The Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council has endorsed the "Greenway Compact Plan" that will bring 13 communities together in Westchester County, New York, to create a riverfront greenway to promote tourism, improve economic development, and enhance the entire region.
The council, which started in 1991, to promote a voluntary forum for thirteen counties, from Saratoga to Manhattan, to create projects that will enhance the entire region with revitalization of downtowns, waterfront renewal and smart growth efforts.
The Hudson River Greenway Compact Plan will be a model for other towns and counties involved in the overall project. Public hearings are slated for Croton-on-Hudson, Peekskill and Ossining to adopt laws to support the compact plan.
Diana Saltel, associate planner for the Westchester County Planning Department, says that once formally adopted plans are in place, funding from New York State would be available for grant and technical assistance under the Hudson River Valley Greenway Program. Her goal is to meet with officials from all 13 Hudson River towns in the county to discuss the Greenway Compact Plan.
Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano reports that the compact plan outlines projects such as "Hudson RiverWalk" that would create a promenade along the river from Yonkers to Cortlandt and signage and new logo to draw people to downtowns, historic sites, parks and trailways.
Our goal is to work with Westchester riverfront communities to turn disconnected shorelines into a majestic western waterfront for all to enjoy," Spano says. "I am gratified that these efforts are being recognized by the Greenway Communities Council. Now our communities can reap some of the benefits from being noticed."
Pat Rioux
