There are waterways everywhere in the North Country. Officials in the Town of Plattsburgh hope they can create a plan that will increase public access to the rivers, streams and Lake Champlain along its borders to enhance tourism, economic development and local recreation.
In 2011 and 2012, the Town of Plattsburgh, which is separate from the City of Plattsburgh, began a zoning ordinance review to overhaul existing ordinances. It included rezoning seven miles of Saranac River waterfront to a land conservation district, reserving the area for low-impact use such as recreational trails and agriculture. Town Planning Technician Trevor Cole says that sparked development of a town-wide waterfront revitalization plan.
Town Of Plattsburgh Supervisor Bernie Bassett says the town, and surrounding communities, have underutilized waterfront resources.
Trevor Cole explains that the town is seeking funds from the NYS Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to move the plan forward.
Supervisor Bassett calls a revitalized waterfront crucial for economic development and tourism promotion.
Trevor Cole says the town is hoping to move beyond the planning stages before long.
The plan would network existing trails and parks and varies from urban areas to rural farmland and cliff sites and lake and river overlooks.
