BETHLEHEM — The Town of Bethlehem has announced a public meeting to discuss proposed projects and implementation techniques for the proposed Waterfront Revitalization Area (WRA), adjacent to the Hudson River on the east side of town. The meeting will include a presentation and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and offer input.
Bethlehem residents, business owners, property owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Town Hall, located at 445 Delaware Ave. in Delmar.
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is a state-sanctioned planning process intended to guide the future of Bethlehem’s waterfront area by creating a balance between development and the protection of the environment and heritage of the Hudson riverfront.
The planning process is being guided by the Local Waterfront Revitalization Advisory Group (LWRAG), which includes town residents, stakeholders, business owners and town officials, and facilitated by a consultant team from M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. of Clifton Park. PLACE Alliance, a landscape architecture firm from Schenectady, is providing support for the complementary Henry Hudson Park Master Plan Update.
In addition to holding public meetings in October 2016 and April 2017, the LWRAG has met on several occasions to discuss the needs, issues, and opportunities of the WRA, which includes the area bounded by the NYS Thruway on the west, the Hudson River on the east, and the northern and southern town boundaries. Based on these discussions and community input, several project recommendations for projects have been refined and will be presented at the meeting, and attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback.
The LWRP Update is meant to assist in implementing the goals set forth in the Town of Bethlehem Comprehensive Plan and other local plans and programs. The LWRP Update, according to town officials, “is intended to guide the future of the Town of Bethlehem waterfront regarding land use, growth, economic development, and environmental conservation and identify a detailed process for implementation.”
Funding has been provided by the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS), under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
Additional public workshops will be scheduled to allow opportunity for more public engagement. More information can be found on the Town of Bethlehem website.