City council approves Harborside Waterfront Park Master Plan

PLATTSBURGH | Nearing the end of October, city councilors adopted the final draft of the City of Plattsburgh's Harborside Waterfront Park Master Plan. Approval was unanimous. The large-scale plan to redevelop waterfront property near Dock and Green streets has been in process for nearly two years and is based on years of waterfront revitalization review. Public input was gathered for Harborside in a series of three public meetings that began with a survey in January 2022. Over 1,000 people responded to the survey, and 65 percent favored "active recreation as a high priority for the Lakefront Subarea." Many urged that Harborside public park improvements appeal to people of all ages. The city's Master Plan outlines a series of projects in seven phases with potential state and federal funding sources noted. The 11-acre area proposed for sale to an outside developer encompasses two parcels beside the jetty that reaches into Cumberland Bay. In September, the council did not reach the super majority vote needed to sell the city property at Harborside's "Dock Street Landing" to GP Manager, a company affiliated with Skyward Companies based in Lake Placid. The developer has pursued designs for a 125-room hotel on the site. At 11 acres, the subdivision would use about 10 percent of the city's Harborside' acreage. In the Master Plan, it is Phase 5, called "Future Subdivision and Lakeside Area." Development at Phase 5 is thought likely in years three to seven of a 10-year implementation schedule. Councilors did not revisit hotel discussion at the Oct. 19 Common Council meeting. But they did okay the park Master Plan, which encompasses 110 city acres that, according to planning documents, include 7,089 feet of Saranac River waterfront (3,676 feet of the west bank and 3,413 feet of the east bank) and approximately 6,143 feet of Lake Champlain shoreline. City councilors were enthused by the park's proposal overall. Councilor Elizabeth Gibbs said it was an inspiring document. "It doesn't necessarily mean I think every one of these projects should happen," she said. "It is quite impressive." Councilor Caitlin Bopp cautioned that progress and phasing could be held by constraints of budget "I support the overall vision of this plan. I'm really excited to adopt this tonight," she said. Councilor Jennifer Tallon said Harborside highlights the city's place on Lake Champlain. "We are the Lake City. This is going to be showing it." City of Plattsburgh Mayor Christopher Rosenquest cautioned that any master plan is meant to be a guiding document. "We are limited to some constraints for funding; we are limited to some constraints for design," he said, adding that the Master Plan highlights "the opportunity the city has to improve waterfront access for greenspace, livability in our community and to bring additional access to the waterfront." PHASES Harborside's vision for public park expansion outlines stages for reconditioning existing property and establishing recreation sites, playground features, farmers' and crafters' facilities, public art sites and a new eco-interpretive center. Phase 1 would facilitate circulation improvements for pedestrian and vehicular traffic at an estimated cost of $5.7 million to $6.2 million. Phase 2 adds wayfinding and interpretive signage at a probable cost of $74,000 to $80,000. Phase 3 reconditions the Farmers' and Crafters' Market and Plaza area, improving traffic patterns and adding restrooms and a shaded picnic area. The probable cost of this phase is $1.6 million to $1.7 million. Phase 4 completes the Plaza and playground areas for an estimated cost of between $2 million and $2.1 million. Phase 5 accedes subdivision development and city redevelopment of the lakeside area. Public use amenities proposed at the jetty include a beach, a memorial area, picnic and nature play areas and a waterfront overlook. Costs association for city development around any private development are between $610,000 to $640,000. Phase 6 improves the NYSEG site off Saranac Street and would add kayak, canoe and fishing docks with potential for a whitewater park. Probable costs for this phase ranges from $3.6 million to $4.1 million. Phase 7 develops the city's Harborside Environmental Learning Center with exhibit and event space for a projected cost between $5.5 million and $8 million. The city has submitted a grant funding request for Phase 1 from the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and a decision is likely before the end of this year. Construction and improvements at each phase would overlap as they progress throughout the 10-year project. The entire Harborside Master Plan with maps is available for review on the city's website under Community Development: cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov The complete set of survey reports and project updates, including video of public meetings, is also online: cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov/department/community-development/harborside-master-plan

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City council approves Harborside Waterfront Park Master Plan

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