By Lisa Balschunat<\/p>\n
For the past three decades a myriad of cities along Interstate 87 and 90 in New York State have been searching for ways to revitalize and energize downtowns that were categorically deteriorating due to suburban growth, economic downturns and lack of investment. Leaders across in the Empire State have tried various approaches to bring city hubs back to life based on community needs using strategic economic development methods.<\/p>\n
Over the past 10 years, Glens Falls economic and community development visionaries have worked diligently to position the city for future growth. Downtown has seen the resurgence in business development, new housing options and improvements, and diverse cultural and recreational activities.
\nIn fact, the city received $200,000 in federal funding to continue that effort under a collaborative community challenge project grant developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).<\/p>\n
According to Glens Falls Community Development Director Ed Bartholomew, a steering committee of about 25 economic development, housing, transportation leaders and community agency representatives gathered in late July at Crandall Public Library for a kick-off meeting with HUD representatives Naomi Friedman, grant technical representative of Sustainable Housing and Communities, and Jennifer Cribbs, regional lead sustainability officer, to discuss ways to move downtown Glens Falls to the next level under the grant program.<\/p>\n
Friedman said the program is designed to challenge a city to integrate economic conditions, transportation and the environment when looking to develop a cohesive strategy for the future. “Glens Falls is one of the first participants in this new program,” she said. “This is really a pioneer project.”<\/p>\n
Four consulting firms involved in the process are exploring the need and feasibility of developing a multi-purpose downtown facility that could function as a parking\/transportation center, bus\/taxi transfer station, public market, festival, retail and farmer’s market site. They also are looking at ways to utilize vacant buildings, and improve pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown.<\/p>\n
Jim Zullo, vice president of Tim Haahs Associates, said the facility should meet the needs of downtown for the next 40 to 50 years. Gone are the days of building a parking garage for simply, well, parking. “The facility could be solar powered and include a grocery market, deli, health center, bicycle rentals and electric car battery-charging stations,” he said.<\/p>\n
The project also will focus on recommendations to overcome regulatory barriers to mixed-use development to facilitate “green” and energy efficient building or restoration; and will seek out ways to improve connections to the existing pedestrian\/bike path from neighborhood schools and connecting neighboring communities.<\/p>\n
Eve Holberg, senior planner\/project manager of Peter J. Smith & Co., said focus groups will work with developers, business owners and cultural organizations to create a framework for developing a more equitable and economically vibrant downtown to serve local residents and bring visitors to Glens Falls to have experiences they will want to repeat and share with others.<\/p>\n
The planning process will include several opportunities for public participation through interactive public workshops and meetings, a website, social networking and on-line surveys.<\/p>\n
The gathering of information for this project should complete by spring of 2013, Mr. Bartholomew indicated.<\/p>\n
For more details, contact Glens Falls City Economic and Community Development, 761-3833 or gfeb@nycap.rr.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Lisa Balschunat For the past three decades a myriad of cities along Interstate 87 and 90 in New York State have been searching for ways to revitalize and energize downtowns that were categorically deteriorating due to suburban growth, economic…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n