Plan Then Act!
The NYF program employs an innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. Communities are paired with a consultant team and a project manager from the DOS who will guide them through a targeted, community-based planning process focused on the development of a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The SIP will build upon the community's NYF application, including the preliminary community vision for revitalization and the proposed project list. The planning process will refine the vision, develop actionable goals and strategies, and identify a suite of complementary and transformative projects to help the community achieve its vision for downtown revitalization.
Public Engagement
Transparent, open, and ongoing public engagement is a critical component of the NYF planning process and the development of the SIP. Public engagement will occur throughout the entire NYF planning process to ensure that the community is informed and empowered to contribute ideas, identify challenges and opportunities, provide feedback on potential projects, and help to shape the future of downtown. Notices of public meetings, events, and other opportunities to be involved in the process will be posted on this website and publicized through the City’s resources and various media channels. All are encouraged to check back regularly for updates on the process as it progresses.
Development of a Community Vision, Goals, and Revitalization Strategies
The following vision and goals will be finalized by the Watervliet LPC at their second meeting. Alignment with the City of Watervliet's vision and goals will be a criteria that the LPC will be using to evaluate submitted projects.
Vision:
“Watervliet envisions a vibrant, connected city where its historic 19th Street corridor and Hudson River waterfront once again form the heart of community life. Building on its strong working-class heritage and strategic location within New York’s Capital Region, the City will transform its compact downtown into a lively, walkable center of business, culture, and recreation. Future investments will reconnect residents and visitors to the Hudson River through improved access to Hudson Shores Park and the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, while a proposed pedestrian tunnel at 16th Street will knit together neighborhoods long divided by I-787. Along 19th Street and 2nd Avenue, revitalized storefronts, new housing, and enhanced streetscapes will foster small business growth and downtown living. Modern infrastructure, green streets, and public art will reinforce Watervliet’s identity as a resilient, forward-looking waterfront city. With NY Forward support, Watervliet will realize its promise as a welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic gateway where heritage meets tomorrow."
Goals:
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Goal 1: Increase connectivity to the Hudson River and reinforce the identity of Watervliet as a resilient riverfront city
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Goal 2: Develop a more cohesive, energized city center that attracts new visitors and increases foot traffic though better integration of recreational, residential, and commercial areas
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Goal 3: Improve downtown housing and commercial corridors to elevate quality of life and attract more residents
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Goal 4: Enhance public spaces, parks, streetscapes, and recreational amenities to improve quality of life, encourage tourism, and strengthen Watervliet’s sense of place
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Goal 5: Strengthen the City’s role as a regional connector with its centralized location between Albany and Troy
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Goal 6: Continue to support economic growth and job creation
Identification and Development of Projects
Projects will be identified through the Open Call for projects, which will open shortly. Projects identified and submitted during this process should be oriented toward achieving the community’s vision and goals for the future. The LPC, along with state and local partners and consultants, will work to develop and refine these proposed projects, with the goal of prioritizing investments toward key projects that can have positive catalytic and transformative impacts on the community.
Development of the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)
The goals of Watervliet NY Forward will be reflected in the SIP that is prepared by the consultant team. The SIP will describe the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization of the Watervliet NY Forward area, present the community’s vision for the future of the area, and propose transformative projects that may be realized with an investment of NYF funds.
Implementation
Projects from the NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan will be selected for funding, and the Governor will make an announcement regarding funded projects. State staff will work with project sponsors to execute project agreements and manage contracts to project completion.