The town of Queensbury has plans for its
Main Street corridor and officials and local
residents will meet with representatives
from Smart Growth America on April 16
and 17 to discuss them.
The session is part of a free, grant-funded
technical assistance program.
The assistance comes at a time when
Queensbury leaders are discussing how to
best capitalize on the’ $22 million in government
funds earmarked for investment
in road, sidewalk, streetscape, water and
sewer improvements and related planning
studies and zoning regulations.
The workshop aims to help the town
realize the potential economic benefits of
a compact, denser development pattern for
the corridor.
The Smart Growth america workshop comes after two March meetings, a town Board public forum on Main Street zoning and a presentation to the town on the Complete Streets program.
“As the third of four planned workshops related to the future development of Main Street, the town Board expects to gain some vital information from the Smart Growth america staff that will help guide us in any changes we may wish to make to this neighborhood’s zoning,” said Queensbury Supervisor John Strough.
A meeting to discuss any changes to the zoning regulations for Main Street will be scheduled for some time in May.
Queensbury residents are invited to join the workshop’s first day for a presentation that will feature a broad overview of the fiscal and economic implications of new development along Main Street. the event will be held at 7 p.m. West Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Company Station 1 at 33 Luzerne road, Queensbury.
“Smart Growth america is committed to providing training to help local leaders keep their communities livable, sustainable and vital places,” said roger Millar, vice president at Smart Growth America.
“The town of Queensbury has put a lot of energy into revitalization of its Main Street corridor. Now is an opportune time to offer technical assistance and help the town advance a development strategy that makes the most economic and fiscal sense for its citizens.”
In January, Queensbury was one of 18 communities selected by Smart Growth america to participate in the free technical assistance program. Stretching from New Hampshire to Idaho, these communities represent major cities, suburban centers, and rural towns alike.
The program, made possible through a five-year Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities grant from the U.S. Environmental protection agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities, seeks to develop local planning solutions that help communities grow in ways that benefit families and businesses, while protecting the environment and preserving a sense of place.
Two other nonprofit organizations– Global Green USa and project for public Spaces–also have competitively awarded grants under this program to help communities get the kinds of development they want.
As a national leader in the field, Smart Growth america has accumulated extensive experience working with communities to help them use land strategically, make the most of existing resources and invest purposefully to catalyze private development.
Smart Growth america is the only national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide.