This document outlines strategies for revitalizing Hudson riverfronts to connect communities with the river while promoting sustainable development. Key recommendations include encouraging riverfront development in areas with existing infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and creating diverse connections through trails, parks, and other recreational facilities. The report emphasizes adaptive reuse of historic buildings and the necessity of planning for climate change adaptation.

1. Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts
Connecting People to the River—and Beyond
Jeffrey Anzevino, AICP
Columbia & Greene Counties
April 13, 2012

2. Illustrated Conservation and Development Strategies
for Creating Healthy, Prosperous Communities
www.revitalizatinghudsonriverfronts.org
Illustrated Strategies for
I. Promote Riverfront Development in Areas with Existing Infrastructure
Public Officials, Developers,
II. Encourage Water-Dependent and Water-Enhanced Uses on the Waterfront
Community Groups, and Citizens
III. Connect People to the River
IV. Protect Natural Resources
V. Protect Scenic Resources
VI. Promote Good Urban Planning & Sustainable Design
Climate Change: Adaptation & Mitigation

3. Promote Riverfront Development in Areas with
Existing Infrastructure
1) Takes advantage of existing infrastructure
2) Close to existing services.
3) Provides opportunities to reuse historic building stock
4) Encourages walking, bicycling, & a healthful lifestyle
5) Protects open space and farmland
6) Market and demographic trends
support this shift

4. Market & Demographic Trends
• Rising energy prices; unpredictability
• Singles will soon be the new majority
• Echo Boomers are 1/3 of the population
• Millennials driving less than their parents
• Older Americans will outnumber younger by
2050
• Nearly half Americans will be non-white by
2050
• Oversupply of large lot suburban homes

5. Incentives for Development in Existing Built Areas
• Upgrade infrastructure and amenities
• Comprehensive Plans should Zoning should permit mixed use
• Require fewer parking spaces/permit shared parking
• Include clearly articulated standards
• Identify priority sites and buildings and market them for
redevelopment

6. Adaptive Reuse, Mixed Use,
and Transit-Oriented Development

7. Adaptive reuse of historic buildings

8. Infill development

9. Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

10. Connecting People to the River—and Beyond

11. Connecting People to the River—and Beyond
WHAT TO CONNECT
• Business Districts
• Neighborhoods
• Historic Sites
• Parks
• Educational Institutions
• Other communities
• Cross-river connections

12. Connecting People to the River—and Beyond
WAYS TO CONNECT : physically & visually
• Walkways both to and along the river
• Rail Trails
• Trolleys
• Boat docks, launches and tours
• View corridors

13. Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts
How to create connections
HOW TO CONNECT
• Voluntary trail easements
• Incentive zoning or require by Special Use Permit
• Along sidewalks and roads
• Banners or artwork to draw people along
• Convert abandoned rail lines to rail trails
• Establish water trail sites and promote as a network
• Provide docking facilities for boats
• Program festivals, farmers markets, concerts

14. Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts
Using public art
to create
connections

15. Identify
Local Connections

16. Village of
Catskill

17. Connecting People to the River—and Beyond
Conclusion
Direct development to existing built areas
with infrastructure
Connect to and along the Hudson River and
Illustrated Strategies for
its tributaries
Officials, Developers,
Public
Develop diverse connectionsCitizens
Community Groups, and and interesting
ways that people can enjoy the Hudson
River:
Trails, parks, trolleys, fishing, swimming
boating, nature study, viewing, others

18. Connecting People to the River—and Beyond
Illustrated Strategies for
Public Officials, Developers,
Questions?
Community Groups, and Citizens
janzevino@scenichudson.org
845-473-4440 x221
www.revitalizatinghudsonriverfronts.org