Revitalization

Waterfront Revitalization

The Hudson River has historically played a huge role in the development of Catskill, Athens, Coxsackie and New Baltimore. With the transition of the regional and national economy, the waterfront is increasingly utilized for public enjoyment, recreation, and tourism purposes. The focus on utilizing the Hudson River as an economic driver is as important as ever, as the Historic River Towns solidify their place in the region and continue to increase the quality of life for residents. Matters of climate change, sea-level rise and water quality will continue to be issues within these communities, not only concerning the Hudson, but its tributaries as well.

The Hudson River remains a major attraction for avid boaters. Boaters travel up and down the river, stopping at towns and villages along the way to shop, dine, and relax. Greene County has not one, but four towns and villages on the riverbanks. Coxsackie, Athens, and Catskill all have public boat launches, docks, and parks. An economic expansion as a result of water-related travel has begun to emerge and is foreseen to grow in the future with visitor-related uses along the waterfront.

New York State offers local governments the opportunity to participate in the State’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) on a voluntary basis by preparing and adopting a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), which provides a more detailed implementation of the CMP through use of existing broad powers as zoning and site plan review.

Using the Coastal Atlas on the GIS Gateway

Waterfront Resiliency

Four communities including the Village of Catskill have been working with the Hudson River Estuary Program to understand and prepare for the risk of future floods. The Village created a Waterfront Resilience Task Force which issued the Catskill Task Force Final Report, in 2019 recommending actions to increase the safety of waterfront areas.

Measures to protect waterfronts can include :

Community Initiatives

Village of Athens Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

Village of Catskill

The Village of Coxsackie was awarded $100,000 in 2018 to develop an LWRP and is currently in the planning process.

Resources

Workforce Housing

Workforce housing plays a crucial role in the sustainable development and economic vitality of Greene County. Our communities face unique challenges such as population decline, limited job opportunities, and an aging workforce. Establishing affordable and accessible workforce housing addresses these issues by attracting and retaining a skilled labor force, stimulating local economies, and fostering community resilience.

First and foremost, the availability of workforce housing is integral to attracting and retaining young professionals, skilled workers, and families in Greene County. Without adequate housing options, individuals might be forced to relocate to urban centers in search of better job prospects and living conditions. This exodus of talent exacerbates the population decline that many rural areas face, leading to a shrinking tax base and diminished community services. By providing affordable housing options, rural counties can create an environment where workers can comfortably settle down, contribute to the local economy, and invest in the community’s long-term growth.

Furthermore, workforce housing serves as a catalyst for economic growth within our county. When employees live closer to their workplaces, commuting times are reduced, resulting in increased productivity and reduced traffic congestion. Local businesses benefit from a reliable labor force, as workers are more likely to stay in the area when housing options align with their needs. As the local workforce grows, businesses can expand, new enterprises can be established, and entrepreneurial endeavors can flourish. This positive cycle of economic development not only bolsters job opportunities but also generates additional revenue for the county through taxes and increased consumer spending.

In times of crisis or change, such as economic downturns or shifts in industries, communities with strong workforce housing options are better equipped to adapt and endure. Rural New York counties with well-planned housing initiatives can foster a sense of stability and continuity, as families and workers are less likely to uproot their lives during challenging times. This resilience extends to social and cultural aspects, preserving the unique identity and heritage of these counties. Ultimately, by recognizing the importance of workforce housing, rural New York counties can lay the foundation for sustainable growth, improved quality of life, and a vibrant future.

The Greene County Legislature, through the Department of Planning and Economic Development, has recently prepared a Workforce Housing Attainability Assessment to examine the Workforce Housing Attainability climate in Greene County and broaden the understanding of the components of a healthy housing mix.

Read the Workforce Housing Attainability Assessment

Read “The Great People Shortage and its Effect on the Hudson Valley”

Read the Housing Action Plan of 2008

Cairo Main Street Plan

KaaterskillAs part of its Main Street Revitalization Program, the County worked with the Town of Cairo on the creation of its first Main Street Strategy. The Strategy analyzed the physical and business conditions in the Main Street study area, which is the entire Main Street from its connection with Route 23 east to its connection at Route 23 west. Dadras Architects, a nationally-recognized Main Street revitalization firm prepared the Plan with the assistance of the County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning Department.

Main Street Strategy
Information Flyer
Design Guidelines