Waterfront Revitalization Update – Spring 2007
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program committee and consultants
continue their work to move our waterfront projects forward.
In late October 2006, a community meeting attended by over 40
residents resulted in many suggestions for projects.
Overall, the meeting participants ratified the LWRP committee’s
priorities: (1) dredging
Lake
Everest
; (2) renovation and enhancement of the
Town
Beach
facilities including increased boat access, trails, playground
enhancements; and (3) greater public access to the waterfront for
walking, fishing, and boating.
Shortly after the public meeting, the LWRP committee sent a rough draft
of pieces of their inventory of waterfront resources and list of
projects to the appropriate state agencies for comment.
A small subgroup – including Dawn Stevens, Judi Gould, Garret
Dague from
Essex
Cty. Planning, Jeanne Ashworth, and Kara Page - was identified in
January to work through the details of a much more complete draft, which
is now done. The 120 page
report will be submitted soon to the Town Board, which has seen parts of
it. A summary will be
available by e-mail and on the web site soon.
The submission of the report is not just an exercise in government red
tape. With an approved
report,
Wilmington
gains a powerful tool – the right to enact an ordinance that requires
all other state agency plans for
Wilmington
(APA, DEC, Transportation, State, etc.) to be consistent with
Wilmington
’s plan for its waterfront revitalization. Other
ordinances the Town may want to enact relate to storm water management
and building site plan review. It
will gain access to many additional fund sources as well, such as those
needed to update zoning, create bike paths, install new playground
equipment, and more.
In other LWRP news, the committee met with specialists from the NY
Department of Health and DEC on the water quality of the river (it’s
generally good). The group
also conducted another survey to get public opinion and suggestions, and
heard a presentation on dredging (technology, environmental impacts, and
costs) by Warren County Soil and Water Conservation officer,
Dave Wick
. A dredging feasibility
project is underway and should be completed this summer.
Then, if the Board approves the dredging proposal, the Town will
pursue funding and identify contractors.
Please visit Documents page for updated list of minutes and
other documents
