Ten municipalities in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are developing comprehensive plans this year, funded by Round 7 of DEC’s Community Smart Growth Grant Program. The Community Smart Growth Grant Program supports key projects that build on planning and economic development activities by municipalities and not-for-profit organizations within the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. This grant is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund.
The comprehensive planning process will give residents a chance to bring ideas to their town boards and fellow community members. The ten municipalities that received funding are holding workshops, public meetings, and information sessions to understand residents’ priorities and hopes for their towns. Most municipalities are also conducting surveys for residents to provide their thoughts. The comprehensive plans will help municipalities identify opportunities and respond to challenges in their communities, such as attracting new businesses, adapting to the impacts of climate change, expanding options for public and non-motorized transportation, and building new recreational facilities. Some communities will also offer youth surveys to hear ideas from the next generation. The Community Smart Growth Grant Program provided support for these municipalities to hire professional consultants to facilitate the planning process. The consultants will design the comprehensive plans, engage community members, present findings, and develop the written plans.
The municipalities that are developing comprehensive plans are Speculator, Westport, Shandaken, Middletown, Margaretville, Jay, Hunter, Hague, Colchester, and Greig. Residents of these towns can contact their local town hall to learn more about the comprehensive planning process and find out how to participate.
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