Battlefield Gateway Project receives prestigious award

PLATTSBURGH | The Town of Plattsburgh's Battlefield Memorial Gateway (BMG) project has been recognized with the 2024 American Planning Association (APA) Upstate New York Chapter Award for Implementation. The esteemed award celebrates the town's successful transformation of a former brownfield into a thriving public waterfront park, a testament to over a decade of strategic planning, collaboration, and community engagement. The APA Upstate Chapter's Implementation Award recognizes long-term projects that demonstrate measurable, impactful results and sustained success through innovative planning and execution. The Battlefield Memorial Gateway stood out for its ability to balance historical preservation, environmental remediation, and public accessibility, all while creating a community hub that honors local and national military history. The Battlefield Memorial Gateway project, a multi-phase initiative, reclaims the former fuel storage facility of the Plattsburgh Airforce Base on Lake Champlain. Through meticulous planning and support from various funding sources, including the American Battlefields Protection Program, DASNY, and the New York State Department of State, the Town transformed the once-contaminated site into a space of reflection, recreation, and remembrance. Phase I of the project, completed in 2024, focused on key infrastructure improvements including rehabilitating Battlefields Drive, constructing visitor parking, and establishing a multi-use path that connects to the NYS Empire State Trail. Along with the opening of the Purple Heart Trail. Additionally, more than 1,300 tons of fuel-contaminated soil were removed and replaced with clean fill, restoring the site's environmental health and paving the way for future development. Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman reflected on the significance of the award, saying "This recognition by the APA Upstate Chapter is a testament to our town's philosophy of 'planning the work and working the plan.' The Battlefield Memorial Gateway represents more than a decade of community vision and effort, and this award validates the incredible dedication that has gone into making this project a reality. While it honors our veterans, preserves our history, and sets the stage for a vibrant future." The APA Upstate Chapter's award not only celebrates the historical and cultural significance of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway, but also underscores the Town of Plattsburgh's success in delivering a sustainable, community-focused project. By incorporating environmental remediation, modern infrastructure, and public recreational spaces, the project exemplifies how thoughtful planning can transform a former industrial site into a vibrant public asset. Cashman emphasized the broader impact saying "The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a shining example of how long-term, inclusive planning can turn challenges into opportunities. From environmental restoration to creating spaces that connect our community with its history, this project has had a positive ripple effect on the region. We're proud to receive this award, I want to specifically thank the tremendous talents of Senior Planners Trevor Cole and Jessica Kogut for their hard work." "Complex projects like the Battlefield Memorial Gateway can have a long arc from planning to implementation. I am honored to be recognized by my peers in the American Planning Association for the success of this project," Trevor Cole, senior planner remarked. Jessica Kogut, senior planner said "It has been a pleasure to work on such an impactful and multi-faceted project. Implementation of plans can be a daunting task for any community, especially with the added complexity of environmental cleanup, but the Town of Plattsburgh's steadfast commitment to seeing this project come to life has made all the difference. It's an honor to receive this award, and I look forward to continuing this important work."

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Battlefield Gateway Project receives prestigious award

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