oppose Northville Central School District 307 199

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A second binding referendum vote was held on January 7, 2014. The results of the binding referendum were as follows:

Support Oppose Northville Central School District 309 670 Mayfield Central School District 386 273

As a result of the second failed binding referendum, neither district could pursue a merger with another district for at least one (1) year.

G. Health Care:

The Village of Northville is fortunate to have two (2) major hospitals in the region that provide services to residents within the Village. The first is Nathan Littauer Hospital located fourteen (14) miles to the south in the City of Gloversville. The second is St. Mary’s Healthcare located approximately twenty four (24) miles from the Village at 427 Guy Park Avenue in the City of Amsterdam.

St. Mary's Healthcare also operates a Family Health Center located at 331 Bridge Street in the Village of Northville. H. Churches:

The following churches currently operate in the Village of Northville: 1) Roman Catholic Church : 501 Bridge Street 2) Baptist Church of Northville : 111 North First Street 3) Presbyterian Church : Reed Street 4) First United Methodist Church : 303 South Main Street

I. Cemeteries:

The Village of Northville has two (2) cemeteries that are owned and operated by the Town of Northampton as follows:

Prospect Hill Cemetery The Prospect Hill Cemetery is located along East Prospect Street in the Village of Northville. This 40+/- acre cemetery is currently at approximately 50% capacity.

Main Street Cemetery The Main Street Cemetery is located on South Main Street directly across from the First United Methodist Church. The Main Street Cemetery is approximately 3+/- acres in size and is close to maximum capacity.

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J. Municipal Parks:

The Village of Northville maintains three (3) municipal parks to include Waterfront Park, Bridge Street Park and Main Street Park.

1. Waterfront Park: Waterfront Park is made up of two (2) parcels located on 1.16 acres along the Northville Lake ( see map CF-2 at the end of this chapter for park location and layout). Purchased by the Village in 2000 for $105,000, the park is tucked away behind commercial buildings directly across from the intersection of Bridge and Main Streets. Access to the park is located directly off of Main Street. The park consists of a 7,000 +/- square foot crushed stone/gravel parking lot that will accommodate approximately 20 vehicles. The park also includes a 20’ x 20’ gazebo and a 25’ x 30’ amphitheatre both custom built and in rustic Adirondack architecture. A paved walking path winds throughout the property along a decorative stone wall overlooking the Northville Lake. In 2014, the Village installed a new 4’ x 40’+/- concrete sidewalk and decorative lighting along the park entrance to address pedestrian safety concerns. During the same year, Waterfront Park was officially designated as the starting point to the 90-year old Northville-Placid Trail. A new trail registration kiosk and designated parking spaces were created. In honor of the designation, the Village contracted with Mr. William Coffey, a local artisan for the construction of a new archway at the entrance to the Park.

Waterfront Park plays host to a wide range of activities, particularly during the summer months. Some of the activities include a Farmers Market, Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) concerts, Northville-Placid trail "Trail Days" celebration and the 4th of July Doin's celebration to name a few.

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Although not utilized at the present time, the Village maintains 300 feet of waterfront through a Special Permit #14706 issued by the Hudson River Black River Regulating District.

2. The Village Green: The Village Green is a long rectangular 167'(l) x 30'(w) green located at the intersection of Bridge and Main Streets, (see map CF-3 at the end of this chapter for location and green layout). Owned by the Village, this green contains a few park benches that were the result of an Eagle Scout Project by AJ Abbott and a Revolutionary/World War Memorial to those who served that was erected on July 4, 1927. The Village Green also includes a three (3) sided information kiosk constructed by Nicholas Clark Palmateer in 2007 serving as another Eagle Scout project. For many years, the Village Green was the site of the annual Village Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

3. Main Street Park: Main Street Park is located at the intersection of South Main and Mechanic Streets and is made up of a single parcel of approximately .6 acres in size, ( see map CF-4 at the end of this chapter for location and park layout). Purchased by the Town of Northampton in 2001 for $60,000, this Town owned park is adjacent to the shared Village/Town Municipal Hall complex. Main Street Park contains several picnic tables a small gazebo and minimal playground equipment. Main Street Park is the site of the annual Village/Town Easter Egg Hunt and is utilized by the Northville Rotary Club to host their annual Woodworking and Fine Arts show. Main Street Park was designed and developed by the hard work and determination of Mr. Carl

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Sedon, a local Village resident. Mr. Sedon took it upon himself to design and personally planted the many trees and shrubs throughout the park at no cost to the Town or Village. Unfortunately, this park is severely underutilized by the public. Given its size and location within the Village to include public parking at the Town/Village Hall, the Town and Village should work together to establish recreational uses at this site. Examples of recreational uses could be one or more tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts. The additional land located directly behind the Town/Village Hall that once was utilized as a community garden should also be considered for a recreational use.

K. Northville-Northampton Historical Society Museum: The Northville-Northampton Historical Society museum is located on the property of the shared Village/Town Municipal Hall complex. At one time, the museum was a schoolhouse located in nearby Gifford's Valley. Thought to be constructed in the mid 1800's, the school was officially closed on August 22, 1930. In 1989, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Meter, owners of the schoolhouse building, donated it to the Northville- Northampton Historical Society who arranged for its transportation to its current location and officially opened in 1991. The museum has many d isplays of the Glove Industry, Sacandaga Park, Fire and Police, jail and barber shop memorabilia. The museum also is home to a collection of Northville Central School yearbooks. The museum is open most Saturday's and every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during June, July and August. Arrangements can be made for special tours by appointment. L. Northville Public Library:

The Northville Public Library is located at 341 South Third Street. The 4,000 +/- square foot library building sits on a half acre of direct waterfront land to the Great Sacandaga Lake.

The Northville Public Library not only contains an extensive collection of books it also provides internet connectivity and other electronic resources. The Northville Public Library provides many additional activities to include story

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time book reading, book discussions and genealogy. The Northville Public Library is governed by a nine (9) member elected Board of Trustees having five (5) year terms. The Northville Public Library is funded primarily through a Library tax placed upon all residential properties located within the Northville Central School District. Additional funding is assumed through various fundraising events primarily organized by the Friends of the Library organization established in 1985.

M. Community Groups:

The following community groups provide programs and services in the Village of Northville: 1) Northville Fireman’s Association 2) Northville Fireman’s Association Ladies Auxiliary 3) Northville Lions Club 4) Northville Rotary Club 5) Northville Masons 6) Northville Civic Association 7) Northville Merchants Association 8) Community Collaboration Council 9) Northville-Northampton Historical Society 10) Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) 11) Sacandaga Task Force for Senior Living 12) Northville/Northampton Joint Youth Commission 13) Sacandaga Valley Arts Network 14) Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 15) Cub Scouts 16) Girl Scouts of America 17) Northville Falcon Helpers 4-H 18) Sacandaga Helping Hands 19) Fulmont Community Action Agency 20) Northville-Edinburg Little League

N. Solid Waste & Recycling:

The Village of Northville provides weekly garbage pickup throughout the Village using a shared Town/Village garbage truck. The garbage is then brought to the County owned Department of Solid Waste Transfer Station located at 326 County Highway 113 in the Town of Northampton. All solid waste generated in the Village of Northville is sent to the Fulton County Landfill on Mud Road in the Town of Johnstown.

Village of Northville and Town of Northampton property owners are eligible to obtain a permit at the Town Clerk's office to dispose of solid waste at the transfer station. The cost of the yearly permit is $10 for cars and standard pickup trucks.

Curbside pickup of recycling (cans, bottles and cardboard) is provided by the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste and occurs every other week throughout the year.

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O. Utility Services:

National Grid provides electrical services throughout the Village of Northville. There is no natural gas service.

P. Communication Services:

Frontier Communications and Time Warner Cable provide land line phone and high speed internet (Broadband) service throughout the Village of Northville. To date, Village residents and businesses can receive high speed internet (Broadband) with upload speeds of up to 24 megabits per second (Mbps) with a standard residential product and up to 50 Mbps for a business product. Download speeds remain between 3-6 Mbps. Wireless internet services are provided by several providers to include AT&T Mobility, Cellco Partnership, Hughes Network Systems, Sprint Nextel Corp., StarBrand Communications, Inc., ViaSat Inc. and VSAT Systems, LLC. Wireless internet services generally range between 1.5 to 3.0 megabits per second.

To date, there is one (1) cellular tower located on Village property in the Town of Northampton along Ridge Road. This .5 acre piece of property has a ground elevation of 1,000+'- feet above mean sea level and is also the location of two (2) Village owned water storage tanks. The cellular tower includes three (3) carriers being AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. The Village of Northville obtains a monthly rent from the cellular tower. As of 2015, the monthly rent equaled $2,767.66 totaling $33,211.92 per year with an annual increase of 3.5%.

Q. Municipal Water:

The Village of Northville operates and maintains a municipal water system. Information regarding the Village's municipal water system has been supplied through Fulton County's Smart Waters Findings Report - "A Regional Model for Water and Wastewater Services in Fulton County, NY" prepared by Environmental Design Partnership of Clifton Park, NY dated April 14, 2014.

Water System:

Information cited within this report was obtained from the Village Highway Superintendent and Treasurer unless otherwise noted. Water service in the Village of Northville is provided by a municipal system owned and operated by the Village. The water system currently serves an estimated population of 1,099 through approximately 556 service connections (2012 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report). Water for the Village of Northville comes from two (2) groundwater wells located along the Sacandaga River north of the Village.

The overall groundwater supply safe yield is reported as 0.504 mgd.

The Village currently maintains approximately 680,000 gallons of finish water storage within two concrete storage tanks on Ridge Road east of the Village. The distribution system infrastructure within the Village includes cast iron, ductile iron, and asbestos

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cement pipe ranging in size from 4 inches to 10 inches. In addition to the distribution system infrastructure within Village limits, the Village provides service to a limited number of properties along Old State Road north of the Village.

Supply Groundwater Treatment Chlorination Service Connections 556 Ave Daily Use .089mgd

Peak Daily Use .274mgd Supply Safe .504mgd Surplus .230mgd

Operation and maintenance of the Village's water system is performed by the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Village reports that a staff of 4 DPW employees are involved with operation and maintenance of the water system on a part- time basis splitting their time with other DPW operations.

Capacity Information:

The average daily water demand in 2012 was reported 0.089 mgd with a peak daily demand of 0.274 mgd. The Village provided water production data for the years 2007 and 2012; the data indicates a 20% decrease in production over the five year period from 40.7 million gallons in 2007 to 32.6 million gallons in 2012.

With a 2012 peak daily demand of 0.274 mgd and groundwater supply safe yield of 0.504 mgd, the Village of Northville's water system is operating with a surplus capacity of 0.230 mgd; in other words the system is currently operating at approximately 54% of capacity.

Rate and Financial Information

As previously noted, for the purposes of comparing rates between municipalities, annual water charges were calculated within each municipality on the basis of a typical family using 100 gallons per day per capita for a total of 242 gallons per day.

At a usage of 242 gallons per day the annual service charge for a typical residential user would be $241.49.

This includes a minimum charge of $30.00 semi-annually for the first 2,500 gallons plus $2.21 per 1000 gallons for the balance in usage above the minimum. The Village of Northville does not maintain a separate outside user rate.

The Office of the State Comptroller - Open Book New York website indicates that the Village of Northville reported total water system related revenues of $130,207, $106,638 and $90,695 for the years 2012, 2007, and 2002 respectively. Total expenses for the same years were reported as $82,891, $84,208, and $79,603. Table 1 presents financial information for the Village of Northville water system:

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Table 1: Village of Northville Water System Rate and Financial Summary 2012 2007 2002 Population (2010 1,099 1,139 1,139 and 2000 census) Water 32.6 40.7 -- Produced (million gallons) Annual Charge1, 2 $241.49 $126.50 $110.00 "Outside User" 1 Annual Charge Total Revenue $130,207 $106,638 $90,695 Revenue from $130,127 $104,365 $89,120 Water Sales Total Expenses $94,374 $94,588 $88,879 Net Revenue $35,833 $12,050 $1,816 (Expense) a. Annual charges calculated based on typical residential usage of 242 gallons per day b. The Village of Northville moved to metered water based charges between 2007 and 2012

The Village of Northville reported water system related debt of $49,025 related to a 1997 Capital Project due to mature in 2017.

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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R. Municipal Sewer: The Village of Northville does not own a municipal wastewater collection and treatment system. Rather, all developed and to be developed properties located within the Village must rely on private septic systems. Typically speaking, the majority of residential properties within the Village have adequate on-site septic systems that meet the needs of existing one (1) and two (2) family units. Residential and/or commercial development having a greater density may find it difficult to incorporate an on-site septic system. Also, the lack of a municipal wastewater collection and treatment system restricts the Village’s ability to develop a higher density of commercial and residential uses.

S. Municipal Beach:

The Village of Northville and Town of Northampton operate and maintain a municipal beach located directly off of NYS Route 30 north of the bridge leading into Northville on Hudson River Black River Regulating District property through a Special Access Permit #2973 held on a yearly basis by the Village (See Map CF-5 Village & Town Beach). This sandy beach is approximately 350 feet in length and offers a small gravel parking area for approximately forty (40) vehicles. The municipal beach is open from late June through late August each year. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday's from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. A no cost permit is required to use the beach and is open to the general public.

Image of Municipal Beach taken via drone on 10.18.2016

The municipal beach plays a vital role within the Town and Village sponsored Summer Youth Program where swim lessons are provided to the participants however is generally underutilized by both Village/Town residents and tourists. The Village of Northville should work with the Town and State agencies to consider investing in improvements to the beach in order to make it a more attractive recreational resource and asset to the Village and Town as a whole (See Map CF-6 Village & Town Beach Improvements). Ideally, a connection between the Village and Town Beach should be made with the adjacent Northville Boat Launch that is managed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

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T. Streetscape:

Wikipedia defines a streetscape as "the visual elements of a street, including the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees and open spaces, etc, that combine to form the street's character". Village settings typically have strong streetscapes including many, if not all of the elements identified within the above definition while Townships, otherwise known as suburbia, tend to lack strong streetscapes.

Unfortunately, unlike years ago, many of Northville's streetscape elements have deteriorated in several ways but three (3) elements in particular stand out among the rest. These elements are sidewalk conditions, the deterioration of grassed terrace areas and the removal of street trees. Sidewalk Conditions For the purposes of this plan, sidewalks are being considered as a community facility. Sidewalks provide safe and efficient accommodation for pedestrians along Village Streets and should be equally, if not more important than provisions designed for vehicles.

As of the date of this plan, Northville has 33,121 feet or 6.3 miles of existing sidewalks in various conditions, widths and locations throughout the Village (See Map CF-7 Existing Sidewalk Locations Analysis). An analysis was performed based upon the condition of existing sidewalks on a street intersection to intersection basis. The analysis utilized three (3) categories as follows:

Excellent Condition - A sidewalk is generally determined to be in excellent condition if it has been recently installed or shows little sign of cracking, heaving, chipping or otherwise visual deterioration. An example of a sidewalk in this condition is shown below.

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Good to Fair Condition - A sidewalk is generally determined to be in good to fair condition if it shows some signs of cracking, heaving or chipping. An example of a sidewalk in this condition is shown to the right.

Fair to Poor Condition – A sidewalk is generally to be in fair to poor condition if it shows significant cracking, heaving and/or chipping. An example of a sidewalk in this condition is shown to the right.

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Based on the criteria from the previous page, Table 1 below illustrates the overall sidewalk conditions in the Village (See Map CF-7 Existing Sidewalk Conditions).

STREET FROM TO CONDITION LENGTH(FT) 1. Main Street East Side: Reed Street Division Excellent 577 Division Street WaterStreet Street Excellent 426 Water Street Fire House Excellent 366 Breda Street Washington Excellent 517 Washington MechanicStreet Excellent 517 MechanicStreet Street EndStreet Excellent 389

2. Main Street West Side: W. Prospect Reed Street Excellent 378 ReedStreet Street Division Excellent 424 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Excellent 577 Bridge Street Center Street Excellent 333 Center Street Washington Excellent 366 Washington VanStreet Arnam Excellent 1029 VanStreet Arnam Ave EndAve Good to Fair 117 3. First Street East Side: Reed Street Division Fair to Poor 358 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Good to Fair 482 Bridge Street Center Street Good to Fair 439 Center Street Washington Fair to Poor 461 Street 4. First Street West Side:

Reed Street Division Fair to Poor 587 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Good to Fair 451 Bridge Street Center Street Fair to Poor 383 Center Street Washington Fair to Poor 449 Washington NewtonStreet Fair to Poor 540 NewtonStreet Street EndStreet Fair to Poor 310

5. Second Street East Side: Reed Street Division Fair to Poor 685 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Fair to Poor 424 Bridge Street Center Street Good to Fair 490 Center Street Washington Good to Fair 164 Street 6. Second Street West Side: Reed Street Division Fair to Poor 710 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Fair to Poor 255 Bridge Street Center Street Fair to Poor 515 Center Street Washington Fair to Poor 446 Washington EndStreet Good to Fair 222 Street 7. Third Street East Side: Reed Street Division Fair to Poor 298 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Fair to Poor 455 Bridge Street Center Street Fair to Poor 565 Center Street End Fair to Poor 155

8. Third Street West Side: Union Street Division Good to Fair 356 Division Street BridgeStreet Street Good to Fair 429 Bridge Street Center Street Good to Fair 590 Center Street Washington Good to Fair 568 Washington VanArnamStreet Fair to Poor 453 Street Avenue 9. Fourth Street East Side: Division Bridge Street Fair to Poor 380 Street ~ 70 ~

10. Fourth Street West Side:

Union Street Division Street Fair to Poor 115 Division Bridge Street Fair to Poor 222 Street Division Bridge Street Good to Fair 139 Street 11. Fifth Street East Side: Division Bridge Street Fair to Poor 200 Street 12. Fifth Street West Side: Union Street Division Street Fair to Poor 275 Division Bridge Street Good to Fair 302 Street 13. Sixth Street East Side: Division Bridge Street Fair to Poor 223 Street 14. Reed Street North Side: Third Street Second Street Good to Fair 244 Second First Street Fair to Poor 247 SecondStreet First Street Good to Fair 127 FirstStreet Street Main Street Fair to Poor 348 15. Reed Street South Side: Third Street Second Street Fair to Poor 310 Second First Street Fair to Poor 292 FirstStreet Street Main Street Fair to Poor 340 16. Division Street North Side: Sixth Street Fifth Street Fair to Poor 399 Fifth Street Fourth Street Fair to Poor 277 Fourth Third Street Good to Fair 285 ThirdStreet Street Second Street Good to Fair 294 Second First Street Good to Fair 275 Street 17. Division Street South Side: Fifth Street Fourth Street Fair to Poor 262 Fourth Third Street Fair to Poor 144 ThirdStreet Street Second Street Fair to Poor 294 Second First Street Fair to Poor 277 FirstStreet Street Main Street Fair to Poor 325

18. Bridge Street North Side: Village Line Sixth Street Good to Fair 189 Sixth Street Fifth Street Good to Fair 459 Fifth Street Fourth Street Good to Fair 282 Fourth Third Street Good to Fair 273 ThirdStreet Street Second Street Good to Fair 205 Second First Street Fair to Poor 283 FirstStreet Street Main Street Good to Fair 343

19. Bridge Street South Side: Sixth Street Fifth Street Good to Fair 531 Fifth Street Third Street Good to Fair 502 Third Street Second Street Good to Fair 286 Second First Street Excellent 158 FirstStreet Street Main Street Excellent 283

20. Center Street North Side:

Third Street Second Street Fair to Poor 289

Second Street First Street Good to Fair 280

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First Street Main Street Fair to Poor 345

21. Center Street South Side: Second Street First Street Good to Fair 143

First Street Main Street Good to Fair 336

22. Washington Street North Side:

Third Street Second Good to 80 Second Street FirstStreet Street Fair to 261 First Street Main Street FairPoor to 308 Poor 23. Washington Street South Side: Third Street Second Good to 281 Second Street FirstStreet Street GoodFair to 252 First Street Main Street GoodFair to 348 Fair 24. Newton Street North Side: Fair to 60 Poor

25. Newton Street South Side: Fair to 103 Poor

26. Mechanic Street North Side: Main Street End Good to 438 Fair 27. Prospect Street North Side: Main Street End Good to 240 Fair

Table 1 shows that there are approximately 14 sections totaling 6,408 +/- feet (19%) of existing sidewalk that is in Excellent condition, 36 sections totaling 11,823 (36%) of existing sidewalk that is in Good to Fair condition and 43 sections totaling 14,890 +/- feet (45%) of existing sidewalk that is in Fair to Poor condition.

Excellent Condition - Sidewalks identified as being in excellent condition comprise 19% of the Village's sidewalks and are generally located along North and South Main Street and along Bridge Street at its intersection with Main Street. Generally speaking, these sidewalks primarily coincide with the Village's commercial area. Good to Fair Condition- Sidewalks identified as being within a good to fair condition comprise 36% of the Village's sidewalks and are generally located along Bridge and Third Streets. Generally speaking, these sidewalks primarily coincide with the Village's mixed commercial/residential areas and at the locations of the Village's four (4) churches.

Fair to Poor Condition - Sidewalks identified as being within a fair to poor condition comprise the majority or 45% of the Village's sidewalks and are generally located throughout the Village particularly within residential areas.

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Grassed Terraces

The deterioration of the grassed terrace area between the street and sidewalk has been a compounding problem for decades. The encroachment of vehicles parked along Village streets and directly upon the grassed terraced has taken its toll. Over time, this has caused a deterioration of the terrace area by creating ruts or otherwise large patches of exposed soil. These areas are evident along Village streets that lack curbing. The ideal way to eliminate this issue is to install curbing along all streets or at a minimum within defined problem areas.

Street Trees

The removal of street trees has become more frequent in recent years than in years past. Whether it be through disease, maturity, unsafe circumstances or simply an adjacent property owner ordering for its removal, many street trees have been eliminated from the Village's streetscape. Unlike any other element, the street tree has the most profound effect on any streetscape with its ability to define a boundary, provide depth through height and by simply providing shade to a pedestrian. One way to alleviate the pre- mature removal of any street tree would be for the Village to define what its public right of way is and the jurisdiction it has through an ordinance regulating, at a minimum all street trees within the defined public right of way. Northville ladies on South Main street. 1898

U. Public Parking:

Public parking is primarily made available curbside along existing Village streets. There are two (2) designated public parking lots located in the Village, the first being a .26 acre (11,325 s.f.) lot located just south of and on the opposite side of South Bridge Street from the entrance to Waterfront Park. This paved and striped parking lot can accommodate approximately 30 vehicles and serves as off street parking for various commercial businesses nearby. The second public parking lot is located at Waterfront Park. As mentioned earlier, this public parking area can accommodate approximately twenty (20) vehicles.

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V. NYS Offices: There is one (1) NYS office located within the Village of Northville being the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Office located on a 7.2 acre parcel at 701 South Main Street. This office is located within New York State's Region 5 and within DEC's Lands and Forests Division. The Northville DEC Office contains foresters, surveyors, conservation officers, and operations staff. As mentioned earlier, it is also the location of the Village's sole designated helicopter landing area. If the State of New York were to close this facility in the future, the Village of Northville should consider approaching the State to see if there would be interest in transferring the ownership of the facility over to the Village and/or Village and Town to utilize for future use.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. The Village of Northville should work with the Northville Central School District to subsidize the repairs, upgrades and maintenance to the district's recreational facilities that are utilized by the general public.

B. The Village of Northville should coordinate with the Town of Northampton to establish recreational uses at the Town owned Main Street Park. Examples of recreational uses could be tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts. The additional land located directly behind the Town/Village Hall that once was utilized as a community garden should also be considered for a recreational use. In order to do so, the following steps should be taken: 1. Coordinate the effort directly with the Town of Northampton. 2. Develop and submit a Request for Proposals (RFP) to firms specializing in the design of recreational and otherwise park development. The RFP should be drafted to include preliminary design, final design, estimated construction costs and bidding documentation. 3. Utilize the cost proposals to seek grant funding opportunities to assist the Village/Town in paying for the design and project bidding work. 4. Design project. Bid final design project. 5. Utilize the final bidding costs to seek grant funding opportunities for the construction.

C. The Village of Northville should work with existing business owners, the Town of Northampton and the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste to implement a Waterfront Park Area Refuse Plan. At a minimum, the plan should look at the following options:

1. Commercial pickup by Village Highway Department. 2. Voluntary Dumpster sharing - Limiting the overall number of dumpsters by multiple businesses utilizing a single dumpster. 3. Individual business contracting with a private "small" hauler not utilizing dumpsters. 4. Dumpster locations and screening.

D. The Village of Northville should pursue the feasibility of a Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facility/System to service, at a minimum, the central

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commercial area of the Village to include Waterfront Park. To do so, the following steps should be taken:

1. Establish a Scope of Work to be included within a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire an engineering firm to perform a Feasibility Study and Preliminary Cost Analysis to incorporate a Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facility/System servicing the Village. At a minimum, the scope of work should include: a. Servicing the entire Village b. Servicing the central commercial area via Bridge and Main Streets. c. Include a Packaged Wastewater Treatment Plant and proposed location. d. Include a conventional Wastewater Treatment Plant and proposed location. e. Include the Town of Northampton's Sacandaga Park Wastewater Treatment Plant. f. Include Fulton County's SmartWaters initiative.

2. Receive fee Proposals from Engineering Firms based upon Scope of Work. 3. Utilize fee proposals recieved to seek grant funding to pay for a part of the cost of the Feasibility Study. 4. Hire Engineering firm to conduct Feasibility Study. 5. Conduct Feasibility Study 6. Based upon findings of feasibility study, determine best course of action to take to establish Municipal wastewater treatment within the Village. 7. Based upon the conclusions of the Feasibility Study, establish a Scope of Work to be included within a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire an engineering firm to provide Preliminary and Final Engineering work to include construction cost estimate and bidding documentation. 8. Utilize fee proposals recieved to seek grant funding to pay for a part of the cost of the Preliminary and Final Engineering work to include construction cost estimate and bidding documentation. 9. Conduct Preliminary and Final Engineering work. 10. Utilize Final Engineering work and construction cost estimate to seek grant funding to pay for a part of the construction costs. 11. If grant funding is obtained, BID Wastewater Treatment Project. 12. Award Project. 13. Start construction.

E. The Village of Northville should work with the Town of Northampton, Hudson River- Black River Regulating District, NYS Departments of Transportation and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to improve and expand the shared beach. To do so, the following should be considered (See Map CF-6 Village & Town Beach Improvements):

1. Install approximately 1,100+/- feet of new sidewalk from the termination of the existing sidewalk located to the north of the intersection of NYS Route 30 and Bridge Street extending through the beach entrance and along the perimeter of ~ 75 ~

the proposed paved parking area. This new section of sidewalk should include appropriate measures for pedestrian safety as per NYS Department of Transportation's guidelines. 2. Install approximately 190+/- feet of new sidewalk from the termination of the existing sidewalk located on the north side of Bridge Street extending onto the existing green space area and terminating at the top of the bank and to the proposed new sidewalk along NYS Route 30. Appropriate steps should be installed from the termination of the new sidewalk down to beach level. Steps should be wide enough to allow for pedestrians coming to and from the beach and include landings utilized as rest areas. 3. Develop a Historical Stop at the location of the existing Train Depot Historic Marker. This Historical Stop could include a FJ&G RR car that could contain "History of Sacandaga" information. 4. Improve existing parking lot area by identifying individual parking spaces. 5. Designate a shaded picnic area to include picnic tables and refuse containers. 6. Incorporate a bath house to include at a minimum: a. Private Changing Facilities b. Securable lockers c. Covered Porta-John area 7. Incorporate seasonal public transportation such as a trolley from the beach to a designated stop (Waterfront Park) in the Village as well as designated stops within the Town (Northampton Beach State Campground). Said trolley could either be Village/Town operated or privately operated. 8. Install a public docking area for boaters to access the beach and transportation into the Village via trolley. 9. Dredge beach area to existing navigable channel. 10. Consider connecting the Beach area with the NYS DEC Northampton Boat Launch to the North.

F. The Village of Northville should strive to maintain all sidewalks above a "Fair to Poor" condition.

G. The Village of Northville should seek professional assistance to formulate an overall Streetscape Plan that would, at a minimum, be comprised of the following Streetscape elements:

1. Sidewalks 2. Crosswalks 3. Bicycle facilities 4. Curbing 5. Traffic calming 6. Lighting 7. Signage 8. Landscaping 9. Street Trees (and other vegetation) 10. Benches

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11. Public Parking 12. American Disability Act compliancy

H. The Village of Northville should add additional Public Parking spaces by:

1. Working with existing congregations and the Northville Central School District in order to utilize existing parking spaces as public parking. 2. Pave and stripe all existing Public Parking Lots starting with Waterfront Park in order to maximize the number of parking spaces.

I. The Village of Northville should consider the cost to create WiFi hotspot(s) within the Village's commercial core. As an alternative, the Village of Northville should obtain the services of a professional firm specializing in the development of WiFi hotspots specific to municipalities in order to understand the various implementation alternatives available.

J. The Village of Northville should work with the NYS Adirondack Park Agency and National Grid to explore managed alternative energy systems to include, at a minimum, solar and wind.

K. If it is anticipated that the State of New York is considering the closure of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation facility at 701 South Main Street, the Village of Northville should consider approaching the State of New York to see if there would be interest in transferring the ownership of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Facility over to the Village and/or Village and Town to utilize for future use.

L. The Village of Northville should continue to support the objectives identified within the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan that was accepted on December 5, 2014.

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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CHAPTER 6: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & RECREATION

1. INTRODUCTION:

Property and sale taxes are the primary source of revenues for local governments in New York State. The cost of operating local governments has risen significantly in recent years due to rapidly rising costs of pensions, health insurance and other cost contributors. These rapidly rising costs often translate into higher property tax rates and tax burdens on local property owners. The only way local governments can absorb these cost increases and maintain stable property tax rates is to have its tax base grow. The tax base refers to the total assessed valuations of all taxable properties in a municipality.

A local government’s tax base grows in one of two ways or both:

1) New development creates new assessed valuation. 2) Assessed valuations of existing tax parcels are increased.

In order for the Village of Northville to maintain the services it provides to residents and maintain or reduce its Village tax rate, the creation of new or increased assessed valuation must occur in the Village. This increase in assessed valuation can be attributed to new development and/or the investment in existing structures/property. It is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to be a vibrant community supporting residential and commercial growth while maintaining a quaint Village atmosphere.

2. DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL ECONOMY:

Like many other municipalities within the Adirondack Park, tourism plays one of the most important roles in their local economies. The Village of Northville's economy is surely based upon drawing tourists to the area by utilizing the many recreational assets along with the Village's uniqueness that makes the area an attractive tourist destination. With that being said, the Great Sacandaga Lake is considered by the vast majority to be the premier tourist attraction within Fulton County. The Great Sacandaga Lake attracts many tourists to the area year round however most prominently between Memorial and Labor Days otherwise known as the summer season. With the influx of tourists, the Village's population during the summer grows significantly. Tourists include those who move to the Village or Town for the summer as well as those who make transient trips. These tourists greatly support the Village's local businesses including specialty shops, restaurants, retail stores, markets and others. As of the date of this plan, the Village of Northville's local privately-owned businesses and Public/Government entities consist of the following:

Privately-owned Businesses: Tops Market Rite Aid J.F. Farm Store Allen & Palmer Hardware Shelby’s Diner Timeless Tavern Village Scoop Ice Cream Shop Village Cage & Pizzeria Stewart’s Shop Happy Returns Accounting Five and Dime Dragon City Klippel’s Kozy Korner Deli & Café

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Skips Service Station Main Street Auto Sacandaga Dog Supply The Orendaga CMK Realty Gifford Oil Company Inn at the Bridge Adirondack County Store Michael J. Poulin, Atty Morrison Insurance Agency Northville Liquor Store Northville Funeral Service The Red Barn Antiques & Vintage C&H Products CDL Associates Insurance Agency St. Mary’s Healthcare Clinic NBT Bank Bill Coffey Studios Books & Records Crowkiller Productions Just Because Boutique Vicki J. Prager, Atty Frontier Communications Lexington - Fulton County Chapter NYSARC, Inc Lakeside Gifts Nails at the Lake Northville Laundromat Golf Clubs "Made to Order" Dr. Michael H. Tierella Chiropractor Hiedis Hair Boutique

Public/Government Entities: Village of Northville Government Town of Northampton Government Northville Central School District NYS Department of Environmental Conservation US Post Office

The impacts of commercial and industrial business on the local economy can be evaluated by looking at the impacts these businesses have on property valuations in a community. As shown in the following table titled “Total Assessed Valuations in Fulton County Municipalities 2015”, 63.4% of all assessed valuation in Fulton County is attributed to residential development, 21.2% is commercial and 2.8% is industrial. For the Village of Northville, 68.3% of the Village's total assessed valuation is based upon residential development, 23.8% on commercial and 0.1% on industrial. The 23.8% for commercial development is the third highest percent of the four (4) Villages falling behind the Village of Broadalbin at 48.2% and Village of Mayfield at 40.4%.

As shown on the table titled “Property Valuations in Fulton County Municipalities 2015”, there are 81 properties classified as commercial in the Village. The median assessed valuation of all commercial properties is $203,223. In comparison, the median assessed valuation of the 458 residential properties in the Town is approximately $103,022.

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TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATIONS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 2015

MUNICIPALITIES TOTAL ASSESSED TOTAL RESIDENTIAL % TOTAL % TOTAL INDUSTRIAL % TOTAL OTHER % VALUE ASSESSED COMMERCIAL ASSESSED ASSESSED VALUATION ASSESSED VALUATION VALUATION VALUATION City of Gloversville $ 496,983,992 $ 291,861,700 58.7% $ 160,977,726 32.4% $ 18,932,874 3.8% $ 25,211,692 5.1% City of Johnstown $ 629,833,357 $ 233,044,649 37.0% $ 235,803,500 37.4% $ 54,902,000 8.7% $ 106,083,208 16.8% Total: $ 1,126,817,349 $ 524,906,349 46.6% $ 396,781,226 69.8% $ 73,834,874 12.5% $ 131,294,900 21.9%

Town of Bleecker $ 94,372,783 $ 72,216,630 76.5% $ 2,104,500 2.2% $ 200 0.0% $ 20,051,453 21.2% Town of Broadalbin $ 278,705,503 $ 244,686,073 87.8% $ 16,883,178 6.1% $ - 0.0% $ 17,136,252 6.1% Town of Caroga $ 155,206,746 $ 128,908,610 83.1% $ 11,219,800 7.2% $ 56,000 0.0% $ 15,022,336 9.7% Town of Ephratah $ 64,920,215 $ 47,339,858 72.9% $ 3,946,798 6.1% $ 572,858 0.9% $ 13,060,701 20.1% Town of Johnstown $ 350,881,288 $ 234,832,750 66.9% $ 66,147,100 18.9% $ 9,820,215 2.8% $ 40,081,223 11.4% Town of Mayfield $ 308,919,238 $ 244,082,656 79.0% $ 39,645,200 12.8% $ 615,600 0.2% $ 24,575,782 8.0% Town of Northampton $ 214,239,305 $ 143,636,530 67.0% $ 8,795,100 4.1% $ 1,143,400 0.5% $ 60,664,275 28.3% Town of Oppenheim $ 57,242,591 $ 39,758,780 69.5% $ 5,933,969 10.4% $ - 0.0% $ 11,549,842 20.2% Town of Perth2 $ 132,606,801 $ 104,059,616 78.5% $ 24,615,442 18.6% $ - 0.0% $ 3,931,743 3.0% Town of Stratford $ 115,531,934 $ 66,780,370 57.8% $ 1,359,600 1.2% $ - 0.0% $ 47,391,964 41.0% Total: $ 1,772,626,404 $ 1,326,301,873 74.8% $ 180,650,687 87.5% $ 12,208,273 4.5% $ 253,465,571 169.0%

Village of Broadalbin $ 100,194,568 $ 49,483,800 49.4% $ 48,313,500 48.2% $ 613,900 0.6% $ 1,783,368 1.8% Village of Dolgeville $ 2,311,372 $ 2,022,830 87.5% $ 173,200 7.5% $ - 0.0% $ 115,342 5.0% Village of Mayfield $ 42,137,441 $ 23,107,600 54.8% $ 17,014,300 40.4% $ - 0.0% $ 2,015,541 4.8% Village of Northville $ 69,074,871 $ 47,184,162 68.3% $ 16,461,100 23.8% $ 70,000 0.1% $ 5,359,609 7.8% Total: $ 213,718,252 $ 121,798,392 57.0% $ 81,962,100 119.9% $ 683,900 0.7% $ 9,273,860 19.3%

Fulton County $ 3,113,162,005 $ 1,973,006,614 63.4% $ 659,394,013 21.2% $ 86,727,047 2.8% $ 394,034,331 12.7%

Data does not include vacant properties. Data provided through the NYS Real Property System.

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PROPERTY VALUATIONS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 2015 MUNICIPALITY GENERAL LAND USE RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL ALL OTHER # of % of Total Assessed Median # of % of Total Assessed Value Median Value # of % of Total Assessed Value Median Value # of % of total # Total Assessed Value Median Value Properties total # Value Value Propertie total # Prope total # of Properties of of s of rties Propertie Properties Properti Prope s es rties City of 86% $ 291,861,700 12% $ 160,977,726 $ 245,019 1.0% $ 18,932,874 $ 344,234 44 1% $ 25,211,692 $ 572,993 Gloversville 4,595 63,517 657 55 City of 84% $ 233,044,649 14% $ 235,803,500 $ 524,008 1.0% $ 54,902,000 $ 1,771,032 35 1% $ 106,083,208 $ 3,030,949 Johnstown 2,653 87,842 450 31 Total: 85% $ 524,906,349 13% $ 396,781,226 $ 358,429 1.0% $ 73,834,874 $ 858,545 79 1% $ 131,294,900 $ 1,661,961 7,248 72,421 1,107 86

Town of 72% $ 72,216,630 3% $ 2,104,500 $ 123,794 0.1% $ 200 $ 172 25% $ 20,051,453 $ 116,578 Bleecker 487 148,289 17 1 200 Town of 93% $ 244,686,073 5% $ 16,883,178 $ 187,591 0.0% $ - $ 35 2% $ 17,136,252 $ 489,607 Broadalbin 1,792 136,544 90 - - Town of Caroga 89% $ 128,908,610 4% $ 11,219,800 $ 149,597 0.2% $ 56,000 $ 18,667 128 7% $ 15,022,336 $ 117,362 1,611 80,018 75 3 Town of 80% $ 47,339,858 4% $ 3,946,798 $ 93,971 0.4% $ 572,858 $ 143,215 146 15% $ 13,060,701 $ Ephratah 753 62,868 42 4 89,457 Town of 89% $ 234,832,750 5% $ 66,147,100 $ 405,810 0.5% $ 9,820,215 $ 654,681 169 5% $ 40,081,223 $ 237,167 Johnstown 2,766 84,900 163 15 Town of 89% $ 244,082,656 5% $ 39,645,200 $ 293,668 0.2% $ 615,600 $ 102,600 167 6% $ 24,575,782 $ 147,160 Mayfield 2,517 96,974 135 6 Town of 74% $ 143,636,530 4% $ 8,795,100 $ 131,270 0.1% $ 1,143,400 $ 571,700 359 22% $ 60,664,275 $ 168,981 Northampton 1,188 120,906 67 2 Town of 78% $ 39,758,780 4% $ 5,933,969 $ 141,285 0.0% $ - $ 206 18% $ 11,549,842 $ Oppenheim 867 45,858 42 - - 56,067 Town of Perth 90% $ 104,059,616 7% $ 24,615,442 $ 238,985 0.0% $ - $ 39 3% $ 3,931,743 $ 100,814 1,233 84,395 103 - - Town of 72% $ 66,780,370 2% $ 1,359,600 $ 113,300 0.0% $ - $ 201 27% $ 47,391,964 $ 235,781 Stratford 539 123,897 12 - - Total: 13,753 85% $ 1,326,301,873 5% $ 180,650,687 $ 242,159 0.2% $ 12,208,273 $ 393,815 1,622 10% $ 253,465,571 $ 156,267 96,437 746 31

Village of 86% $ 49,483,800 11% $ 48,313,500 $ 766,881 0.5% $ 613,900 $ 204,633 14 2% $ 1,783,368 $ 127,383 Broadalbin 484 102,239 63 3 Village of 80% $ 2,022,830 5% $ 173,200 $ 57,733 0.0% $ - $ 8 15% $ 115,342 $ Dolgeville 44 45,973 3 - - 14,418 Village of 86% $ 23,107,600 10% $ 17,014,300 $ 459,846 0.0% $ - $ 15 4% $ 2,015,541 $ 134,369 Mayfield 309 74,782 37 - - Village of 73% $ 47,184,162 13% $ 16,461,100 $ 203,223 0.2% $ 70,000 $ 70,000 85 14% $ 5,359,609 $ Northville 458 103,022 81 1 63,054 Total: 81% $ 121,798,392 11% $ 81,962,100 $ 445,446 0.2% $ 683,900 $ 170,975 122 8% $ 9,273,860 $ 1,295 94,053 184 4 76,015

Fulton County 22,296 $ 8% $ 659,394,013 $ 323,708 0.5% $ 86,727,047 $ 716,752 1,823 7% $ 394,034,331 $ 216,146 1,973,006,614 88,492 2,037 121 Data does not include vacant properties. Data provided through the NYS Real Property System.

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3. WORKFORCE:

The following table identifies the type of employment sectors or industry group's that the Village of Northville residents work within. The 2000 Census showed that most Village residents worked in the educational, health and social services group. In 2000, 26% of the Village's workforce was employed in this industry group. The industry group having the second largest number of Village residents working in was Public Administration. Based upon the 2006-2010 ACS Estimates, educational, health & social services jobs decreased by 28 while Public Administration would see an increase of 14 jobs.

EMPLOYED PERSONS PER INDUSTRY GROUP (2000 AND 2006-2010 ACS ESTIMATE) INDUSTRY GROUP 2000 2006- 2010 ACS Estimate # % # % CHANGE Educational, health & social services 96 26 68 13.6 -28 Manufacturing 15 4 0 0 -15

Retail Trade 3 .8 10 2 7 Construction 36 9.8 14 3 -22 Arts, entertainment, recreation, 28 7.6 46 9.2 18 accommodation and food services Professional, scientific, management, 24 6.5 42 8.4 18 administrative & waste management Wholesale Trade 21 5.7 55 11 34

Public administration 51 14 65 13 14 Other services (except public administration) 24 6.5 35 7 11

Finance, insurance, real estate, rental & leasing 11 3 80 16 69

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, 47 12.8 0 0 -47 mining Transportation & warehousing, utilities 4 1.1 84 16.8 80 Information 8 2.2 0 0 -8 Total Employed 368 100% 499 100% 131

Figures are based upon employed persons age 16+.

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4. COMMUTATION PATTERNS:

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a commutation pattern as workers traveling from home to work. This information is useful to illustrate whether or not a particular municipality has sufficient employment opportunities for its residents or if the majority of residents travel outside of the municipality for work. The information also identifies how far residents are willing to travel for work.

The 2000 Census showed that 796 or 67% of the total combined workforce in the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville worked within Fulton County, most likely travelling south to the Cities of Gloversville and Johnstown.

COMMUTATION PATTERNS IN FULTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES PLACE OF WORK: 2000 Total Work in Work % Municipality Workers Fulton % Work % Outside New County Outside York State Fulton County City of Gloversville 6,292 4,929 78% 1,346 21% 17 0% City of Johnstown 3,724 2,772 74% 947 25% 5 0% Total Cities: 10,016 7,701 77% 2,293 23% 22 0%

Town of Bleecker 262 183 70% 74 28% 5 2% Town of Broadalbin 2,401 889 37% 1,497 62% 15 1% Town of Caroga 628 446 71% 182 29% 0 0% Town of Ephratah 727 392 54% 325 45% 10 1% Town of Johnstown 2,898 2,280 79% 587 20% 31 1% Town of Mayfield 3,060 2,020 66% 1,009 34% 31 1% Town of Northampton 1,189 796 67% 381 32% 12 1% Town of Oppenheim 792 306 39% 482 61% 4 1% Town of Perth 1,552 445 29% 1,107 71% 0 0% Town of Stratford 238 92 39% 139 58% 7 3% Total Towns: 13,747 7,849 57% 5,783 43% 115 1%

Total County: 23,763 15,550 65% 8,076 34% 137 1%

Town of Northampton figures include the Village of Northville

The following table shows what municipalities Town of Northampton and Village of Northville residents worked in 2013. As shown in this table, 648 Town and Village residents worked within Fulton County and 475 worked outside of Fulton County. The City of Amsterdam was the municipality located outside of Fulton County where the greatest number of Town and Village residents worked in 2013.

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MUNICIPALITIES WHERE TOWN NORTHAMPTON/VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE RESIDENTS WORKED WITHIN NEW YORK STATE 2013

Fulton County # % City of Gloversville 130 11.6 City of Johnstown 62 5.5 Town of Mayfield 60 5.3 Town of Johnstown 88 7.8 Town of Northampton 302 27.0 Town of Broadalbin 3 0.3 Town of Ephratah 3 0.3 Total County: 648 57.5

Montgomery County # % City of Amsterdam 136 12.1 Town of Amsterdam 30 2.7 Total County: 166 14.8

Hamilton County # % Town of Indian Lake 27 2.5 Town of Wells 6 0.5 Total County: 33 3.0

Schenectady County # % City of Schenectady 3 0.3 Town of Glenville 7 0.6 Town of Rotterdam 24 2.1 Total County: 34 3.0

Albany County City of Albany 89 8.0 Town of Colonie 11 1.0 Total County: 100 9.0

Saratoga County City of Saratoga 13 1.2 Town of Milton 26 2.3 Town of Edinburg 37 3.3 Town of Galway 29 2.6 Town of Malta 7 0.6 Town of Moreau 3 0.3 Town of Saratoga 4 0.4 Total County: 119 10.7

All Other Counties: Dutchess 7 0.6 Somerset 2 0.09 Suffolk 14 1.2 Total Other Counties: 23 2.0 Total in NYS 1,123 100 2009-2013 5-Year American Community Survey Commuting Flows

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5. IMPACT OF COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT DEVELOPMENT ON THE TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION OF LAND IN THE VILLAGE:

71.2% of all properties within the Village are classified as residential and contribute to 71.6% of the total Village assessed property valuation. In comparison, commercial properties represent only 6.4% of all properties within the Village and contribute 8.4% of total Village assessed property valuation. Based upon the median value of each property class, commercial properties are 130% higher in value than residential and exempt properties are 238% higher than commercial. (The Northville Central School Building and property included)

PROPERTY VALUATION

PROPERTY CLASS # of % of Total Assessed % of Total Median Properties Total # of Value Assessed Value Value Properties Residential 465 71.2% $47,087,762 71.6% $101,264

Commercial 42 6.4% $5,518,700 8.4% $131,398 Exempt 34 5.2% $10,655,800 16.2% $313,406 Properties Based upon 2015 Assessor Code Data

6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN THE VILLAGE:

Economic development refers to the sustained actions of policy makers or a community to promote a standard of living and economic health of an area.

Economic development activities in Fulton County are currently handled by the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth. This countywide economic development agency provides economic development services throughout Fulton County. Municipalities can contract directly with the Center for Regional Growth to provide certain economic development services in their municipalities. The Village of Northville does not currently contract with the Center for Regional Growth for economic development services.

A. Priority Development Sites: In 2014, the Village of Northville, Town of Northampton, Fulton County Government and the NYS Adirondack Park Agency collaborated to produce the "Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan". The goal of the plan is to enhance the economic conditions of the Adirondack Park's unique hamlet areas of which the Village of Northville and Town of Northampton share. The vision of the plan is:

".... to be a vibrant community supporting residential and commercial growth through our natural resources, our service organizations and governmental initiatives".

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The Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan identified twenty (20) priority development sites within the combined hamlet areas of the Town and Village. Of the twenty (20) priority development sites identified, fifteen (15) sites are located physically within the Village of Northville while five (5) sites are located physically within the Town of Northampton. The fifteen (15) priority economic development sites that are located within the Village of Northville and identified within the plan are as follows (See Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites):

1. Main Street Commercial Properties with Vacant Upper Floors 2. Five and Dime Property 3. Former Bank Building on Main Street 4. Old Hotel on Main Street 5. Village property on Corner of Division and Third Streets 6. Old Glove Shop 7. Old Car Dealership on Corner of Reed and Second Streets 8. Northville Central School 9. Northville Fire Department 10. Town Park 11. Town and Village Offices 12. Village Green 13. Veterans property on Gould Hill 14. Tops Supermarket 15. Water Street

The Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan (hereafter referred to as Hamlet Economic Development Plan) was accepted by both the Village and Town on December 5, 2014. It is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to continue to endorse all of the objectives identified within the Hamlet Economic Development Plan by including many throughout the various chapters of this plan. Although all of the priority development site objectives within the Hamlet Economic Development plan can be tied to promoting economic development, for the purposes of this chapter the following sites will be discussed:

 Former Bank Building on Main Street  Old Hotel on Main Street  Old Glove Shop  Water Street Causeway

Additional sites outside of the Hamlet Economic Development Plan have also been identified and discussed within this chapter. These additional sites include:

 Service Station at the Corner of Bridge and South First Street (Identifies as Priority Site #16 on Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites)

For the purposes of this plan, a Priority Development Site is a site that is considered to hold a greater community value and to be of high importance and/or opportunity for the community given its location and development potential. A property identified as a priority ~ 86 ~

development site does not mean that its existing use shall change unless the existing or future property owner chooses to do so.

1. Former Bank Building on Main Street:

Identified as priority development site #3 within the Hamlet Economic Development Plan, this 2.67 acre site consists of six (6) separate tax parcels identified as follows (See Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites):

SBL ACRES

18.17-8-16.1 .05 18.17-8-16.2 .13 18.17-8-17.1 1.80 18.17-8-17.2 .52 32.5-11-1 .11 32.5-11-2.1 .06

Total 2.67

Existing Building

This site includes an existing three (3) story red brick building at one time occupied by NBT bank. An attached canopy to the north side of the building provided a covered area for a two (2) lane drive thru. The condition of the former bank building and canopy appear to be in sound shape however a structural building analysis will most likely need to be performed prior to reuse of the building. A blacktop parking lot accommodating twenty (20) vehicles exists. There are two (2) vehicular entrances directly onto Main Street.

Vacant Land

Of the total 2.67 acre property, .36 acres are developed as either building or parking lot leaving 2.31 acres vacant. Being elevated above and sharing approximately 763 linear feet of property with the Northville Lake the vacant land has the potential to have an outstanding waterfront view. There exists one gradually sloped access path to the Northville Lake located along the south side of the property. Overall, the entire property is level.

Location

This site is located directly within Northville's downtown commercial area and adjacent to an existing Rite Aid pharmacy, the locally owned and operated Northville Liquor Store, a US Post Office and a Tops Supermarket.

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The Vision....

Based upon the makeup and layout of the existing three (3) story red brick building, the available vacant waterfront land, its overall location within the downtown commercial area and the desired development within the Village it is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to repurpose the former bank building into an attractive, family friendly brewpub that would be an attraction to the millennial generation by providing needed nightlife entertainment and socialization (See Map ED-2 Former Bank Building on Main Street). Ideally, this brewpub would brew and serve on-site, unique craft style beers while providing entertainment through supporting local artists and musicians. Adjacent to and along the waterfront of the Northville Lake is the desire to develop the vacant land into a high density residential use that could accommodate a mix of senior and young professional housing types. Access to the Northville Lake would be via an existing path leading to an improved beach area and resident docks.

2. Old Hotel on Main Street:

Identified as priority development site #4 within the Hamlet Economic Development Plan, this .60 acre site consists of one tax parcel identified as follows (See Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites):

SBL ACRES

32.5-10-5 .60

Existing Building

This site includes an existing three (3) story wood frame building that was built for residential purposes in 1813. Later the building was converted to a hotel use and continued to be operated as a hotel until 1951. The condition of the former hotel building appears to be in some need of repair and a structural building analysis will most likely need to be performed prior to reuse of the building. A partial blacktop and gravel parking lot accommodating potentially ten (10) vehicles exists. There is currently one (1) vehicular entrance directly onto Main Street with the potential of a second access onto North First street.

Location

This site is located directly within the core of Northville's downtown commercial area and adjacent to several existing locally owned and operated businesses to include Morrison Insurance Agency, Happy Returns Accounting, Michael J. Poulin, Atty, J.F. Farm Store, Shelby's Diner and Allen and Palmer Hardware. Waterfront Park is a short walk away and is the home to the start to the historic Northville-Placid Trail.

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The Vision....

Based upon its former hotel use, its overall location within the core downtown commercial area, the desired development within the Village and the close proximity to Waterfront Park it is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to restore the old hotel back to its previous grandeur providing visitors with the experience of unique overnight accommodations representative of years past while incorporating today's advanced technologies (See Map ED-3 Former Hotel on Main Street). The addition of meeting room or conference space located on the first floor would fulfill the lack thereof within the Village.

As alternatives to the primary vision, the site would also lend itself well to a multi story mixed use style development allowing for a mix of residential uses above with commercial retail space below or a high density residential use that could accommodate a mix of senior and young professional housing types. There is the potential for a new larger building to be constructed on the site if all existing buildings are removed. Any new structures located on the site should continue to maintain the existing buildings height, street frontage and architecture.

3. Old Glove Shop:

Identified as priority development site #6 within the Hamlet Economic Development Plan, this site consists of two tax parcels identified as follows (See Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites):

SBL ACRES

32.5-8-7 .33 32.5-8-8 .12 Total .45

Existing Buildings

This site includes two (2) existing buildings on separate lots. The first building is a one story wood frame garage style building that is located directly on North Second Street. This building was recently utilized as a custom woodworking shop by a local artist. The second building is situated behind the first and is significantly larger in size than the first. The second building is a two (2) story wood frame building having a significant number of windows. This particular building once housed a cottage glove manufacturing business. The condition of both buildings appear to be in sound shape however a structural building analysis will most likely need to be performed prior to the reuse of the two (2) story structure.

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Vacant Land

Of the total .45 acre site, .08 acres are developed as building footprint leaving .37 acres vacant. Combined, the two parcels provide 131+/- feet of frontage onto North Second Street. Overall, the entire site is level.

Location

This site is located outside of the core downtown commercial area and does not directly front Bridge Street which is one of the main thoroughfares into the Village. This site is directly behind Dr. Michael H. Tirella Chiropractor's office and adjacent to Klippel's Kozy Korner Deli & Cafe both of which are locally owned and operated businesses. The site is also adjacent to St. Mary's Healthcare Clinic located on the corner of Bridge and North Third Streets.

The Vision....

Based upon its former manufacturing use, its location outside of the core downtown commercial area, its offset location from Bridge Street and the desired development within the Village it is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to repurpose both existing buildings into new cottage style industries that may include custom woodworking with utilization of other non offensive raw materials or professional office space to include information technologies (See Map ED-4 Old Glove Shop). The future use of this site should not rely on being highly visible and/or create unnecessary traffic burdens. Access and parking for both buildings/uses should be in common and the existing sidewalk along the west side of North Second Street extended to its intersection with Bridge Street.

Identified as priority development site #6.1 on Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites, as an alternative to the primary vision there exists an opportunity to address the lack of public parking within the Village by incorporating a back lot private/ public parking lot in and around this area. The four (4) existing buildings located along Bridge Street have been utilized for commercial uses in recent years having a majority of parking occurring along Bridge Street. In order to alleviate parking along Bridge Street and to accommodate both existing and future commercial uses of the five (5) existing buildings, the addition of a designated parking area to be utilized by future commercial uses as well as the general public could be a viable option for this area (See Map ED-5 Old Glove Shop Area). The addition of a public/private parking lot behind the existing commercial buildings along Bridge Street will also allow for the opportunity to expand the footprint of the existing building at the corner of Bridge and North Second Street toward the existing building line established by the three (3) adjacent buildings. This area has been designated as parking for the existing commercial uses and would no longer be needed with the addition of the public/private parking lot in the rear of the building. A sidewalk and greenspace should then be added to protect pedestrians and give the property better curb appeal.

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4. Water Street Causeway:

Identified as priority development site #15 within the Hamlet Economic Development Plan, this 940+/- foot long by 40+/- foot wide causeway consists of a narrow 20+/- foot blacktop surface for vehicular traffic and a 15+/- foot wide "bridge" that allows for the flow of water and access to the north and south ends of the Northville Lake. The causeway is lined with guide rail and other barrier types for the purpose of vehicular traffic. A sloping grassed bank on either side leads to the water's edge (See map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites). The Water Street causeway provides recreational opportunities such as fishing along the grassed bank and bridge and wildlife viewing. Currently there is not a place to conveniently launch a canoe or kayak. Swimming along the causeway is currently prohibited. The Village of Northville is responsible for all maintenance to include blacktop, guide rail, bridge and grassed areas. The Northville Lake is regulated by the Hudson River Black River Regulating District and has been influenced by siltation since its existence. In many instances, this siltation can be considered as detrimental to the Village's quality of life and economy. The vision contained within this Comprehensive Plan is not meant to be conclusive and is subject to change based upon the needs of the Village as a whole.

Location

The Water Street causeway is located directly behind the core downtown commercial area and bisects the Northville Lake into north and south ends. Waterfront Park is located contiguous to the causeway however being elevated above without having immediate access to the shoreline of the Northville Lake.

Drone Image courtesy of Matt Ginter

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The Vision....

Based upon its overall location directly behind the core downtown commercial area, its contiguous relationship to Waterfront Park and the desired development within the Village, it is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to create a year-round recreational park adjacent to the causeway that would provide the public with safe pedestrian access to the Northville Lake for fishing, canoe and kayaking, biking, wildlife viewing and swimming during the summer months and access to ice skating, ice fishing, cross country skiing and limited snowmobiling during the winter months. The recreational park would also be the home of Northville's Winter Carnival (See Map ED-6 Water Street Park). Decorative lamp posts utilized throughout Waterfront Park would line the designated pedestrian area. An interior open bike lane will provide for safe cycling. Two (2) bank stabilization areas would provide improvements for swimming or otherwise waterfront access. The incorporation of a designated fishing float would provide a unique angling experience. A new business would also be in demand to provide various forms of boat rentals to include canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUP) and small rowboats while selling fishing and bathing supplies right on the water's edge. A portion of the park could be designated in the winter months for snowmobile access into the Village core commercial area. This new linear recreational feature would be an extension of Waterfront Park.

5. Service Station at the Corner of Bridge and South First Street:

Although not identified within the Hamlet Economic Development Plan, this site is being considered a priority development site. This site consists of one tax parcel identified as follows (See site #16 on Map ED-1 Priority Economic Development Sites for location):

SBL ACRES

32.5-14-2.2 .67 Total .67

Existing Building

This site includes one (1) existing building on a single lot. The building consists of a one story concrete block style building that is located directly on Bridge Street. This building has been utilized as vehicle service repair garage for decades and at one time included a fuel depot. The condition of the building appears to be in sound shape. Given the nature of its use, a soil contamination study should be performed on the site. A partial blacktop parking area exists in the area of the former fuel depot. An existing sidewalk extends from the corner of Bridge and South Second Street approximately 70 feet along the parcel eventually turning into blacktop. Being a corner lot, there also exists a sidewalk along the South First Street side of the parcel however does not extend to its intersection with Bridge Street.

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Vacant Land

Of the total .67 acre site, .06 acres are developed as building footprint leaving .61 acres vacant. This corner parcel provides 174+/- feet of frontage onto Bridge Street and 148+/- feet of frontage onto South First Street. Overall, the entire site is level.

Location

This site is located at the beginning of the core downtown commercial area and is adjacent to other locally owned and operated commercial establishments to include Klippel's Kozy Korner Deli & Cafe, CMK Realty, CDL Associates Insurance Agency the law offices of Vicki J. Prager. A residential care facility owned and operated by the Lexington Center, the Fulton County Chapter of the NYSARC, Inc. is located to the west while a residential property is located to the south.

The Vision....

Based upon its overall location being adjacent to the core downtown commercial area and the desired development within the Village, it is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to see this site redeveloped into new retail space that could support single or multiple businesses such as a specialty sporting goods store and/or a quality clothing retailer. A new building on this site should maintain the building line along Bridge Street and parking made available along the west and south (rear) sides of the building. Consideration should be given to traffic flow through the parking area ideally allowing for an access only entrance along Bridge Street and an entrance/exit at South First Street. The existing sidewalk along Bridge and South First Streets should be extended in order to create one continuous sidewalk around this corner lot. Similar to priority development site #6 (Old Glove Shop) there exists an opportunity to address the lack of public parking within the Village by utilizing a private/public parking lot for this site. (See Map ED-7 Service Station Area)

B. Marketing:

It is well known and understood that the Village of Northville relies on tourism as a major economic generator. It is also understood that many similar Villages and Towns throughout the Adirondack Park also rely on those same tourist dollars to offset the "lean times" throughout the year. It is crucial that the Village of Northville formulate an aggressive year round electronic marketing campaign in order to stand out from, what are essentially, competitors.

In today's high tech electronic and social media age, where it is estimated that nearly 2/3rds of the American population owns a "smartphone", marketing strategies have changed from a paper based campaign to an electronic one.

It is the vision of this comprehensive plan that the Village of Northville act aggressively in order to establish an overall electronic marketing campaign. In order to do this, the Village of Northville should do the following:

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1. Continue to Develop the Website:

Today, a website is an essential item that all organizations, from the smallest of municipalities to the largest commercial businesses must have in order to be successful at marketing themselves. A successful website not only provides information to a user, it also can obtain statistical information from the same user. In 2016, the Village of Northville launched its new website www.villageofnorthville.com which was a great improvement from its predecessor. It is imperative that the website be updated on a continuous basis so that it does not become stagnant. In order to continue to develop the website, it is recommended that the Village consider to include the following features:

a. Add user/access tracking such as Google Analytics in order to have the ability to track traffic accessing the site. b. Include an automatic response feature that provides information back to a user through the "Contact Us" tab. The response could be tailored in reference to the specific locations within the site that the user accessed. c. Develop web “apps” to include sensual tourism and historical information.

2. Establish a Village Brand:

What is a brand? In the simplest terms, a brand is what is said about something or someone when they are not around. What is branding? Branding is what is done to affect what is said.

Establishing a Brand is not a simple task and includes an extensive amount of research of the community, the consumer and the competitor. At the end of the process, the written brand becomes a logo to be used for throughout the marketing campaign to include websites, electronic and printed flyers, banners etc.

To date, no local municipality within Fulton County has a brand.

3. Dedicated Tourism/Marketing Department:

Any marketing campaign will require time and effort by a skilled individual or organization in order to be successful. Typically, municipalities do not like to create new positions that add to an additional salary, benefits and insurances. Fortunately, several variations exist to include a direct hire position funded by the Village, direct hire position shared by the Village and Town or contract with an individual or organization to perform a specific scope of services. At a minimum the following services should be considered within the scope:

a. Website development and updating b. Coordinate and market all Village and local organizational events and activities c. Implement brand

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d. Attend Tourism and Marketing conferences and other events to promote the Village e. Write and submit grants for Marketing and Tourism dollars

4. Broadband Coverage:

Although broadband coverage was identified and discussed within the Community Facilities chapter of this comprehensive plan, further discussion is warranted. As noted within the Community Facilities chapter, the Village of Northville currently has broadband with access to speeds of up to 24 megabits per second (Mbps) of download speed and 3-6 Mbps of upload speed for a residential product. Download speeds are increased to 50 Mbps for a business class product.

Currently, the State of New York defines broadband as having download speeds of 6 Mbps and upload speeds of 1.5 Mbps. As of 2015, nearly 1 million residents and 4,000 businesses within the State did not have access to broadband based upon this State definition.

Recently, the State of New York launched $1 billion dollar initiative to provide every resident and business with access to broadband service of 100 Mbps in most places and at least 25 Mbps in the most rural communities by the year 2019 through the establishment of the NYS Broadband Program Office. Funding is provided through the Consolidated Funding Application grant process.

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With the use of today's advanced technologies, adequate broadband coverage should not be considered a luxury, but rather an essential communication service for all residents, businesses, educational institutions and even municipal governments.

C. Snowmobile Access into Commercial Center:

Historically, snowmobile use within the Village of Northville has been met with mixed reviews however has never been totally banned. Most of the criticism revolving around snowmobile use within the Village identifies that the noise, speed of operation and time of operation pose the greatest disturbance to Village residents. Currently, Village government does not regulate the use of snowmobiles within its limits. This lack of regulation has resulted in a haphazard use of snowmobiles and essentially a lack of any true economic benefit to the Village.

In 2012, the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research performed an analysis of what the snowmobile industry contributes to the New York State economy. The result of the analysis identified that the snowmobile industry contributes nearly $860 million to the economy on a yearly basis. The Great Sacandaga Lake has seen an increasing number of snowmobilers during winter months that have had adequate snowfall accumulations. Businesses located directly on the shoreline or within easy access of the Great Sacandaga Lake have benefitted the most from the snowmobile industry while Village businesses have benefitted the least.

Snowmobile access into the Village is not ideal given the fact that the Village is located at an elevated position above the Great Sacandaga and Northville Lakes. Combine this elevated position with the fact that the majority if not all land is under private ownership, locating a safe and desired access point into the Village has proven to be difficult.

It is the vision of this comprehensive plan that the Village of Northville should actively pursue the development and regulation of a designated snowmobile route from the Great Sacandaga Lake into the core commercial area of the Village (See Map ED-8 Snowmobile Areas).

7. RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. The Village of Northville should encourage the establishment of a diversity of locally owned and operated unique businesses.

B. The Village of Northville should consider annually budgeting funds including contracting with the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth for economic development and grant services.

C. The Village of Northville should continue to annually budget funds to contract with the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce for marketing services.

D. The Village of Northville should encourage the vision identified for the reutilization of the Former Bank Building and property on Main Street (priority development site #3). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

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1. Establish a public/private partnership with existing and/or future property owner(s). 2. Provide tax break incentives based upon specific criteria to be identified. 3. Assist with the submission of potential grant funding opportunities. 4. Assist with the development and distribution of a Request for Proposal to potential business investors to create the vision identified. 5. Undertaking new streetscape improvements that would benefit the potential reuse of the existing building and property.

E. The Village of Northville should encourage the vision identified for the reutilization of the Old Hotel on Main Street (priority development site #4). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

F. The Village of Northville should encourage the alternate visions identified for the redevelopment of the Old Hotel property on Main Street (priority development site #4). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

1. Establish a public/private partnership with existing and/or future property owner(s). 2. Assist in the demolition of the existing buildings potentially through the utilization of the Fulton County Demolition Team. 3. Provide tax break incentives based upon specific criteria to be identified. 4. Assist with the submission of potential grant funding opportunities. 5. Assist with the development and distribution of a Request for Proposal to potential business investors to create the alternate vision identified. 6. Undertaking new streetscape improvements that would benefit the construction of a new building on the property.

G. The Village of Northville should encourage the vision identified for the reutilization of the Old Glove Shop property (priority development site #6). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

business investors to create the vision identified.

6. Undertaking new streetscape improvements that would benefit the potential reuse of the existing building and property.

H. The Village of Northville should encourage the alternate vision identified for the redevelopment of the Old Glove Shop Property area (priority development site #6.1). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

1. Establish a public/private partnership with existing and/or future property owner(s). 2. Provide tax break incentives based upon specific criteria to be identified. 3. Assist in the development and maintenance of the public/private parking lot. 4. Assist with the submission of potential grant funding opportunities. 5. Assist with the development and distribution of a Request for Proposal to potential business investors to create the alternate vision identified. 6. Undertaking new streetscape improvements that would benefit the potential reuse of the existing building and property to include but not limited to:

 The installation of sections of new sidewalk

I. The Village of Northville should consider the vision identified for the Water Street Causeway (priority development site #15). For this vision to be considered it will be important to investigate and consider all impacts that it may have and therefore at a minimum, the following steps should be taken:

1. Request a ruling from the Village Attorney to determine and identify if there are legal issues that need to be addressed in order for the Village to implement the vision.

2. Draft a Request for Proposal (RFP) to hire a design and engineering firm specializing in waterfront development to create a Development Strategy for the Water Street causeway that is generally based upon the vision contained within this comprehensive plan. The work tasks identified within the RFP should include and be carried out in the following order:

a. Preliminary Design work to include existing and proposed conditions including recreational resources and other amenities. b. Based upon the Preliminary design proceed to Final Design. c. Complete Final Design/Development Strategy.

3. Based upon the cost proposal provided via the RFP, seek grant funding to pay for the cost of implementing the Development Strategy in coordination with recommendations 4 & 5 below.

4. Coordinate the vision and Development Strategy with the following agencies:  Hudson River Black River Regulating District  NYS Adirondack Park Agency  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation ~ 98 ~

 US Army Corps of Engineers  Fulton County Highway Department

5. Draft a Request for Proposal (RFP) utilizing the Development Strategy in order to obtain the services of a professional Environmental consulting firm specializing in shoreline restoration and dredging practices to perform a three (3) Phased approach to the dredging and restoration of the Northville Lake.

Phase I - Feasibility Study

 Sampling and identifying critical habitats for protection.  Sampling and mapping sediment textures  Sampling and identifying sediment quality  Sampling and identifying macrophyte species richness  Sampling and identifying fish spawning areas  Sampling and identifying wetland areas  Identify any endangered or threatened species

Phase II - Apply for Funding/Design

 Apply for Grant Funding through the Consolidated Funding Process and to the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and/or Environmental Protection Fund to complete design drawings and obtain permits to implement dredging.

Phase III - Dredging of Northville Lake

 Using design drawings, bid dredging project.  Apply for Grant Funding through the Consolidated Funding Process to perform dredging based upon submitted bid

J. The Village of Northville should encourage the vision identified for the Service Station property (priority development site #16). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

1. Establish a public/private partnership with existing and/or future property owner(s). 2. Provide tax break incentives based upon specific criteria to be identified. 3. Assist in the development and maintenance of a public/private parking lot. 4. Assist with the submission of potential grant funding opportunities. 5. Assist with the development and distribution of a Request for Proposal to potential business investors to create the vision identified. 6. Undertaking new streetscape improvements that would benefit the potential reuse of the existing building and property to include but not limited to:

 The installation of sections of new sidewalk ~ 99 ~

K. The Village of Northville should work to establish an aggressive year round marketing campaign. In order to do so, the following should be considered:

1. Establish and maintain a Village website. 2. Establish and promote a Village Brand. 3. Consider the creation of a staffed Tourism/Marketing Department. 4. Act aggressively to pursue funds within the NYS Broadband Program. 5. Develop web “apps” for seasonal tourism and historical information.

L. The Village of Northville should actively pursue the development and regulation of a designated snowmobile route from the Great Sacandaga Lake into the core commercial area of the Village. In order to do so, the following should be considered:

1. Implement a vision such as that identified for priority development site #15. 2. Meet with private property owners to discuss their willingness to allow a Village designated and maintained snowmobile trail to cross their properties. The Village could consider:

a. Providing property tax break incentives b. Providing monetary compensation from the sale of Village snowmobile permits.

3. Consider the establishment of a Village snowmobile trail permit system. This permit system should: a. Be required for all snowmobile use within the Village limits crossing any public property. b. Be purchased by non Village residents at a higher cost. c. Potentially fund the use of private property for trail access. d. Fund the maintenance of the trail.

M. The Village of Northville should continue to support the objectives identified within the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan that was accepted on December 5, 2014.

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CHAPTER 7: TRANSPORTATION

1. EXISTING CONDITIONS:

A. Inventory of Existing Roads: There is approximately 8.55 miles of road that is within and maintained by the Village of Northville (See map T-1 Transportation Existing Conditions). The following table represents the Village road inventory:

STREET NAME TOTAL MILES WIDTH (FT) STRIPING N 1ST ST 0.23 28 S 1ST ST 0.40 27 N 2ND ST 0.24 28 S 2ND ST 0.41 28 N 3RD ST 0.26 35 S 3RD ST 0.41 38 4TH ST 0.27 28 N 5TH ST 0.14 28 S 5TH ST 0.08 20 6TH ST 0.05 26 N MAIN ST 0.30 38 YES S MAIN ST 1.36 38 YES BRIDGE ST 0.43 30 YES BROAD WAY 0.06 18 CENTER ST 0.24 27 CENTRAL AVE 0.05 20 COUNTY RTE 143 0.09 25 DIVISION ST 0.40 29 E PROSPECT ST 0.42 27 W PROSPECT ST 0.18 20 HEMLOCK TER 0.13 24 LAKE DR 0.09 20 MECHANIC ST 0.09 20 NEWTON ST 0.06 24 PINE LN 0.14 24 REED ST 0.55 28 RIDGE RD 0.12 28 YES SEVEN HILLS RD 0.18 24 SKIFF RD 0.17 20 SPRUCE AVE 0.06 22 UNION ST 0.12 22 VAN ARNAM AVE 0.20 23 WASHINGTON ST 0.20 35 WATER ST 0.43 20 TOTAL MILES 8.55

As shown below, the Village of Northville has the highest total number of miles of road to maintain than any other Village in Fulton County: ~ 101 ~

VILLAGE MILES OF ROAD

Northville 8.55

Broadalbin 7.72

Mayfield 5.77

B. Road Classifications: There are two (2) classifications of road within the Village of Northville as defined by the NYS Highway Functional Classification System (See map T-2 Road Classification):

1) Collector: These roads "collect" traffic from local roads and streets and connect to arterial highways.

2) Local Roads: These roads exist in defined residential areas and provide direct access to individual properties and include streets, terraces, ways, lanes avenues and drives.

The Village of Northville has two (2) Collector roads identified as Bridge and South Main Streets. These roads connect County Road 113 located to the south east of the Village with NYS Route 920H (the bridge) and eventually to NYS Route 30. These roads also collect traffic from all other local roads within the Village.

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C. Maintenance of Roads:

The Village of Northville is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all 8.55 miles of Village road. Typically speaking, the greatest cost associated with maintaining a road deals with paving. The table below illustrates what the Village of Northville budgeted for paving in 2016 and 2017.

FISCAL YEAR PAVING % OF GENERAL FUND TOTAL BUDGET 2017 $70,000 2016 $85,000

D. Signage/Intersections:

The Village of Northville's street layout consists of forty-six (46) street intersections having the following traffic stops (See Map T-3 Street Intersections):

Traffic Stop # Of Intersections 1- way stop 32 2 way stop 5 4 way stop 9 TOTAL 46

Within the 46 street intersections are seventy eight (78) individual stop signs.

E. Traffic Counts:

NYSDOT and Fulton County routinely take traffic counts on State and other roads at various locations throughout the County. The basic type of traffic data collection is via a short term (2 week) Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) count. This AADT count is collected with a temporary traffic counter. The total count is averaged for the entire year. The AADT counts are important for NYS DOT and others in determining funding for road maintenance. Also, by reviewing the data on traffic counts, one can generally see what sections of road receive the heaviest traffic and what sections of road receive minimal traffic.

The following table and corresponding map T-4 Traffic Analysis show the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) counts at various locations within and around the Village of Northville:

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LOCATION 2015 2014 2013

S. Main Street - From VanArnam Ave to Bridge 2,957(a) 3,304(f) Street S. Main Street - From Skiff Road to VanArnam Ave 3,263(f) 3,284(a) 2,435(f) S. Main Street - From Skiff Road to Ridge Road 2,180(f) 2,194(f) 2,179(f)

Bridge Street - From Village line to Main Street 5,293(a) 5,044(f) 4,799(a) Central Ave - From Water Street to Broadway 25(a) 25(f) Newton Street - From S. Second Street to S. First 33(a) 33(f) Street VanArnam Ave - From S. Third Street to S. Main 312(a) 315(f) Street Ridge Road - County Road 113 to Village Line 984(f) 980(f) Water Street - From N. Main Street to Ridge Road 1,138(f) 1,148(f) 1,158(a) Bridge (920H) - From NYS Route 30 to Bridge Street 5,440(f) 5,475(f)

NYS Route 30 - From County Road 123 to Bridge 5,455(f) 5,467(a) 5,341(f) (920H) NYS Route 30 - From Bridge (920H) to 2,246(f) 2,251(f) 2,329(a) Fulton/Hamilton County line Maple Grove Road - Village line to Hamilton County 189(f) 191(f) 192(f) line County Road 152 - From Houseman Street to Bridge 1,252(f) (1,264)f) (920H) Note: (f) = Forecasted figures (a) - Actual figures

As expected, NYS Route 30 receives the greatest amount of traffic, followed by the bridge (920H) leading into the Village continuing along Bridge street to its intersection with Main Street. Surprisingly, it is forecasted that Water Street receives an average of 1,138 trips each day.

F. Public Transportation:

As of the date of this Comprehensive Plan, the Village of Northville is not serviced by public transportation. Between 2005 and 2008 public transportation services were provided by the Gloversville Transit System (GTS) that is located approximately 15 miles to the south in the City of Gloversville. In order to provide public transportation to the Village, the GTS relied on steady ridership and supplemental funds that were provided by the Village. Between 2004 and 2007, the Village of Northville subsidized the GTS route at $234 per month. Unfortunately, between 2007 and 2008, the subsidized cost increased to $416 per month due to a decrease in ridership coupled with the general increase in fuel and labor costs.

In 2008, the GTS route servicing the Village of Northville was eliminated. During the time of its operation, the GTS utilized one (1) designated bus stop within the Village located at the intersection of South Main and Center Streets being adjacent to the former Stewart's Shop (now Northville Fireman's Association property).

Seniors in the Village of Northville and surrounding area are provided with recreational transportation through the Sacandaga Task Force for Senior Living (STFSL) bus that, in 2011, was donated by the South Colonie senior center. The STFSL bus transportation is funded

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primarily through rider donations and yearly fund raising events held by the STFSL. On occasion, the Village of Northville has provided financial assistance as has various grant funds. The STFSL senior transportation relies on many devoted volunteers to drive seniors to various recreational destinations within a sixty (60) mile radius of the Village. Medical Transportation is provided to seniors via the Fulton County Office for the Aging. If unavailable, the STFSL will provide medical transportation to seniors utilizing a Task Force member's private vehicle. As of the date of this Comprehensive Plan, the STFSL bus is deteriorating to the point where it will need to be replaced in the near future.

2. TRAFFIC CONCERNS IN THE VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE:

The Comprehensive Plan Committee examined various transportation topics to include intersections, entrances and exits, curbside parking, signage and pedestrian safety along all streets in the Village to identify issues and concerns that may exist. Based upon this review, various recommendations were identified and included in the next section. All recommendations and associated mapping are meant to be used as a guide. No traffic engineering occurred in the formulation of this chapter.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. The following street issue should be addressed:

1. The area of South Main street from its intersection with VanArnam Ave to the north to its intersection with Skiff Road to the south has been a pedestrian safety concern within the Village for decades having been first identified within the Village's 1990 Comprehensive Plan (See Map T-5 South Main Street Causeway). This 900+/- foot section of collector roadway is one of the main entrances/exits into the Village and divides the Northville and Great Sacandaga Lakes. Having been built atop an earthen dam regulated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Hudson River Black River Regulating District, this section of roadway is approximately 22+/- feet in width having guiderail on either side with little to no shoulder for pedestrian use. This section of roadway also includes a 55+/- foot bridge that is owned and maintained by the Village that spans a spillway between the Northville and Great Sacandaga Lakes. The Village of Northville has applied for grant monies in order to design and construct a pedestrian walkway along the east side of this roadway in order to reduce pedestrian safety concerns, however has yet to receive funding. It is the recommendation of this Comprehensive Plan that the Village should continue to work with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Hudson River Black River Regulating District to continue to established efforts to pursue a pedestrian walkway along the east side of South Main street in order to correct this pedestrian safety concern. In order to do so, it is recommended that the following steps be taken:

a. Develop a Request for Proposal outlining a general scope of work at a minimum that would include: i. Tabulation of "to date" traffic volumes tallied at peak and non- peak periods. ii. Survey performed by a NYS Licensed Land Surveyor.

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iii. Identification of specific vehicular traffic concerns and proposed solutions. iv. Identification of specific pedestrian safety concerns and proposed solutions. v. Feasibility of the inclusion of a hydro-electric generation station. vi. Engineering cost estimates for proposed solutions. vii. Produce BID Specifications for bidding project. viii. Other b. Send Request for Proposal to engineering firms in order to obtain an accurate cost to perform engineering work. c. Utilize Request for Proposal response to seek grant funding in order to pay for a portion of engineering work and to BID final project. d. Upon completion of Engineering work and project acceptance, BID Project. e. Utilize returned BIDS to seek grant funding in order to pay for a portion construction work.

B. The following intersection issues should be addressed:

1. The intersection of Bridge and Main street is undoubtedly the busiest intersection in the Village for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to being located along the main thoroughfare through the Village and at the center of the Village's commercial core. This "T" intersection has a short right turn stacking lane and one (1) stop sign at the end of Bridge Street. Prior to the intersection is the entrance/exit leading into a new Stewarts Shop that was opened in 2015. During busy times of the day, this entrance/exit area becomes problematic particularly when exiting and making a left hand turn onto Bridge Street.

This is primarily due to a lack of sight distance that is hindered by the cars being stacked along Bridge Street waiting to make the turn onto Main Street. Changing this access to an entrance only may alleviate the safety concerns. This intersection also utilizes painted pedestrian crosswalk lanes that do not stand out to drivers and fade over time. These pedestrian crosswalk areas should be reconfigured to include a unique material such as stamped concrete or brick that is of a contrasting color to the street in order to bring more awareness to the designated crosswalk areas (See Map I-1 Bridge and Main Street).

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2. The intersection of Bridge and Third street is a high vehicular traffic and pedestrian intersection. This intersection is a two-way stop having stop signs on both North and South Third streets. This intersection is also the main intersection utilized by students walking to and from school and busses transporting students to the main entrance that is located on South Third street. During these times, a traffic guard is on duty to maintain safety. Like the intersection of Bridge and Main streets, this intersection utilizes painted pedestrian crosswalks that should be reconfigured to include a unique material such as stamped concrete or brick that is of a contrasting color to the street in order to bring more awareness to the designated crosswalk areas (See Map I-2 Bridge and Third Street).

3. The intersection of South Third and Washington street has been identified as a traffic safety issue. Currently this intersection is a one-way stop having a stop sign on Washington Street whereby allowing traffic to move freely along South Third street until it meets South Main street. South Third street is utilized by vehicles as a bypass around the Village center in order to continue back onto South Main street and oftentimes increased speeds are witnessed. This intersection also receives a fair amount of student and other pedestrian traffic. In order to address the safety issue at this particular intersection and street, it is recommended that stop signs be placed at both lanes along South Third Street turning this intersection into a three-way stop (See Map I-3 South Third and Washington Street).

4. The intersection of South Third Street and VanArnam Ave can be hazardous based upon the previously mentioned bypass scenario with increased vehicular speeds and due to the fact that this intersection is technically a 90° turn. Vehicles travelling south on South Third Street turning left onto VanArnam Ave are also faced with a reduced street width that VanArnam Ave has to offer. In order to alleviate potential traffic concerns at this 90° intersection, it is recommended that the appropriate signage indicating a 90° turn ahead be placed on both South Third street and VanArnam Ave (See Map I-4 South Third Street and Van Arnam Avenue).

C. The following Entrance/Exit issues should be addressed:

1. The existing entrance/exit access drive along South Main street leading into Waterfront Park can be dangerous to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This particular access drive is not of the appropriate width to safely allow for vehicles to simultaneously enter and exit and therefore can cause traffic congestion on Main street and/or within the Waterfront Park parking area. Vehicular parking along Main Street at either side of the access also impairs a driver’s vision of oncoming traffic along Main street and forces a driver to utilize the opposite lane in order to make a right hand turn. This area also receives significant pedestrian traffic given the nature of the park and adjacent businesses. In

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order to address these safety issues, the following is recommended (See Map E-1 Waterfront Park Access Drive):

a. Change the access to an entrance only. In order to do so, an appropriate exit will need to be pursued with the Northville Fireman's Association and/or other private property owners. b. Eliminate a minimum of one (1) parking space on both sides of the entrance along South Main Street utilizing painted striping at these locations. A pole mounted "No Parking Here to Corner" sign is discouraged as it would take away from the aesthetically pleasing archway leading into Waterfront Park.

2. Access into the property occupied by the U.S. Post Office along North Main street is designated as an entrance only utilizing pole mounted "No Exit" signage on either side of the access. Unfortunately, there still exists a fair number of vehicles who exit onto North Main street through this entrance only access. In order to address this safety issue, the following is recommended (See Map E-2 U.S. Post Office along North Main Street): a. Request that the existing pole mounted "No Exit" signage be changed from the existing white background and black lettering to a brightly colored background and white reflective lettering or similar in order to stand out and be noticed. b. Request "No Exit" lettering via either decal or paint be installed the entire width of the access (as if facing North Main street).

D. The following curbside Parking issues should be addressed:

1. As previously stated within the Community Facilities chapter, the majority of public parking within the Village is located curbside. With this, it is of high importance to make sure that curbside parking is as efficient, organized and safe as possible. In order to do so, the following is recommended (See Map P-1 Main Street Parking Improvements):

a. Individual parking spaces should be outlined along each side of Main Street from the intersection of North Main and Division Street to the intersection of South Main and Center Street taking into account existing entrance/exits, fire hydrant locations etc. b. At each location, install pedestrian crosswalks that would include a unique material such as stamped concrete or brick and that is of a contrasting color to the street in order to bring more awareness to the designated crosswalk areas.

2. Eliminate one (1) parking space along the north side of Bridge Street at its intersection with North First street and install striping to provide a better field of view of approaching traffic along Bridge street. This area would also benefit from the installation of a designated crosswalk that would be in contrasting color to the ~ 108 ~

street in order to bring more awareness to the designated crosswalk area (See Map P-1 Main Street Parking Improvements).

3. Consider alternate side parking for the following street areas that are often congested: a. Along Reed Street from North Second to North Main Street. b. Along South First Street from Bridge to Center Street.

E. The following general recommendations should be considered:

1. Given the number of traffic concerns identified herein, it is the general recommendation of this Comprehensive Plan that the Village of Northville should pursue the development of a comprehensive Traffic Impact Study. In order to do so, it is recommended that the following steps be taken: a. Develop a Request for Proposal outlining a general scope of work at a minimum that would include: i. Tabulation of "to date" traffic volumes tallied at all intersections, peak periods and conditions. ii. Traffic Pattern analysis to include private vehicles, pedestrian/bicyclists and delivery vehicles. iii. Existing traffic control types and other facilities iv. Identification of specific vehicular traffic concerns and proposed solutions. v. Identification of specific pedestrian safety concerns and proposed solutions. vi. Engineering cost estimates for proposed solutions. vii. Other b. Send Request for Proposal to engineering firms specializing in Traffic Impact Studies in order to obtain an accurate cost of study. c. Utilize Request for Proposal response to seek grant funding in order to pay for a portion of Traffic Impact Study cost.

2. The Village of Northville should reintroduce public transportation through working with the Gloversville Transit System (GTS). In order to do so, the following should be considered:

a. Coordinate with the Town's of Northampton (Fulton County), Benson, Hope (Hamilton County) and Edinburg (Saratoga County) in order to increase rider participation.

b. Based upon the results of the coordination effort identified above, work with the GTS to: i. Identify a proposed transportation route. ii. Based upon the transportation route, identify a fee schedule for all involved municipalities. iii. Execute an agreement between all involved municipalities and GTS.

c. Establish a designed bus stop location within the Village. Two (2) potential locations may be: i. Waterfront Park ii. Along North Main Street in front of Tops Market.

d. The established bus stop should include the following amenities:

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i. An aesthetically pleasing covered bus stop shelter ii. Designated parking for vehicles iii. Secured bicycle parking area

e. Take a proactive approach to seek grant funding to offset costs associated with the re-establishment of a GTS route to the Village of Northville.

3. The Village of Northville should take a proactive approach to assist the Sacandaga Task Force for Senior Living (STFSL) in maintaining transportation services to local seniors. In order to do so, the following should be considered: a. Budget dollars on a yearly basis to subsidize the senior transportation. b. Provide in-house routine maintenance to the STFSL transportation vehicle.

4. The Village of Northville should continue to support the objectives identified within the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan that was accepted on December 5, 2014.

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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CHAPTER 9: PERIODIC REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The Comprehensive Plan shall be annually reviewed, by the Village Planning Board, at their January meeting. The Planning Board shall review all of the activity/issues they discussed and were involved with over the past year. The Planning Board shall seek input from the Code Enforcement Officer, Zoning Board of Appeals, Village Attorney on whether any issues or concerns have been identified over the past year with the content of the Comprehensive Plan. At its January meeting, if the Planning Board determines that the Comprehensive Plan should be amended, the Planning Board shall develop and submit recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees on how the Comprehensive Plan should be updated. If the Planning Board recommends no update is necessary, no action shall be taken by the Village Board of Trustees. If the Planning Board recommends that the entire Comprehensive Plan should be revised, the Village Board of Trustees shall either appoint a Special Board consisting of community volunteers or direct the Planning Board to draft a revised Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan shall be updated no later than every ten (10) years.

Drone image taken 10.18.2016

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APPENDICES

 PUBLIC SURVEY  HAMLET ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN  FEBRUARY 1, 2017 PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS

~ 112 ~ M OWNERSHIP BY PROPERTY CLASS

l e VILLAGE G

r o

Old State Rd v e COUNTY R d STATE OUT OF STATE C

o u n t VILLAGE = yProperty owner has a local mailing address. COUNTY = PropertyR owner has a mailing address equal to a Fulton County municipality outside of the Village and Town. t STATE = Propertye owner has a mailing address outside of Fulton County but withn New York State. OUT OF STATE1 = Property owner has a mailing address located outside of New York State. 4

t S

t ect S W P rosp R rosp E P eed ect St St Jason Ln

w o Union St R w e Matts Rdi v e 4th St F k

N 3rd St a

N Main St L

t Division St N 2nd St Northville

N 1st St 5th St h S t Lake Bridge St 6

Water St Lake Dr

S S 5th St

Center St Rose Ln

Driveway

Washington St Ridge Rd

S S 3rd St

S 1st St d S 2nd St n R pso Mechanic St Sim

Van Arnam Ave

Hun ter Hei ghts Rd Great Northville Sacandaga Lake Lake

Pine Ln

Hemlock Ter

v S Main St

P Tennantville Rd

Skiff Rd

k County Highway 113

c Adirond a

D a s i L Seven HillsRd

0 250 500 1,000 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ANALYSIS

JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Feet BY OWNERSHIP Property information based upon FC RPTS information. FCPD Scott D. Henze 11.25.2014 M

a p l e H G o r rt o o v n Old State Rd e R

R d

C o u 6 n t y

R t e 1 4 3

0 t ct S ospe W Prosp E Pr R ect eed St St Jason Ln

d s R w att o Union St M R w e 2 i v

4th 4th St e

k N MainN St N3rd St 3 a

R Division St L a Northville

N1st St

m 5th St p N2nd St Lake 6th St Bridge St 4

5 Lake Dr 1 y Water St a

w S 5thSt h g i

y H t n u o Center St C 5 R ose Ln

Driveway Washington St Ridge Rd

S S 3rd St

S S 1stSt

S S 2ndSt 1 d n R Mechanic St pso Sim

r D e Van Arnam Ave d i s r e v i R Beach Club Rd Hun ter Hei ghts Rd Mc Kin ley Northville Ave Ext Great Lake Sacandaga VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE Lake

Pine Ln

Hemlock Ter

S Main St

P Tennantville Rd

c Adirond a

County Highway 113

d R f SevenHills Rd F f i k S

Lisa Dr

0 250 500 1,000 HOUSING NEEDS MAP JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Feet Property information based upon FC RPTS information. VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 MAP ID FACILITY 1 Joint Municipal Offices 2 Northville-Northampton Historical Society Museum 3 Main Street Park 4 Northville Volunteer Fire Department 5 Northville Highway Department Facility 6 Northampton Volunteer Ambulance Service 7 Northville Police Department 8 Northville Central School 9 St. Mary's Healthcare Family Health Center 10 Roman Catholic Church 11 Baptist Church of Northville 12 Presbyterian Church 13 First United Methodist Church 14 Prospect Hill Cemetery 15 Main Street Cemetery 16 Municipal Beach 17 Waterfront Park 18 Village Green 19 Northville Public Library 20 Fulton County Solid Waste Transfer Station POND 21 Cellular Tower 22 Municipal Groundwater Wells (2) 22 14 23 Municipal Water Treatment Facility 24 Municipal Water Storage Tanks (2) 23 25 NYS DEC Office

12 24 21 7 11 18 17 16 10 9 4 6 8 13 15 3 19 12

NORTHVILLE LAKE

5 25

GREAT SACANDAGA RESERVOIR

Feet JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SERVICES Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. NORTH = TOP OF MAP VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE FCPD Scott D. Henze 9.15.2014 N o r t h v i l l e L a k e

N Main St Water St

N o r t h v i l l e AMPHITHEATRE L a k e

KIOSK & GAZEBO/PAVILION TRAILHEAD PARKING

Bridge St

S Main St

ENTRANCE/EXIT (ARCHWAY)

MM A A P P C C F F - - 2 2

WATERFRONT PARK VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. WATERFRONTWATERFRONT PARKPARK FCPD Scott Henze, Planner/GIS 5.18.2015 2

1 N Main St

Water St

S Main St

Bridge St

S 1st St

4 3

MM A A P P C C F F - - 3 3

VILLAGEVILLAGE OFOF NORTHVILLENORTHVILLE JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR VILLAGE GREEN Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. VILLAGEVILLAGE GREENGREEN FCPD Scott Henze, Planner/GIS 5.18.2015 Mechanic St

GAZEBO

S Main St

VILLAGE/TOWN HALL

MM A A P P C C F F - - 4 4

VILLAGEVILLAGE OFOF NORTHVILLENORTHVILLE JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR MAIN STREET PARK Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. MAINMAIN STREETSTREET PARKPARK FCPD Scott Henze, Planner/GIS 5.18.2015 VILLAGE & TOWN NORTHVILLE BOATLAUNCH BEACH AREA (NYS DEC) Hudson River Black River Regulating District Special Access Permit - #2973 - 1,620'

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE

S t a t e H w y 3 0

Bridge St

County Highway 152 0 50 100 200 MAP CF-5 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features Feet on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 2010 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY VILLAGE & TOWN BEACH 

     

         





mn 

t a

t He

Bridge St

0 50 100 MAP CF-6 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. FCPD Scott D. Henze 11.24.2015 2010 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY VILLAGE & TOWN BEACH IMPROVEMENTS E Prospect St d W Prospect St R s tt a M

Reed St

Lakeview Row Jason Ln N Main St

Northville Lake N 2nd St N 3rd St N 1st St Union St

4th St

Division St 5th St Water St

Rose Ln

6th St

Bridge St

S 5th St

Center St

S 3rd St

Washington St

S 1st St S Main St

S 2nd St F Mechanic St

Newton St

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE ve m A Arna Van EXISTING SIDEWALK CONDITIONS

EXCELLENT Great SacandagaGOOD TO FAIR Lake FAIR TO POOR

0 100 200 400 MAP CF-7 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY EXISTING SIDEWALK LOCATIONS ANALYSIS FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 M

a p l e

r o Old State Rd v e

o u n t y

R t e 1 4 3

3 0 t F ct S W Pr rospe R osp E P eed ec St t St Jason Ln t

i a 7 w

o M

N 3rd St R

Union St N w e Matts Rdi v e 4th St 5 k 14 a t Division St Northville L N 2nd St S

5th St 3 th 1 Lake 6 Bridge St 6 N 1st St 4 2 5 6.1 1 Lake Dr y 12 15 Water St a 2 w 16 h S 5th St g i

y H 8 t 9 un Center St o Rose L C n

Driveway

Washington St Ridge Rd

S 3rd St

S 1st St

S 2nd St d n R pso 10 Mechanic St Sim 11 r D e d Van Arnam Ave si r e v i R Beach Club Rd Hun ter H ei ghts Rd Great Northville Sacandaga Lake Lake VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE

Pine Ln

Hemlock Ter

13 v S Main St

r P Tennantville Rd

c d Adironda County Highway 113 R f if k Priority Sites S

D a s Priority Sites 2-16 i L

Seven Hills Rd Priority Site 1

0 250 500 1,000 MAP ED-1 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Feet Property information based upon FC RPTS information. PRIORITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SITES FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 Reed St F

N Main St

Division St

! !

! ! !

! !





! ! 

 Water St



N 1st St 







0 25 50 100

Feet MAP ED-2 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2006 Pictometry Imagery FORMER BANK BUILDING ON MAIN STREET FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 Division St

N Main St

er St Wat

N 1st St

Bridge St

S Main St

S 1st St

FORMER HOTEL

0 25 50

Feet MAP ED-3 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2006 Pictometry Imagery FORMER HOTEL ON MAIN STREET FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 

 





N 2nd St

N 3rd St

Bridge St

S 2nd St

S 3rd St

0 25 50

Feet MAP ED-4 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2006 Pictometry Imagery OLD GLOVE SHOP FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 

 

 

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Feet MAP ED-5 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2006 Pictometry Imagery OLD GLOVE SHOP AREA FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 N Main St

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Bridge St  

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JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features Feet on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. WATERSTREET PARK FCPD Scott D. Henze 8.1.2017 N 1st St

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Feet MAP ED-7 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2006 Pictometry Imagery SERVICE STATION AREA FCPD Scott D. Henze 2.23.2016 N Main St

! ! 

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0 100 200 400 MAP ED-8 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features Feet on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. SNOWMOBILE ACCESS FCPD Scott D. Henze 8.1.2017 F

T D S R T EC E

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UNION ST N 3RD ST 3RD N

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5TH ST 5TH Lake N MAIN ST MAIN N H

6 BRIDGE ST

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JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon Feet an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. TRANSPORTATION EXISTING CONDITIONS Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 ROAD CLASSIFICATION COLLECTOR ROAD LOCAL ROAD STATE/COUNTY ROAD CR 113 NYS 30 F ! ! NYS 920H

T D S R T EC E

SP G D

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CENTRAL S 5TH ST S

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Great Sacandaga VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE Lake

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S SEVENHILLS RD CR 113

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JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon Feet an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY ROAD CLASSIFICATIONS FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 E L IL INTERSECTION STOPS V H T R O N F 1 WAY O E G RIDGE RD LA IL 2 WAY V 4 WAY F STOP SIGN E PROSPECT ST

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE W PROSPECT ST

REED ST

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4TH ST

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N 2ND ST Northville BROAD Lake WAY

UNION ST AVE

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0 150 300 600 MAP T-3 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY STREET INTERSECTIONS FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 AADT 2015 189 25 - 312 707 - 1252 F 2180 - 3263 5293 - 5455

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Northville Lake 1138 25

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© OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA 0 300 600 1,200 MAP T-4 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY TRAFFIC ANALYSIS FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 F

NORTHVILLE LAKE GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE

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I LAKE F

0 50 100 MAP T-5 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY SOUTH MAIN STREET CAUSEWAY FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 Northville Lake

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0 25 50 MAP I-1 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features Feet on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. BRIDGE AND MAIN STREET Property information based upon FC RPTS information. GOOGLE EARTH IMAGERY: 10.6.2016 FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015

Great Sacandaga Lake

JUNQUERA, MICHAEL

142.-1-32.1 115

142.-1-32.1 60

142.-1-29 37.8

GENESSEE VALLEY AGRI-BUSINESS PARK

Pictometry CROSSWALK STOP SIGN

N 3RD ST

BRIDGE ST

S 3RD ST

0 15 30 MAP I-2 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY BRIDGE AND THIRD STREET FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 STOP SIGN

WASHINGTON ST

S 3RD ST

0 20 40 MAP I-3 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY SOUTH THIRD AND WASHINGTON STREET FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 DIRECTION 89:< TURN LEFT 89:; TURN RIGHT

S 3RD ST

89:< 89:; VAN ARNAM AVE

0 20 40 MAP I-4 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY SOUTH THIRD STREET AND VANARNAM AVE FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 WATER ST

N MAIN ST

VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE (Waterfront Park)

BRIDGE ST VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE

VILLAGE SCOOP ICE CREAM SHOP WOOD 88 LLC

ENTRANCE ONLY FISHHOUSE LODGE S MAIN ST F A M

NORTHVILLE FIREMANS ASSOC

BREDA, DONNA

NORTHVILLE FIREMANS ASSOC

0 25 50 MAP E-1 Feet JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY Property information based upon FC RPTS information. WATERFRONT PARK ACCESS DRIVE FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 1 2

DIVISION ST

N MAIN ST

ÔÝÓr NO EXIT

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MOSS, GLORIA B (US POST OFFICE)

3 4

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JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features U.S. POST OFFICE ACCESS ALONG on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY NORTH MAIN STREET FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 CROSSWALKS

DIVISION ST PARKING LINES

N MAIN ST

WATER ST

N 1ST ST

BRIDGE ST

S MAIN ST

S 1ST ST

CENTER ST

0 50 100 MAP P-1 JAMES E. MRAZ, DIRECTOR Feet Locations, distances and acreages of all features on this map are approximate and are not based upon an actual survey conducted by a Licensed Land Surveyor. Property information based upon FC RPTS information. 2014 NYS ORTHOIMAGERY MAIN STREET PARKING IMPROVEMENTS FCPD Scott D. Henze 7.29.2015 2015 VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY Please take the time to complete this survey, it is that important!

1. What are three (3) things that you like best about the Village of Northville?

2. What are three (3) things you would like to change in the Village of Northville?

3. What are three (3) things that would improve or enhance the quality of life in the Village of Northville?

4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Should the Village of Northville pursue these economic development objectives:

Strongly Strongly No Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion

1. Extend commercial development outward along Main and Bridge Streets.

2. Promote the development of a local brewery/pub.

3. Create new mixed commercial/residential areas within the Village.

4. Spend tax dollars to create and maintain a Village website

5. Spend tax dollars to purchase and demolish dilapidated buildings for new business to locate on.

Strongly Strongly No Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion

6. Pursue the creation of a shared Village/Town Tourism Department

7. Pursue the development of a Village of Northville owned and operated sewer system.

8. Invest in the Town of Northampton's Sacandaga Park sewer system to accommodate the Village of Northville.

9. Develop and implement a marketing/branding strategy to promote the Village of Northville to new businesses, housing developers and potential tourists.

10. Pursue the development of a free WiFi hotspot within the Village's downtown area.

In your opinion, what is missing from the local economy and how should the Village of Northville fill this gap?

5. HOUSING

Do you believe that there is sufficient diversity of housing types in the Village of Northville?

Yes No

If no, please identify, in order of priority, the five (5) types of new housing that should be developed in the Village. 1 should be the most important and 5 should be the least important.

Single-family homes

Two-family homes

Apartments/affordable housing

Townhouses/Condominiums

Second home/seasonal home development

Senior housing

Assisted living facilities for seniors

Loft style living space above commercial space

6. COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Should the Village of Northville spend tax dollars developing or improving the following community and recreational facilities:

Strongly Strongly No Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion

Expand Waterfront Park

New Community Center

Plant/replant street trees

New Senior Center

Organize/impliment 4th of July celebration

Paving municipal parking lots

New playgrounds not on School property

New athletic courts and fields not on school property

Assist NCS in maintaining their recreational facilities (Tennis/basketball courts, track etc..)

Replace/repair damaged sidewalks and street to sidewalk grassed buffer area

Improve/Expand Village Hall

New Municipal boat access (docks) to the Great Sacandaga Lake

New Municipal access (docks) to the Northville Lake

Promote/develop snowmobile route into Village to access businesses.

From the list above, please identify which three (3) you feel would be most important:

7. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

A. How old are you? 18 or under 19-35 36-64 65-74 75+

B. What is your sex? Male Female

C. Where do you live? Village Town (Outside of the Village) Non-Resident property owner

D. How many years have you lived here? 0-10 10-20 20 plus

E. How do you use your property in Northville?

Main Residence Business Second Home Investment property Other: ______

F. What is your employment status? Student Full-time employed Part-time employed Self-employed

College Student Retired Other:______

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS NOT COVERED BY THIS SURVEY?

______

Please complete and return the survey by June 1, 2015. Written surveys may be mailed back within or separate of your water bill or dropped off at Village Hall, 412 South Main Street, P.O. Box 153, Northville, NY 12134. A public informational session is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., August 12, 2015 at the Village Hall, 412 South Main Street to gather additional input from the public.

For more information contact: Scott Henze, Planner, Fulton County Planning Department at (518) 736-5660 or via email at [email protected].

"The Village's Comprehensive Plan is a vision of how the Village should look in 20 years and what that might be is up to you....." Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan December 5, 2014

“Protecting What We Value Most through Planned Commercial and Residential Growth” This Page Intentionally Left Blank Project Introduction

This economic development plan for the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan-designated Hamlet areas in the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville is the result of collaboration between the Town, the Village, the Northville/ Northampton Community Collaboration Council (CCC), Fulton County, and the New York State Adirondack Park Agency (NYS 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 2014 to undertake the Agency’s Hamlet Economic Planning and Assistance (HEPA) process. Community members and 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 a public outreach meeting as well as through connections with local government and community leaders. 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 of Northampton and the Village of North- ville offer residents an enjoyable quality of life and standard of living unique among small communities. Included in the region’s comforts are beaches and access to Great Sacandaga Lake and Northville Lake, quality schools and government services, a diversity of businesses, a vibrant arts community, historic hamlet centers and neighborhoods, 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.

Vision

The Community Collaboration Council outlined its vision for the Northampton/Northville community. The communities’ vision is as follows:

“Our vision is to be a vibrant community supporting residential and commercial growth through our natural resources, local and regional entrepreneurs, service organizations, and governmental initiatives.” Page 5

Olmstead Home Site Date Taken: 9/3/2014

Process Community Collaboration Council, could work with the Agency to develop an economic From June through September, Agency staff In early May of 2014, representatives of the development plan for the Hamlet areas of the used U.S. Census data, informal interviews, Town and Village governments, including Town and Village. In late May, Agency staff met and additional field visits to learn about Supervisor Groff and Mayor Spaeth, met with with the Community Collaboration Council to Northampton and Northville. Over the same Agency staff to discuss the Agency’s Hamlet discuss the initiative and to gain initial insights period, the CCC core team devised a list of Economic Planning and Assistance initiative. into the communities. The CCC selected a core priority redevelopment sites, both greenfield These officials indicated that a local community team to work with the Agency over the next and brownfield, and provided the Agency workgroup, the Northampton/Northville several months to draft the economic plan. with an inventory of recreational, civic, and Page 6

HAMILTON commercial assets in the community. In LAKE

S Stewarts Bridge September 2014, the CCC core team, Agency a c a n Reservoir d a To Northampton/Northville g staff, and representatives of Fulton County a From Adirondack Communities: discussed priority sites and plan components Consumers/Customers Natural Resources

SARATOGA

i by phone. Throughout October, Agency staff v East

e Adirondack Brand r Outdoor Recreation synthesized the information gathered into Jenny Lake a draft economic development plan for the Efner Hunt hamlet areas of Northampton and Northville. Lake Lake Northampton/ The draft plan was provided to community and Northville Creek county representatives in late October 2014 From Northampton/NorthvilleStony S and initial feedback on the plan was provided To Southern Population Centers: From Northampton/Northville WorkforceWest To Adirondack Communities: Natural Resources to the Agency in early November. The CCC, Goods and Services Experiences/Memories Employment with assistance from the Agency, hosted a Recreation Hamlet Recreation 30 community outreach meeting on November FULTON 9N 20th, 2014 to gain public feedback on a Ireland revised plan. The plan was then amended to Vly To Northampton/Northville incorporate the additional public feedback. From South: GREAT Visitors/Spending SACANDAGA Goods and Services LAKE Project Boundary Education and Health Care Employment The boundary for this economic development plan is the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan (APLUDP)-designated To: To: To: Hamlet land use areas in the Town of Gloversville (Pop. 15,665) (20 Min.) 29 Saratoga Springs (Pop. 26,586) (50 Min.) Johnstown (Pop. 7,098) (25 Min.) Montgomery County (Pop. 50,219) Northampton and the Village of Northville and (30 Min.) Albany-Schenectady-Troy MSA (Pop. 837,937) (50 Min.) the surrounding regional environs that attract reservoir administered by the Hudson River- residents and visitors alike to the communities. Regional Context Black River Regulating District. The Town and While the plan focuses on the hamlet centers Village combined enjoy 4.4 miles of Great of Northville and Sacandaga Park, it also The Town of Northampton and the Village of Sacandaga shoreline and are located just south recognizes that the areas surrounding these Northville are located in upstate New York of the Sacandaga River. A major recreational economic centers have direct impacts on the within Fulton County (the Village exists within asset to the surrounding region, Great Sacan- success of the commercial cores. the Town). Situated on the shores of Great Sacandaga Lake, the communities are in the daga Lake provides motor boating, sail boating, southern portion of the 6 million acre Adiron- fishing, camping, and swimming opportunities dack Park and just north of New York’s Mohawk along with bicycling and scenic drives along its River Valley region. shores. Northampton and Northville function as the commercial center for communities on Great Sacandaga Lake is a 41.7 square mile the northern shore of the Lake. Page 7 in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. The by State-owned Forest Preserve lands, man- Located within the southern end of the Adiron- manufacturing industry in these counties has ageable commutes to industrial facilities and dack Park, the study area is a gateway to the employed about 15% of the Northampton/ Fulton and Montgomery Counties, and proxim- central region of the largest state park in the Northville population since 2000. Additionally, ity to the greater Albany-Saratoga region. contiguous United States. The communities are “educational services, health care, and social primarily accessed by State Route 30 (NYS DOT assistance” jobs located around these com- Northville’s Main Street serves as the civic cen- 2012 average daily traffic count of 5,281 cars munities have employed about another 25% ter for both the Town and Village with the two near Northville). of the Northampton (including the Village) governing entities sharing offices there.- Ad workforce during that period. Changing em- ditionally, Main Street in Northville maintains The Northville-Lake Placid Trail is the longest ployment dynamics in these counties, includ- a high concentration of commercial and civic foot trail extending through the Park. Nearby ing a 31% loss in manufacturing jobs in Fulton services including a large grocer, a pharmacy, State lands include the Shaker Mountain Wild County between 2006 and 2011, have led a gas station, a bank, and several restaurants. Forest (40,600 acres), the Wilcox Lake Wild some Northampton residents to travel further The historic quality of Northville’s downtown Forest (124,300 acres), the Cathead Mountain to work. In 1990, only 17% of Northampton’s led the Village to establish a Historic District for Primitive Area (212 acres), and the Silver Lake working population travelled over 45 minutes much of the area in 2014. Sacandaga Park and Wilderness Area (108,000 acres). These State to work; in 2010, about 27% travelled that its immediate surroundings maintain an as- lands, with forests protected by the New York distance. This indicates that Northampton’s sortment of entertainment venues including a State Constitution, include many primitive workforce is, and possibly will become, more golf course, a semi-public beach, several res- campsites, lean-tos, fishing access sites, remote reliant upon more distant communities and taurants, and the area’s predominant marina. lakes, and miles of trails and streams. employers. Significant areas of residential development surround both hamlet centers and provide Northville is immediately north of the historic Physical Setting year-round and seasonal customer bases to lo- Mohawk Valley which contains the major cal businesses. population centers between Albany and Buf- The Town of Northampton and the Village of falo. The NYS Thruway, approximately 23 miles Northville are situated at the northwestern cor- Historic Overview south, is the nearest US Interstate. The cities of ner of the Great Sacandaga Lake. The hamlet Gloversville (16 miles south) and Johnstown (20 center of Northville is situated on a peninsula The first permanent settlement in the study miles south) are the largest nearby population about a half mile across the lake from the area occurred in the early 1760’s when Sir centers at 15,665 and 8,743 people respective- hamlet center of Sacandaga Park. The Village’s William Johnson built a fishing retreat on the ly. The closest hospital is located in Gloversville eastern border is Northville Lake, a calm, 58- Sacandaga River and later persuaded a Ger- and the nearest college is Fulton-Montgomery acre lake prominently situated in Northville’s man farmer to settle in the Town’s present Community College. The closest full service downtown. Rolling foothills of the Adirondacks limits. The northern section of the Town was commercial airport is Albany Airport, 50 miles surround the two hamlet areas to the east, not settled until after the American Revolution away. west and north, with Great Sacandaga Lake when in 1788 Samuel Olmstead of Danbury, serving as the predominant southern border. Connecticut settled in what is now the Village. The Northampton region has historically ben- Both hamlets benefit from views and access to What is now Northville’s Main Street was sur- efitted from employment opportunities located the lake, recreational access available on near- veyed and laid out in 1797 but by 1807 only six Page 8 families lived along the street. development of Sacandaga Park. After a fire in 1898 destroyed all but five of Sacandaga Park’s Farming was the primary industry for the earli- buildings, the railroad invested in an expan- est settlers with rye, barley, and corn being the sion that grew to over 700 acres of cottages, main crops. An early gristmill was constructed strolling paths, miniature lakes, a golf course, a on Hunter’s Creek in the earliest portion of the theater, and a bandstand. In 1901 the railroad 1800’s; in 1815 an additional grist mill and a formed the Sacandaga Amusement Company saw mill were also constructed along the creek. which built a roller coaster, carousels, a kin- Through the 19th century, the economy trans- escope theatre and a large midway. Several ferred away from agriculture toward lumber hotels were built inside Sacandaga Park includ- production, which started a boom in the region ing the Pines Hotel and the Orchard Inn. It is and stimulated the milling, cooperage, tan- estimated that visitation to the Park reached The former Hotel Northville ceased opera- ning and woodenware industries. Additional about 90,000 people per year in the early tion as a hotel in 1951. The building is still residents were employed in glove and mitten 1920’s. The damming of the Sacandaga River in an icon in the center of the Village and is manufacturers in Gloversville and Johnstown. 1929 submerged much of Sacandaga Park, and identified as a priority redevelopment site numerous fires and the advent of the automo- in this plan. Photo: visitsacandaga.com The Village was incorporated in 1873, setting bile combined to put an end to the area’s use itself apart from the Town. Through the late as a large-scale amusement destination. 19th and early 20th centuries, the village had nine hotels, six dry goods stores, six grocery The construction of the Conklingville Dam in stores, five blacksmith shops, four harness 1929 brought major changes to the local econ- shops, three coopers shops, three churches, omy. Railroad access to both Sacandaga Park three tailors, three livery stables, two whole- and Northville was no longer available, reduc- sale flour and feed stores, two markets, two ing the number of visitors to the area. The au- cabinet shops, two dentists, two shoe and boot tomobile age also allowed more area residents stores, two saw mills and one of each of the to easily work in the factories in Gloversville following: knitting mill, oil cloth factory, print- and farther away. Much of the 20th century ing office, tannery, lumber and excelsior mill, saw local industrial uses closed as manufactur- gristmill, hardware store, drug store, measure ing became more clustered in the Mohawk Val- In 1875 the Fonda, Johnstown and Glovers- factory, granite factory, foundry, barbershop, ley. Over this period local employment became 1 ville Railroad reached the outskirts of North- jewelry store, and a Chinese laundry. In 1875 more tourism based and the character of the ville bringing thousands of visitors to Sacan- the Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville Railroad communities became residential and visitor- daga Park and Northville on an annual basis. reached the outskirts of Northville helping to oriented in nature. Analysis of the current It is estimated that visitation to Sacandaga boost both tourism and economic growth in economic trends provides an overview of the Park reached about 90,000 people per year in the two communities. communities’ economies today. the early 1920’s. Photo: visitsacandaga.com 1 The arrival of the railroad also spurred the Decker, Lorraine. Northville History. Accessed 10/29/14. http://www.visitsacandaga.com/history_northville.htm Page 9 Economic and Opportunities Analysis

The Village of Northville exists entirely within the Town of Northampton. The 2010 population of the Town is 2,670 people, with 1,099 people living within the Village. The Town population has grown from a 1950 population of 1,925, an increase of about 39%. Since 1980, however, both the Village and Town have seen slight decreases in population; Chart 1 articulates both Town and Village population growth since 1950. The majority of the Town’s undeveloped land is located outside the Village boundary and since 1950 100% of the Town’s population growth has occurred in those areas.

Like most Adirondack communities, Northamp- ton has seen an increase in the age of its to median incomes of $54,954, $53,450, and used seasonally indicating large fluctuations in $46,936 for New York State, neighboring Ham- population throughout the year. residents. In 1980, the median age for the 2,3 Town (including the Village) was 32.5 years; in ilton County, and Fulton County respectively. 2010, the median age was 46. A drop in resi- This indicates that the study area’s population In regards to employment, the Town and dents between the ages of 0 and 17 has cor- is employed in skilled industries with incomes Village enjoy synergistic relationships with related with this trend as in 1980 there were above regional and State medians. surrounding communities. About 63% of 944 people in this age group and in 2010 there the area’s workforce travels to jobs over 20 were only 548. These demographic changes The Town (including the Village) maintains a minutes from their homes with 26% driving have had a dramatic impact on school enroll- significant number of historic housing units; further than 45 minutes. This indicates that ment, local employment dynamics, and com- over a third of all the Town’s housing units a majority of the area’s employees leave the mercial and municipal services offered in the were constructed before 1940. The historic community for work, most likely heading to area. The community is interested in attracting characters of the communities are valuable southern job centers in Johnstown/Gloversville more young families and young professionals resources that can help attract new residents and in Montgomery and Saratoga Counties. to help provide and maintain existing services, and visitors, as well as provide existing resi- The largest sectors employing Town and Vil- including those offering care for the area’s ag- dents with a unique sense of place and tradi- lage residents are “educational services, health ing population. tion. Since 1980, about 500 new housing units care, and social assistance” (25.7%), “manu- have been built within the Town and Village 2 and an additional 150 previously unoccupied The 2012 median income number is from the 2012 American The Town and Village’s household median Community Survey which has a margin of error of -/+$5,996. income in 2012 was $56,471.64, an increase units were converted into either full-time or Despite this large margin of error, the ACS provides the best seasonal use. Of the 2,026 occupied and vacant available estimate for median incomes in the study area. of 8% since the 2000 Census. This compares 3 buildings within the community, over 761 are All income figures are adjusted to 2014 dollars. Page 10 facturing” (14.4%), and “other services, except Table 1 public administration” (9.5%). Table 1 outlines the employment characteristics for the Town of Northampton (including the Village).

Location quotient analysis indicates that the area’s largest exporting industries, or basic industries, are “agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining”, “manufacturing”, “information”, “other services, except public adminis- t tration” and “public administration”.4,5 Table 2 compares the Town’s (combined with Village’s) “basic industries” to those of the Adirondack Park as a whole. Table 2 As indicated in Table 2, Northampton’s employment base significantly varies from that of the Adirondack Park itself. While both Northampton and the Park have “basic” con- centrations of people employed in “agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining” and public administration, Northampton has a greater percentage of its workforce employed in manufacturing, information, and services. These differences are likely due to the area’s 4 The US Census Bureau and the North American Industrial national or state averages (this analysis uses state averages). location at the edge of the Park and its proxim- Classification System identifies “Information” as comprising This comparison indicates whether an industry segment is a ity to manufacturing and population centers in “establishments engaged in… (a) producing and distributing “basic”/exporting industry. A location quotient of 1.0 would Fulton, Montgomery and Saratoga Counties. information and cultural products, (b) providing the means to indicate that an industry segment has the same percentage transmit or distribute these products as well as data or com- of workers as New York State and as such this would not be Unlike the Park, Northampton does not ap- munications, and (c) processing data. The main components considered a “basic”/exporting industry. A location quotient pear to have a major concentration of tourism- of this sector are the publishing industries, including software above 1.05 indicates that an industry is “basic” and that the related employment in industries such as “arts, publishing, and both traditional publishing and publishing region has 5% more workers employed in that industry than an exclusively on the Internet; the motion picture and sound average New York municipality. entertainment, recreation, accommodations recording industries; the broadcasting industries, including and food services” or “retail trade”. This par- traditional broadcasting and those broadcasting exclusively tially suggests that there is additional opportu- over the Internet; the telecommunications industries; Web search portals, data processing industries, and the information nity for an expanded visitation/tourism sector services industries.” that complements existing tourism economies 5 around the Park. The location quotient is a measurement of concentration of employment within a given industry as measured against Page 11 An inventory of existing commercial and pro- tourism, as well as locally advantaged indus- The location quotient analysis above also fessional services found a significant amount tries such as “agriculture, forestry, fishing and identifies core competencies of the Northamp- goods and services available to the commu- hunting, and mining”, manufacturing, and ton/Northville workforce. Manufacturing has nity. Among the commercial goods and ser- information, provide an opportunity to improve evolved into a highly specialized field, and vices offered are groceries (one large grocer, the quality of life for residents and seasonal workers with skills in these industries are an four small grocers, two farmer’s markets, and home owners. This economic development economic asset. With new trends in consumer one liquor store), gas, a diversity in accom- plan seeks to attract new permanent and purchasing of locally-made and “Adirondack” modations (seven hotels, motels, inns, and seasonal residents to the community, expand branded goods, value-added products made in bed and breakfasts), prepared food and drinks high-paying industries, and entice new visitors the area from locally sourced lumber and other (ten restaurants, five bars, one bakery), realty to the community in order to achieve the com- resources have the potential to expand both services, consumer goods (five gift shops, three munities’ vision of residential and commercial the manufacturing and natural resources sector variety stores, three antique shops, one book growth. locally. Workers who have gained manufactur- store, and one clothing shop), banking, and ing skills in the factories in and around Glovers- pharmacy services. Analysis of the community ville/Johnstown could potentially be attracted also found a significant arts community bol- to starting their own businesses within the stered by the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network study area with properly-tailored incentives. located in downtown Northville. While the amount of services available in the community Additionally, the location quotient analysis is diverse, several goods and services are not identified a concentration of workers in the currently available in the community including information sector. Information sector jobs appliances, shoes, office supplies, and jewelry. include work in data processing, telecommuni- There are three primary ways to increase the cations, and internet publishing. These types market potential for additional private goods of jobs often can be done from an employee’s and services provision: grow the population of own home or in a shared business space. This the community, increase the median income presents an opportunity for workers who cur- of existing community members, and attract rently leave the area for work to potentially spending from people outside the community. work from their homes or in shared spaces in This economic development plan seeks to ex- the community, thus keeping income in the pand the market potential for additional ser- area and preserving the residents’ transporta- vice provision in Northampton and Northville tion spending. Northampton/Northville’s exist- through these means. ing broadband infrastructure, combined with its high quality of life, provides the area with a Through this analysis of demographics, employ- competitive advantage in attracting additional ment and existing commercial assets, several teleworkers and information-related businesses opportunities for economic expansion within to the community. the study area are apparent. Expanding the traditional Adirondack exporting industry of Page 12 Redevelopment Opportunities Map 1. Waterfront Access Opportunities

The CCC and Agency used field studies, aerial photograph analysis, economic analysis, and public participation to identify needed uses and important developable lands. Among the most needed uses were boater access from Great Sacandaga Lake into downtown Northville, access points to Northville Lake, sites for cottage industry development, and diverse housing options for seniors and young professionals. This section outlines alternatives for Great Sacan- daga Lake boat access to Northville, potential public access points to Northville Lake, and key redevelopment sites and their potential uses.

Waterfront Access Alternatives

The Town of Northampton and Village of Northville benefit from shorelines on both Great Sacandaga Lake and the smaller North- ville Lake. As such, access to the water and augmentation of water-based recreation activities are integral components of the economic Great Sacandaga Lake development strategy for the Town and Village. Alternative 1 involves the expansion of existing Several access points have been identified for Tens of thousands of user days are spent by dock structures at the Inn at the Bridge to both the Great Sacanadaga Lake and Northville boaters on Great Sacandaga Lake. Boats are allow for more short term, transient docking. Lake. It should be noted that both public and trailered to the Lake for day use, moored at The Inn currently provides slip space to Inn private access to Great Sacandaga Lake and permanent homes and seasonal camps, and patrons and invites them to explore downtown Northville Lake are subject to regulation by the docked at large marina facilities around the 6 Hudson River-Black River Regulating District The Regulating District, through its Permit System, provides Lake allowing for resident, seasonal resident, Access Permits for use of this State land to nearby landowners. and would require a permit from the corpora- These Access Permits are temporary, provisional, and 6 and visitor use. These thousands of boaters tion. Map 1 highlights the potential options present an opportunity to attract customers revocable. The Regulating District, on an annual basis, issues for access to both lakes. These potential sites approximately 4,586 Non-Commercial permits to residents to downtown Northville businesses. The either adjoining or within one mile of such land, 54 Commercial have been prioritized based on location, feasi- following alternative access points have been permits to businesses located around the Great Sacandaga bility and desirability of the site. Lake (such as marinas, restaurants, etc.) and 90 Special permits identified to provide public access to Northville to non-profit clubs and associations, churches, schools, local from Great Sacandaga Lake. governments and other groups. Page 13 Northville during their stay (whether it is an current ownership provide an opportunity overnight stay at the Inn or a shorter visit to for public boat access. The shoreline at this the Inn’s restaurant or bakery). Expansion location is slightly steeper than Alternative of this amenity and an agreement for the 1 requiring a significant investment in stair Village to lease slips for short-term transient facilities. Additionally, landscape planning use not requiring patronage at the Inn would measures would be necessary in order to avoid provide the boating public greater access to the conflicts between the boating public and school downtown. This alternative is the top priority users. since it provides a direct connection along Bridge Street to downtown businesses and uses Alternative 4 involves parcels adjacent to the existing infrastructure. causeway at the southern end of the Village. Alternative 2 could provide boaters with direct There is existing residential development access to the Village’s Bridge Street. Several busi- There are several limitations of this site. Firstly, on the parcels but the location and visibility nesses are located on this main thoroughfare, and tall boats, including sailboats, are unable to to Great Sacandaga Lake could make this a the road leads directly into Northville’s downtown. dock at this site due to the limited height of the potential location for boater access. This Date Taken: 9/3/2014 Bridge Street bridge. Additionally, the location site is further than other alternatives from is not as visible as some other alternatives. Northville’s commercial center and requires This latter challenge could be mitigated through boaters to walk through the primarily advertisement and public outreach. residential-in-character area of South Main Street. Alternative 2 involves parcels of land on the south side of the Bridge Street bridge (across Alternative 5 involves incorporating shoreline from Alternative 1). Boat height is not limited access into land occupied by the library. The at this site and the alternative still provides for site provides an opportunity for public boater direct access to downtown via Bridge Street. access because the land is publicly owned. This location is slightly steeper than Alternative There are several challenges to using this 1 and there is an existing residence associated site for public docking including the site’s with the site whose residents may not wish steep slopes, its location in a residential to have public docks located adjacent to their neighborhood, and its distance to Northville’s property. Additionally, new stairs would be commercial center. necessary to provide access from the public docks to Bridge Street. Alternative 6 would locate docks on a vacant Alternative 5 would use the Northville Public parcel across the causeway from the Village. Library parcel to provide access to Great Sa- Alternative 3 involves the use of a shoreline This parcel has frontage on Sacandaga Lake candaga Lake. Constraints to the site include parcel currently owned by the Northville and is across the street from Northville Lake. steep slopes and neighboring residential uses. Central School. The parcel currently is Similar to Alternative 4, this site is further than Date Taken: 9/3/2014 occupied by a bus garage but its location and other alternatives from Northville’s commercial Page 14 core and requires boaters to walk through the more of an activity node in the community. primarily residential-in-character area of South This site is prioritized second because it is Main Street. further than Alternative 1 to Northville’s commercial center reducing the potential of Northville Lake Access attracting users to local businesses.

Northville Lake is a 58-acre lake created by the Alternative 3 would provide access on impoundment on the southeastern edge of the the northern portion of Northville Lake. Village of Northville. The Lake has calm waters Access could be a component of an overall and no direct access to Great Sacandaga Lake redevelopment of the former bank site due to the impoundment. This body of water is discussed as redevelopment Priority Site 3 Northville Lake’s calm waters are ideal for ac- ideal for calm-water activities such as kayaking, below. Portions of the site have gentle slopes tivities such as kayaking, canoeing and stand- canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUPs) to the water providing for easy access to the up paddle boarding (SUPs) and offers an op- and offers an opportunity for family-oriented Lake. Additionally, the site is located in close portunity for family-oriented and beginner and beginner water recreation. New public proximity to Northville’s downtown and many water recreation. New dock and access facilities docking facilities at one of the alternatives commercial businesses. would allow for more intensive use of the Lake. would provide easy public access for these Date Taken: 5/23/14 uses. The following alternative access points Alternative 4 would provide access to have been identified to provide greater public Northville Lake from the southern end of the access to this unique recreation asset. Village. The site could use parking across the street at the New York State Department of Alternative 1 would provide public docks and Conservation’s (NYS DEC) Northville office and access to the lake from the existing Village Park provide public docks at the southern tip of area. This location is well-situated in the heart the lake. While this alternative does offer the of the Village and new access and recreation benefit of significant parking, access would be opportunities on Northville Lake could attract distant from the commercial center and require visitors downtown. The potential to build agreements with a private landowner as well as public docks and to lease out boat storage NYS DEC. space to a private kayak/canoe/SUP rental company would further the attractiveness of Alternative 5 would institutionalize existing this area to recreationists. informal access at the southern end of the New dock facilities providing access to Northville Village. This alternative is the least preferable Lake would attract visitor’s to Northville’s com- Alternative 2 would provide access directly because of the land’s private ownership and its mercial district and Village Park. The Village could to Northville Lake from the municipal offices. distance to the Village’s commercial center. lease storage space and dock space to an outfit- The public ownership of this site, along with ter to allow for equipment rentals to area visitors. existing recreational amenities nearby, would Date Taken: 9/3/2014 allow for the public offices area to become Page 15 Map 2. Priority Redevelopment Sites Page 16 Priority Development Site Opportunities -Outfitter – This location on Northville Lake and is close to the start of the Northville-Placid and near the start of the Northville-Placid Trail Trail. Restoring this building to its original Research for this plan identified many sites makes the site ideal for a guide/outfitter. grandeur would provide a sense of place for available for redevelopment within the Town -Brewpub – The craft brewery industry is the Village. The first floor of this historic and Village. Although the below sites are growing both State-wide and nationally. building could host a restaurant serving both not organized in an order of priority, the sites This historic building would make an ideal the public and guests. The upper stories of listed are those determined to be of highest location for a brewpub with the potential for the building would be well-suited as lodging importance and/or opportunity for the commu- an adjacent outdoor beer garden during the facilities, including a bed and breakfast or nity. These sites do not comprise a complete summer months. hostel, for those wishing to explore Northville list of developable land in either the Town of and adjacent areas. Grant funding for historic Northampton or the Village of Northville. The In addition to the re-use of the bank building, preservation should be explored in order sites were identified by the CCC workgroup in the vacant land surrounding the building to make restoration of the building feasible collaboration with the Town, Village, Fulton provides an opportunity for public parking to any investor and to restore the historic County, and the APA. Map 2 outlines the loca- development. The Village could seek to lease character (see Economic Development Plan tions of the Priority Development Site Opportu- the vacant land in order to provide public Implementation Item 2.7.1). nities. parking. 5. Village property on Corner of Division and 1. Main Street Commercial Properties with As an alternative to reuse of the bank and Third Streets: This underutilized Village-owned Vacant Upper Floors: The vacant floors above preservation of the existing parking lot, this parcel would be a desirable location for a small Main Street retail and restaurant businesses site could also be a suitable site for a new multi-unit residential building. The existing provide an opportunity for new housing accommodations use such as a mid-size hotel. structures could be removed to allow for a two- and office space within the community. The Northampton/Northville study area does to-three story apartment building with ample Apartments above the shops could provide not currently have a mid-size hotel and this site off-street parking for residents. A residential new housing for young professionals while represents the largest developable parcel near structure of this type would help establish small format office space would offer space Northville’s commercial center. A study should work-force housing for young professionals and for information and other professional be commissioned to determine the feasibility entrepreneurs. companies (see Economic Development Plan for a hotel of at least 60 rooms (see Economic Implementation Item 1.1.1). Development Plan Implementation Item 2.1.3). 6. Old Glove Shop: The former-glove shop site is located adjacent to two Bridge Street 2. Five and Dime Property: The vacant upper Any redevelopment of the site could be businesses. The proximity to other commercial floors of the Five and Dime store could be used accompanied by public access to Northville uses makes this site compatible for an office as event space available for civic gatherings, Lake on the site. This access could induce building to house professional or information banquets, weddings, and high school formals. visitation to a business on the site by attracting companies or a light industry/cottage industry swimmers, canoers/kayakers, and SUPers. manufacturing site such as a wood shop or art 3. Former Bank Building on Main Street: Two studio. alternative uses were identified by the CCC as 4. Old Hotel on Main Street: This three-story of potential use for this site: building is situated in the core of the Village 7. Old Car Dealership Building on Corner of Page 17 Reed and Second Streets: The former car The expanded meeting facilities would reduce dealership is located in a largely residential meeting conflicts in the shared meeting room. area of the Village. The existing structure could be removed and replaced with a multi-unit 12. Village Green: The Village green is located residential structure for either senior housing in the core of Northville’s commercial center. or young professionals. Locally made sculptures could be showcased in this area on a rotating basis. This would help 8. Northville Central School: The opportunity build Northville’s identity as an art center and exists for the Village of Northville to partner help local sculptors promote their work. Vacant upper floors above Main Street’s com- with the Northville Central School District mercial spaces provide an opportunity for to provide facilities that would benefit the 13. Sacandaga Golf Course: The retention new housing and office space. Apartments community. Such facilities include water of this golf course is a priority as it serves in these historic buildings could house young access and dockage on Great Sacandaga Lake, as a major attraction to visitors in the area. professionals while new office space could overflow parking during the summer months, County and municipal leaders should offer tax be used by information industry businesses. upgraded recreation space and playground incentives to keep this course in operation. Date Taken: 9/3/2014 facilities, and space for craft fairs and small Funding through the Consolidated Funding music festivals. Application could be applied for to assist a new or existing owner in renovations and upgrades. 9. Northville Fire Department: The proposed expansion of the Fire Department building onto 14. Veterans property on Gould Hill: This neighboring parcels is anticipated to provide property is located at the southern gateway additional space for the Fire Department into the Village. This site could provide office as well as new space for community needs. space to tenants with significant parking space Community facilities that would benefit needs. from such a central location include public restrooms, a shared business center, and 15. Tops Supermarket: The supermarket shared studio space for artists. is an important amenity to residents and visitors of the Village. The market is located 10. Town Park: The Community Collaboration in the center of the Village allowing for people Council has identified a need for playground to walk for their grocery and consumables upgrades at the Town Park. needs. Additionally, the parking lot provides for approximately 60 vehicles. Streetscape The old hotel building on Main Street is a priority 11. Town and Village Offices: There is the enhancements, including trees buffering the site for redevelopment because of its historical potential to create expanded meeting facilities parking lot from the road, would soften the significance in the community, its critical- loca at the shared Town and Village offices building appearance of the parking lot from the historic tion in Northville’s downtown, and the sense of by moving the Bradt Museum to a new building downtown. place that its architecture adds to the Village. adjacent to the current School House Museum. Date Taken: 9/3/2014 Page 18 16. Water Street: The Water Street causeway Additionally, a welcome sign along the highway and bridge, connecting the Village center to would benefit from increased visibility resulting the residential neighborhoods on the eastern from selective tree and branch removal. shore of Northville Lake, needs significant repairs. The Village is exploring alternative 19. Village Beach: The Village Beach is located designs for this amenity including a one-way across the Lake from the Village itself. The street, a pedestrian only crossing, and a rebuild beach provides an amenity for residents and of the current two-way street. In addition to visitors and benefits from its high visibility the changes in traffic patterns and connectivity, along Route 30. An information kiosk could alternatives could include options of on-street be placed at the beach to advertise businesses parking on the causeway to help alleviate within Sacandaga Park and the Village of summer parking issues and the ability to Northville. The information booth at the gateway into Sa- connect and access public docks for access to candaga Park and the Village of Northville can Northville Lake from the causeway. 20: Vacant Sacandaga Park Commercial “sneak-up” on passersby as they travel north. Parcel: This vacant land sits at the gateway Selective tree and branch removal along the road 17: Sport Island Pub and Semi-Public Beach: into Sacandaga Park from Highway 152. This leading up to the booth would provide potential This business, in association with the adjacent parcel provides opportunities for commercial, visitors more advance notice of this amenity. beach, is a unique combination of commercial restaurant, and accommodations uses. Additional enhancements could include a reposi- and public recreation and serves as a major Development of this site would create a critical tioning of the booth and locally made sculptures. attraction to Sacandaga Park. Landscape mass of commercial businesses centered Date Taken: 9/3/2014 improvements that buffer the beach from the around Sport Island Pub and the neighboring parking lot would improve the appeal of this beach. amenity.

18. Gateway to Sacandaga Park and the Village of Northville: The signage and visitor information booth along Route 30 would benefit from some repositioning to enhance its visibility and create a more welcoming presence. The Village should discuss options with NYS DOT for how to accomplish this without compromising road safety. This site Sport Island Pub and the associated beach could also be home to a rotating showcase are major attractors into Sacandaga Park. of locally made sculptures that signify to Formal landscape improvements, includ- the public that Northville has a vibrant arts ing a shrub barrier replacing the chain-link community. fence, would strengthen this activity node. Date Taken: 9/3/2014 Page 19 Economic Development Plan local tax abatement programs for property Action Item 1.4: Activate visitation/tourism owners to develop their upper floors. as a means to introduce potential residents to In order to provide the market potential and the Northville/Northampton community (see tax base necessary to retain and expand the Implementation Item 1.1.2: Prioritize ad- “Objective 2”). civic, commercial, and retail services available ditional housing unit development on vacant in the communities, this plan identifies four properties within a quarter-mile of the com- Action Item 1.5: Retain existing businesses overarching objectives and numerous action mercial centers (see “Priority Development and seek to attract new businesses, with a fo- items and implementation items (the hierarchy Sites Opportunities”, Page 15), with targeted cus upon industries that export goods outside is “Objective”, “Action Item”, “Implementation support for senior housing and varied housing the community including “agriculture, forestry, Item”, and finally bullet points). typologies (i.e. duplexes, apartments, etc.). fishing and hunting, and mining”, manufactur- -Perform or commission a market study for ing, and information (See “Objective 3”). Objective 1: Retain current residents, at- housing needs in the Northville/Northampton tract new residents, and extend the stays of area to determine existing housing gaps and Action Item 1.6: Explore the feasibility for seasonal residents with a focus on promoting the potential profitability for new develop- attracting emergency medical facilities into the residential density in neighborhoods within ments community. walking distance to the commercial centers of -Promote the above-mentioned list of prop- Northville and Sacandaga Park. A critical mass erties and market study to prospective housing Action Item 1.7: Explore the need for, and the of residents within walking distance to the developers. feasibility of, additional sports fields and nature hamlet centers will provide customers to exist- trails that could be owned and operated by the ing retail, restaurant, and service businesses, Action Item 1.2: Market Northville/ local municipalities. create energy in the commercial cores, and Northampton as a great place to live. reduce environmental impacts associated with Objective 2: Augment tourism to serve as an automobile dependency. Implementation Item 1.2.1: Create and economic driver. Tourism offers a substantial distribute a digital brochure (with a printable opportunity to stimulate the Northampton/ Action Item 1.1: Promote the development of function) highlighting the quality of life avail- Northville economy and attract new private diverse housing options within walking distance able in the communities. Specific highlights investment that can provide services and qual- to the communities’ commercial areas. should include historic architecture, vibrant ity of life improvements to residents as well as arts culture, abundant recreation opportuni- visitors. Implementation Item 1.1.1: Encourage Main ties, available broadband infrastructure, prox- Street business owners to develop living units imity to large cities and amenities, and the Action Item 2.1: Ensure that the necessary on underused floors above commercial enter- communities’ unique hamlet centers. attractions, facilities, and infrastructure con- prises. ducive to attracting the 21st century travel- -Seek grant funding, specifically NYS Depart- Action Item 1.3: Explore the potential for ing public are available within the Northville/ ment of Homes and Community Renewal Main mass transportation, primarily buses, to major Northampton visitor market. Street Program funds, to help building owners employment nodes in Gloversville and John- develop the upper floors. stown. Implementation Item 2.1.1: Analyze exist- -Explore (with Fulton County) and market ing tourism amenities and gaps to determine Page 20 what facilities are required by the 21st century company (see “Waterfront Access Opportuni- Implementation Item 2.2.2: Develop a visi- travelling public. ties and Alternatives”, Page 8). tor website highlighting the amenities available -Potentially contract with the Regional Of- -In order to maintain Northville Lake as an to guests and tourists. fices of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) to under- amenity, explore the feasibility of dredging the -Seek partnerships with nearby communities go their “Tourism Destination Area” planning Lake. to create a regional website. process. -Encourage environmental mitigation measures for development along Northville Lake Action Item 2.3: Use events to attract new Implementation Item 2.1.2: Work with local that will preserve the Lake’s water quality. visitors to the region. and regional economic development agencies to attract targeted tourism businesses, espe- Implementation Item 2.1.5: Evaluate the Implementation Item 2.3.1: Solicit rec- cially those identified in the “gaps analysis” need for designated paved bicycle trails or reational and competitive sporting events/ proposed in Implementation Item 2.1.1. dedicated bicycle lanes along existing roads. competitions to take place in Northampton/ -Identify and market grant and low-interest Northville. loan funding sources to assist entrepreneurs Implementation Item 2.1.6: Develop a tour- -Work with existing and new sports organi- in facility improvements, start-up costs, and ism information center in the center of North- zations to pursue sporting events that capital- operating costs. ville. ize upon the area’s unique natural setting and -Explore partnerships with local civic orga- resources. Implementation Item 2.1.3: Increase the nizations to provide volunteers and staffing number of rooms available to overnight visi- for the center. Alternatively, staffing could be Implementation Item 2.3.2: In collaboration tors. provided by the events coordinator identified with local and regional chambers of commerce, -Commission a market study for new accom- in Implementation Item 2.3.5. coordinate and host an iconic event each year. modations including additional hotels/motels, cabins, B&B’s, and inns. This study will help Action Item 2.2: Market Northville/ Implementation Item 2.3.3: Host lake-specif- economic developers attract new accommoda- Northampton as both an attractive daytrip and ic events (sailing regattas, fishing derbies, etc.) tions investors to the community. extended-stay destination. with on-shore registration and events in down- -Identify, market, and potentially take con- town Northville and/or Sacandaga Park. trol of opportune sites for accommodations Implementation Item 2.2.1: Develop a mar- facilities. keting strategy for the two communities. Implementation Item 2.3.4: Maintain a -Ensure that adequate public infrastructure, Identify existing marketing campaigns for Ful- community events calendar on the website particularly sewer and water, is available for ac- ton County, Hamilton County, and the Adiron- prescribed in “Implementation Item 2.2.2” commodation facility development (see “Ob- dack Park and seek to partner in such initia- highlighting the diverse events held throughout jective 4”). tives. the region. -Explore contracting with the Regional Office Implementation Item 2.1.4: Facilitate in- of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) for the devel- Implementation Item 2.3.5: Host outdoor creased use of Northville Lake. opment and execution of the marketing strat- movies in the Village Park. -Provide dock amenities and lease space egy. to canoe/kayak/stand up paddle board rental Implementation Item 2.3.5: In collabora- Page 21 tion with local civic organizations, evaluate the community docks. potential to hire an events coordinator to be shared between the Village, the Town, and lo- Action Item 2.6: Develop additional connec- cal organizations. tions to the area’s natural amenities including Sacandaga Lake, Northville/Hunter’s Lake, Action Item 2.4: Improve signage and facili- Shaker Mountain and Wilcox Lake Wild Forests, ties at the communities’ entry points to capital- and Silver Lake Wilderness. ize on traffic travelling on Route 30. Implementation Item 2.6.1: Work with the Implementation Item 2.4.1: Investigate New York State Department of Environmental Mountain biking offers a recreational -oppor landscape improvements to increase the vis- Conservation to ensure a diversity of four- tunity not currently available within the com- ibility of the “Welcome to Northville” sign at season recreation opportunities are included in munities. Stakeholders should work with the the southern entrance along Route 30. Poten- Unit Management Plans for the Shaker Moun- New York State Department of Environmental tial improvements include tree/branch removal tain and Wilcox Lake Wild Forests and the Silver Conservation to amend local State land Unit and moving the sign closer to the road. Lake Wilderness. Management Plans to include trails for this use. -Seek to expand and build trail connections Location: Flume Trails, Wilmington, NY Implementation Item 2.4.2: Improve sig- (snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking) to nage and landscaping around the information neighboring communities. center on Route 30. Potentially replace the -Encourage the development of hiking, existing information center with a new build- horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and ing with architecture that evokes Northville’s mountain biking trails for all age levels with a architecture and historic character. diversity of distances (i.e. 2 hour hikes, 4 hour hikes, etc.). Action Item 2.5: Strengthen boater access -Facilitate the connection of the Northville- into the Northville hamlet center area. Placid Trail into the center of Northville. -Seek to bring all trail connections, including Implementation Item 2.5.1: Provide public snowbmobile trails, into the center of North- boat slips for Great Sacandaga Lake boaters ville. and encourage boat user traffic into downtown -Coordinate trail planning efforts with the Northville (see “Waterfront Access Opportuni- SUNY-ESF/NYSDEC “Great South Woods” re- ties and Alternatives”, Page 8) gional State land planning effort. The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network is an im- -Pursue grant funding, especially Consoli- portant partner in branding the region as an dated Funding Application grants, to create the Implementation Item 2.6.2: Increase water arts hub. The Network’s downtown North- docking facility. access and amenities to facilitate recreation on ville location provides and activity node in the Northville/Hunter’s Lake. Village center. New studio space in nearby Implementation Item 2.5.2: Provide space -Evaluate alternative street designs on Water downtown buildings could be leased to area for tour boats to operate from the potential Street which will provide pedestrian access to artists to enrourage growth in the arts sector. Page 22 Northville Lake. -Investigate the opportunity to install docks Action Item 2.8: Market and expand the re- near the center of town for kayaking, canoeing gion’s arts assets. and paddle boarding (see “Waterfront Access Opportunities and Alternatives”, Page 8) Implementation Item 2.8.1: Inventory and market the region’s artistic resources. Action Item 2.7: Maintain, enhance, and mar- -Partner with the Sacandaga Valley Arts ket Northville’s historic aesthetic. Network (SVAN) on an arts marketing strategy for the area. Implementation Item 2.7.1: Restore and -Connect into the Adirondack North Country maintain Northville and Sacandaga Park’s his- Association’s art trail initiative. toric buildings. The starting gateway of the Northville-Placid -Encourage historic building owners to Implementation Item 2.8.2: Empower new hiking trail was built by local craftsmen. The achieve National Register of Historic Places and aspiring artists within the region. market potential of “Made in the Adiron- designation. -Provide shared studio space for artists, po- dacks” and other locally-branded goods, com- -Hold a public information meeting highlight- tentially as part of the community center/fire bined with the manufacturing skills available ing the financial incentives for the repair and station expansion in the center of town. in the Northampton/Northville workforce, maintenance of buildings on the register. -Work with SVAN to develop shared market- presents an opportunity for craft manufac- -Directly approach and provide information ing opportunities for artists. turing expansion in the two communities. to landowners whose properties may be eli- -Provide showcase space for sculptors at Date Taken: 9/3/2014 gible for the register. the Visitor’s Center as well as the Village Green -Work with commercial property owners parcel in the center of town. to identify and implement new uses for aging -Host yearly sculpture contests with sculp- properties. tures spread around downtown Northville and -Identify sources of funding for commercial Sacandaga Park. retrofits of historic buildings. -Commission a centerpiece sculpture for the Town Beach. Implementation Item 2.7.2: Guide new development to complement the historic archi- Objective 3: Retain existing businesses and tectural heritage of the area. seek to attract new businesses, with a focus -Enact design guidelines that mirror the upon industries that export goods outside the architectural styles found in Northville and community including “agriculture, forestry, Sacandaga Park (See Action Item 4.3). fishing and hunting, and mining”, manufacturing, and information. Biomass heating systems could be deployed Implementation Item 2.7.3: Integrate the at local institutions to alleviate dependence hamlets’ history into marketing of the area (see Action Item 3.1: Recognizing that the area’s on fuel oil and stimulate growth in the forest Action Item 2.2). greatest regional competitive advantage is its products industry. Page 23 high quality of life and proximity to natural and (ANCA) Adirondack branding project to label neurs, with a focus on the information sector. recreational assets, create a digital brochure locally sourced materials. (with a printable function) highlighting the Implementation Item 3.4.1: Improve and quality of life available in the communities (see Action Item 3.3: Support existing local manu- expand business services and infrastructure. Action Item 1.2). facturers and work to attract new “cottage- industries” to the community. -Alternative 1: Work with the local library Action Item 3.2: Support expansion of the to offer services necessary for people to work local and regional “agriculture, forestry, fishing Implementation Item 3.3.1: Build relation- remotely from Northville/Northampton. and hunting, and mining” industries. ships with existing Northampton/Northville Expand the services available to teleworkers manufacturers and cottage industry leaders to and remote workers at the local library includ- Implementation Item 3.2.1: Develop rela- determine challenges to growth and expansion. ing Wi-Fi availability, convenient 9am-6pm tionships with regional “agriculture, forestry, -Work with the leaders of this industry to de- hours, printing and scanning facilities, and fishing and hunting, and mining” industries velop a manufacturing sector growth strategy. potentially computer support. leaders to determine operational challenges, -Identify manufacturing sectors which are market opportunities, and incentive require- consistent with the character of Northampton/ -Alternative 2: Seek to include a shared ments. Northville. business space in the expansion of the fire sta- -Examine the market feasibility for sectors tion/Stewarts redevelopment building. Implementation Item 3.2.2: Expand de- identified as consistent with the character of Include shared printer/scanner, Wi-Fi, and po- mand for local wood production by developing Northampton/Northville. tentially computer support woody-biomass heating facilities in the region. -Determine ideal sites for craft manufactur- -Perform a feasibility study for using wood- ers. If such sites require permits, examine pre- Implementation Item 3.4.2: Work with Ad- derived biomass to heat large-scale institu- permitting the sites for shovel-ready access. irondack Teleworks to train and link residents tional buildings including local offices and the -Provide shared marketing opportunities to to telecommuter jobs (www.adirondacktele- Northville Central School. local manufacturers. works.com) -Identify and secure grants for both the fea- -Offer computer teleworking training to the sibility study and construction. Implementation Item 3.3.2: Identify incen- local workforce in collaboration with Adiron- tives, including grant funding and property tax dack Teleworks. Implementation Item 3.2.3: Connect local abatements, that will allow existing businesses -Market the Teleworks program through resource producers to value-add processors to expand, attract new businesses, and encour- brochures at the library and schools, as well as including carpenters and woodworkers, Fulton age entrepreneurship in the industry. through a traditional public relations strategy and Montgomery County manufacturers, and -Market local and State incentives for manu- (newspaper stories, local television interviews, local builders. The value of products labeled facturing businesses to the area workforce, etc.). “Made in the Adirondacks” or “Sourced in the with the goal of encouraging local manufac- Adirondacks” should be highlighted. turing industry employees to start small-scale Objective 4: Ensure that community laws and manufacturing/cottage industry businesses. infrastructure are consistent and compatible Implementation Item 3.2.4: Coordinate with with the growth desired by community. the Adirondack North Country Association’s Action Item 3.4: Attract and retain entrepre- Page 24 Action Item 4.1: Develop the sewer and wa- lots to preserve the village’s aesthetic. ter facilities necessary to accommodate walk- Implementation Item 4.2.4: Study the feasi- -Minimize commercial use restrictions in the able, relatively dense commercial development bility for including a parking lane on the Water commercial Main Street and Bridge Districts in Sacandaga Park and Northville. Street Bridge as part of the upcoming rehabili- thus reducing the regulatory burden for innova- tation project. tive business owners. Implementation Item 4.1.1: Working with the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation Action Item 4.3: Adopt municipal regulations Implementation Item 4.3.2: Both the Village (NYS EFC), coordinate efforts between the encouraging sustainable development that and Town should consider establishing historic Town and Village to update the Town’s intend- maintains and improves the historic fabric of overlay districts to protect and promote signifi- ed use plan for sewer upgrades to include the the community while providing space for new cant historic buildings in the community. Village’s sewer needs as well. economic growth. This plan recognizes that the Town of Northampton currently has a com- Implementation Item 4.1.2: Work with NYS prehensive plan and zoning regulations. EFC to identify and pursue state and federal grant and loan funding to develop sewer and Implementation Item 4.3.1: The Village water infrastructure. should develop a comprehensive plan that provides authority for the municipality to de- Action Item 4.2: Expand public parking in velop zoning laws, historic districts, and design Northville’s hamlet center without detracting guidelines. from the community’s historic character. Implementation Item 4.3.2: Once the Vil- Implementation Item 4.2.1: Require new lage has developed its comprehensive plan, it parking spaces, set behind buildings to pre- should develop zoning guidelines that: serve the visual quality of the street, to be -Encourage mixed commercial and residen- included in all newly constructed commercial tial uses on Main Street and Bridge Street, buildings on Main and Bridge Streets. This can allowing for multi-story development with first be included in formal planning regulations (See floor retail and restaurant uses on the ground Action Item 4.3) floor and offices and residential uses above. -Maintain the historic zero-to-two foot front Implementation Item 4.2.2: Seek to lease yard setback along Main Street, with parking the parking lot at the vacant bank property to relegated to the rear of the property. allow for public parking. -Require parking to be located behind all new commercial and mixed-use buildings on Implementation Item 4.2.3: Work with local Bridge Street and Main Street. churches, whose lots are vacant for much of -Require storefront entrances along Main the week, to allow for public parking during Street and Bridge Street respectively. non-church hours. -Incorporate vegetative screening of parking

PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VILLAGE OF NORTHVILLE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2017 7:00 P.M. NCS AUDITORIUM

PRESENT:

VILLAGE MAYOR TRUSTEE SEDON TRUSTEE ELLSWORTH VILLAGE TREASURER VILLAGE CLERK

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

JOHN MARKIEWICZ (TRUSTEE) CARL INGALLS CARL SEDON BARBARA SPERRY JIM CONKLING

SCOTT HENZE, PLANNER

PUBLIC: 85

TOTAL IN ATTENDANCE: 95

Sue Sedon thanked the Committee for all of their hard work on drafting the Comprehensive Plan. provided the following opening remarks.

I. OPENING REMARKS:

Welcome, and thank you for coming out tonight to this public hearing on the draft Village of Northville Comprehensive Plan.

In 2014, the Village Board appointed a Comprehensive Plan Committee made up of existing members of the Village Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals, members of the public and a Trustee to draft an update to the existing 1990 Comprehensive Plan. The Village Board then requested the services of the Fulton County Planning Department to assist the Committee. Since that time, the Committee has met twenty (20) times to formulate the draft Plan and released a Public Survey that was mailed to all properties

that receive a water bill. The Committee also utilized and incorporated into the draft Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Northampton and Village of Northville Hamlet Economic Development Plan that was developed by the Community Collaboration Council and was accepted by both the Village and Town Boards on December 5, 2014.

What is a Comprehensive Plan? Simply put, it is a vision of where a community wants to be and look like 20 years from now. Does it commit the Village Board to do anything in the Plan? No. Does it obligate the Village Board to spend money on anything in the Plan? No. Is the Comprehensive Plan a Zoning Law? No. Is the proposed Land Use Plan a Zoning Map? No. The Plan is a vision. In New York State, municipalities are required to have their Zoning Ordinances based upon a current Comprehensive Plan. Municipalities, like the Village of Northville, that have zoning are supposed to keep their Comprehensive Plans updated and make sure their Zoning Ordinance is based upon the vision contained in the Comprehensive Plan.

New York State’s Village Law requires the Comprehensive Plan Committee to hold at least one (1) Public Hearing and the Village Board of Trustees to hold their own public hearing. All comments made during tonight's Public Hearing will be reviewed by the Committee and will be included within the Public Comment chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

Upon completion of this Public Hearing, the Committee will finalize its work on the draft Comprehensive Plan. Once the Committee completes its work, it will recommend the draft Plan to the Village Board.

Once the Village Board receives the draft Plan, Village Law requires the Board to complete three (3) tasks before it can consider acting on the Comprehensive Plan:

1. Refer the Plan to the County Planning Board to conduct a Section 239-m review under General Municipal Law. 2. Complete the NYS Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. 3. Conduct its own Public Hearing.

Once it completes these three (3) tasks, the Village Board can then take 1 of 3 actions:

1. Adopt the draft Plan as submitted by the Committee. 2. Adopt the Plan with modifications. 3. Reject the Plan.

The purpose of tonight’s hearing is to receive public input on the proposed Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will not be a debate about any part of the Comprehensive Plan. This is a hearing to hear your comments and input.

For those who filled out the Speaker Sign-Up sheet, you will be called in order to speak, with those who reside or own property in the Village being called upon first. If you prefer to submit your comments in writing, please take one of the Public Hearing Comment sheets that are available on the table in the hallway outside of the auditorium, add your comments and input and leave it in the comments box.

If you need a microphone to speak, raise your hand and we will get you one. Once the list of speakers has been completed, and there is sufficient time left, there will be a call for

additional speakers. We understand that it may be difficult to fill out the comment sheet in the seats so at the end of the public hearing myself and committee members will stay around and you can utilize the table at the front or in the hallway. The committee will meet again on Wednesday February 8, 2017 at Village Hall at 7:00P.M. to review and discuss the hearing statements.

The Public Hearing was opened at 7:20.

Speaker #1:

 I would like to know why my 202 Bridge Street property is being targeted as a Priority Development site.  What legal right do you have to tell businesses where the types of businesses can and cannot go. Fueling Depot?  I would like to request that my 202 Bridge Street property be removed from the Priority Development site list.

Speaker #2:

 I am involved in the community. I do not agree with the private meetings that have been held by the Committee.  There are a lot of good things in the document.  The Water Street initiative is bothersome to me.  If the meetings have been open, it may not have come to this point. I would vote down the plan.

Speaker #3:

 I grew up in the Village and had been part of the Village for 52 years.  I am concerned that there has not been a lot of public input.  I am also concerned with the reclassification of my family property on Division Street.  In the document, within the Commercial/Residential Land Use, it states that it excludes single-family residences on single lots and I do not agree with this statement. It seems as though there is a lack of understanding with Village leadership because I read the Comprehensive Plan and that is what it seemed to me to be, however, later I consulted with a member of the Board and received a conflicting remark.  Single-family residences should be allowed forever in the Commercial/Residential Land Use. Not opposed to Commercial/Residential but should not be forced into it.  My property on Division Street was subdivided into two (2) lots so that someday we could build a single-family home on the second lot and this would not allow it.  I do see where you are going in a positive direction but feel as though these changes should be made.

Speaker #4:

 So far I agree with all the comments made tonight. I moved to the Village to raise my children and loved the idea of Water Street as it is now.  The Plan was not made available to the public and not open to the public.  I have no intention to drive up "Gould Hill" to get to my property.  I don’t understand why a linear park. Don’t we already have enough parks.  I like the quaintness of the Little Lake the way it is.  Closing off Water Street is going to require the Fire Department to go up "Gould Hill" and around to get to those properties.  You need to take in the consideration of the people it will affect them. The Village Board is voted in to protect the people.

Speaker #5

 I do not agree with closing off Water Street. There is a lot of traffic that goes through there.  What if we have to evacuate the Village? This does not make any sense to me.

Speaker #6:

 I question whether or not the response to this survey was sufficient to draw serious conclusions from it. I took a few courses in statistics and do not see as how it could be.  What conclusions can you draw from the Plan? I can’t think of any?  I do not understand the value of the whole process.

Speaker #7:

 I was on the Committee in September 2014 and was glad to be on it. I left the Committee because they did not advertise their meetings enough other than on Facebook and through the Village Board. There was little or no publicity. I asked Scott why it is not being publicized and why isn’t there anything at any of the businesses? Scott indicated that he would talk to the Mayor, which he did. However, nothing happened. I asked the Mayor if he would do something about it and I was told that the Village Attorney indicated that the Village does not need to publicize it because it was a Committee. Due to the lack of transparency that is why I got off the Board.  There are a few good things in the Plan. However, it seems as though it is leading toward Frontier Land or Yuppyville and it may be more than the Village needs. What is wrong with the community now? We have an ambulance service, the streets are clean, good schools. Why not just leave us alone.

Speaker #8:

 I contest whether or not the statistics in the plan are accurate. It indicates that the Village of Northville has the highest median income of the County.

 The Plan seems to be concerned about the elderly. Maybe the elderly is bringing the community up.  I agree with the comments made by Robin Wilson and Mark Sakadolsky regarding their properties. I think that you should re-examine how properties are being handled.  It seems though that the housing on Third Street is tailored to the Pathstone Proposal. I am against it because the way it is.

Speaker #9:

 I was a 1960 graduate of NCS. Moved away from the community and bought a business in Mayfield. I recently sold the business and came back to the community.  I am deathly against the closing of Water Street. There would be a lot of problems developing a Water Street Park.  The Northville Lake is deteriorating, kids cut their feet on the glass in the Lake. The vegetation seems to be getting worse. Eventually, it will turn into the Mayfield Lake.  My family uses Water Street to commute to get to work and, on their way home, will stop and get things from businesses in the Village. It would be easier for them to take South Shore Road from Saratoga, however, they don’t because they can use Water Street when leaving the Village.  Not many walk that area. Only the Mayor’s wife. I have no problem with the walkway. Build a pedestrian walkway along the side of it.  I came up to retire. I don’t look at computers. I don’t use it to see what is going on. I see no advantage of turning Water Street into a Park. I’m against it.

Speaker #10:

 I have a few comments about the Plan, but first you seem to be putting the cart before the horse. Almost half of the population in the Village is 2-9 family dwellings which ties into the sewer system which would takes a lot.  I do not know if the financial logic will work.  We are all having a problem with trust and confidence and there needs to be better communication.

Speaker #11:

 I am a Village resident on North Third Street in Northville and I also have managed a low-income property in Schenectady for 17 years. I am for affordable housing however, not in the Village.  The document provided by Pathstone that provides questions and answers, I do not agree with it. Based upon 40 units, I calculate 136 people who would live in the units. This is going to create a lot of traffic. The income limits for Fulton County do not match what Pathstone is saying.

Speaker #12:

 The Plan indicates that there were 624 surveys sent out through the water bill mailing and 40 were submitted by the Senior class of the high school. Why should we allow very young people deciding what to do with our quaint village?  The Village of Northville has the highest taxes around.  It indicates that there are 104 vacant units in the Village.  The Plan indicates that the Northville Central School taxes are 113% higher than the Village tax rate. It indicates that the Village has a higher tax rate than Mayfield.

Speaker #13:

 I am having a hard time feeling comfortable in the way this process has been conducted. Once I learned about the Comprehensive Plan, I had no idea where I could find a copy of it.  I agree with the concern stated regarding the affordable housing and the Pathstone project and I have some experience with this and it will increase the crime and bad things will come of it.  The statement regarding the 104 vacant properties in the Village, maybe some of these are from seasonal rentals? Some of these rentals could be converted to year round. Why do we need affordable housing?  Up until 2 weeks ago, I did not know what was going on and this is concerning. I do not understand why there have been secret meetings. I was told by the Mayor there is no need to come to these meetings. This is an open forum. It’s about us.  I have a 4½ year old son and also own a home in Niskayuna and on Houseman Point. After a lot of decision making, we decided to move here and have my son go to school here even though he would probably benefit more educational wise from the Niskayuna School District than the NCS School District. However, we chose Northville because of the people. You guys created an atmosphere that we cannot have. Who got the survey, because I didn’t get one.

Speaker #14:

 I am sitting here wondering if this is a communist country. I wish there would be some courtesy of talking to me.  I did not receive a survey in the water bill.  I understand that we have to have some plan, but we shouldn’t do a plan in secret and you have met 20 times?  Did anybody get anything in their water bills?

Speaker #15:

 I live three (3) houses down from the intersection of Water Street and I would like to thank the Committee for their work on the plan as it seems as though they have spent a lot of time on it. I am sure that they put meetings out in the public and that this was not done intentionally to be secretive.

 I would like to know if there was a traffic study done to close Water Street because it is busy in the winter and summer.  My concerns are regarding the ambulance and volunteer fire department response times. The volunteer fire department uses Water Street to obtain water.  I thought that the Village was working on a sidewalk at the other end of Main Street.  If we were to close Water Street, there would be an increase in the use of the area which would mean more garbage and cleanup.  I am also concerned with police protection because I believe it’s against the law for swimmers to swim off of it and who will enforce this.  I am not in favor of closing Water Street.

Speaker #16:

 I would like to thank you for this meeting. I have read the Plan and all of the minutes of the CCC.  I understand that the Comprehensive Plan of 2017 is needed for grants and I am for these grants.  I am for many things in this plan especially adding a trolley and a boat dock at the Village and Town Beach.  I like the idea of the Village brand and the marketing.  I love the businesses and the sense of community.  For the marketing, I would like to see a more open application where the Village would accept applications from other marketing people from around the area.  I like the idea of reinstating the GTS Bus Route.  I see where they have incorporated dredging of the Little Lake in the Comprehensive Plan.  I agree with fixing and maintaining the sidewalks.  I like the overall tourism aspect and that we should continue to promote tourism as much as possible.  I think that we should include more of the ski areas such as Lapland Lake, Oak and Gore.  I see that in the charts they are based upon 2010 charts. Would like to see charts with newer statistics.  Also, all throughout the Plan and the minutes of the CCC still talking about Path stone and trying to work with affordable housing situations and how to deal with the zoning and statements regarding the hopes that the owner of a hotel sells the property for less money.  I think that there needs to be more transparency. We’re not getting the information.  If this Plan is a good plan, if it’s a good thing, we need someone to explain to us why it is a good thing.

At this time, Scott Henze indicated that there were no more speakers on the speaker signup sheet. However, since there is still plenty of time, asked for any additional speakers at this time.

Speaker #17:

 On a positive note, I like the balance we have of newcomers and progressives and the old timers trying to balance things out. We need this in this Village. Growth is good and its good that the locals and old timers are also holding back. This is what we need. I think that the downtown is the nicest it has looked in awhile, but the Village still needs some tweaking.  How are we going to answer these comment sheets if we haven’t read the Plan?  The survey that came in the water bill, the questions seemed to be drafted by a lawyer and were very technical and worded for a very high Oxford or Harvard graduate.  Let’s look at today to bring us to tomorrow and keep plugging away to be a better community.

Speaker #18:

 I am knowledgeable about affordable housing. I understand that seniors need good affordable housing options.  I understand that many of the subsidies for senior housing have dried up.  A lot of the buildings are built by Social Services in Johnstown.  That housing can be nice for young kids coming up in the community. However, the control lies in the property manager but they are just out for the money.  Why is Lanzi’s in the Plan? This is a Village Plan.  Why is there mention of a sewer system to help out Sacandaga Park. Again, this is a Village Plan.  Many in Northville are happy with the perk rates because they are located on sand. I don’t understand why if DEC is not making us put in a sewer system, why even provide the idea. The Village is located in a hole. Do you know what it would cost to pump sewage out of the Village to Sacandaga Park?  There are onsite sewer plants to service multiple users and they should be looked at.

Speaker #19:

 I moved here in 2010 and my main issue is about the money. Where is it going to come from to fund these initiatives.  Three (3) or four (4) years ago, we had the Family Dollar proposal and that wasn’t wanted at the bank property. If you want to save the building, you need to just do it. Unfortunately, now the building may be shot. I hear that there’s water on the second floor.  The old hotel property is in the center of the Village and something needs to be done with it soon. My question is where is the money going to come from to fix the bank, the hotel and the glove shop on North Second Street?  I think the Plan has some really good features, but still a concern where the money is going to come from.  Regarding the transparency, I have lived in places where the weekly Pennysaver was used. The Pennysaver would come out every week and everything is advertised. We need one. The Village does not have the mechanism to reach out to the community.

 After tonight, it’s a wide open street, now people have the knowledge.

Speaker #20:

 I have only lived here for ten (10) years and was born in Mayfield. There was no question where I wanted to go. It was the Village of Northville. In my professional career, I was a State Trooper and I traveled all over the State and have never seen anything like Northville. I think that people take things for granted here.  The Village has the best street department ever.  The school crossing guard is great. He’s the best ever. He definitely takes command of that intersection and people should feel that their kids are safe when he’s on the job.  The only mistake is that I moved right in the center of Water Street, which has a lot of traffic. I want to say that Water Street is probably the third busiest street in the Village. I think that closing Water Street down will be a bad thing.  The Village is a nice place.

Speaker #21:

 I really don’t know much about what has been going on. I don’t know why you wouldn’t have let the public know about the meetings.  I think that some of the Plan is good, but it’s going from one extreme to another and maybe going too far. You may be stepping on too many toes.  If we knew from the beginning, we could have talked about it.  I kind of like to be left alone.  The issues with the housing going on, I’m not supportive of the housing.

Speaker #22:

 I would like to know what the immediate agenda is. I understand that the vision is for what the Village should look like in 20 years, but I want to know what is being done for today and tomorrow.  I am curious to know how things in the Plan will get you to the end vision.  Regarding opening up the areas of affordable housing, what will it get us?

Speaker #23:

 I liked in the Comprehensive Plan the recommendations where the Village should progressively pursue grants to better the existing housing stock, but how does this happen?  I am not supportive of mashing affordable housing in the Village of Northville.

Speaker #24:

 This is a committee of the Village and, by law, meetings need to be posted legally in the Village’s official newspaper which is the Leader Herald. Not everyone uses the Internet.

Speaker #25:

 I hope that you listen to what everyone has said and think about what people have said in order to keep everyone happy.

Speaker #26:

 People definitely put a lot of time into this plan which doesn’t mean that it is a good plan. I think that there should be a requirement that everyone in the Village should vote on the plan.

Scott Henze asked for any additional comments from the public and, being none, closed the public hearing at 8:32 p.m.

A member of the public questioned whether or not, given the fact that there was a large turnout tonight, the next meeting could be moved to the NCS Auditorium. It was noted that the Village would need to check on the availability of the Auditorium. It was noted that the Village would post the next meeting date and location as was done for the public hearing providing the public with information regarding its location, date and time as soon as it is determined.