Black Brook hosts public workshop on comprehensive plan

AU SABLE FORKS | Last week, town residents of all ages attended a public workshop to learn more about the Town of Black Brook Comprehensive Plan. "It's a lovely town," said Susan Roth, planning consultant of the Laberge Group of Albany, which was hired to take on this project. "It has a lot of potential for development while preserving its natural beauty." The consulting firm presented several strategies for land use, housing, economic development, natural resources, recreation, and community character to help shape the town's future. Attendees were then asked to identify what was most important to them using stickers and Post-it notes at several stations, such as one for what type of housing they would like to see developed — from single-family and senior housing to planned unit development and apartments over commercial buildings. Incorporating smaller, seasonal apartments for workers was also highlighted. "One of the top responses we had is that people wanted affordable housing," said Roth, referring to the survey that was previously distributed and garnered about 100 responses. "That doesn't necessarily mean that they want cheap housing or anything like that, but it means that they want housing that is the right size for them." Several priority projects were highlighted, including creating a linear park along scenic areas; marketing businesses along town amenities, such as hiking trails and public parking; installing street furnishings and other aesthetic features; and protecting the town's water resources through policy changes. Developing existing properties, such as the AuSable Valley Golf Course and old mill site, and creating annual events centered on trout fishing along the Ausable River were also proposed. "The town already has a following of anglers who come here during peak fishing season from all over the world because the fishing is so good here," Roth said. "I would like to see them take advantage of their economic potential and make some type of event centered around that." Roth and the Laberge Group stepped in after the town lost its original planner following its first public workshop in June 2023. "You really can't just assign anybody to come out here. You've got to have the right person, and that person who was chosen was me," Roth said. "And I have enough experience to be able to get this done." Using feedback from the public workshops and survey, along with comments made online, the committee plans to evaluate the results and begin compiling a draft, which they hope to complete by December or January. "Black Brook is not far from Plattsburgh, so it could easily attract people who don't want to live directly in the city," said Roth. "They've got a lot going for them here, and I hope that others realize that, as well." For more information or updates, visit labergegroup.com/BlackBrook.

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Black Brook hosts public workshop on comprehensive plan

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