LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (LWRP)

WHAT IS A LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM?

"A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is a locally prepared, comprehensive land and water use plan for the Village's natural, public, waterfront; and for developed coastal resources. It provides a comprehensive framework within which critical coastal issues can be discussed."

NYS Department of State

Once the program is finished at the local level, it is sent on to State officials for review and approval. Upon approval the State and Village then work in partnership to achieve the goals as stated in the plan.

WHAT IS IN A LWRP?

An LWRP may contain a number of varying elements relating to the Village's waterfront and how it is used. Specific topics may include: Redevelopment Harbor Management Public Access Erosion control/Stormwater management Water quality protection Natural resource protection Historic maritime resource protection

The LWRP must include an accounting implementation measures or specific actions that are needed to advance the program and what federal and state actions are necessary for the program's success. Once properly completed the LWRP will provide clear direction; as means to develop a long-term partnership with the state; consistency and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies regarding identified actions in the program; and increased opportunity to access private and public financing for projects which are consistent with the program's goals.

WHAT PROCESS WILL BE UTILIZED TO DEVELOP THE VILLAGE'S LWRP?

The Mayor has appointed a "Waterfront Steering Committee" to oversee the development of the LWRP for Dobbs Ferry. The Village applied for and has received a grant from the NYS Department of State to provide funds to develop the LWRP. Given the range of issues to be addressed and the amount of work involved with the development of the LWRP the Village has also retained the assistance of a professional planning consultant to facilitate its development. As a result of a competitive selection process, the LA group, P.C of Saratoga Springs, NY has been selected to assist the Village and the Steering Committee with this endeavor. The grant awarded for the program's preparation specifies a planning process which is inclusive of public outreach and participation; identification of goals; an assessment of adherence to the state's policies for local waterfronts; a strategy for implementation; an identification of local, state, and federal actions. necessary to achieve the stated goals; and an account of the Village's commitment to implementing the program.

As a first step to developing the program the Steering Committee members have been asked to go out into the Village and identify those elements that are unique to the waterfront area and are worthy of consideration for inclusion in the planning process. To record this input the members were provided with disposable cameras to photograph these elements. The film has been processed and prints developed from each camera. The photographers were also asked to maintain a written summary sheet which accounted for the camera number, the number of the photograph and the subject of the photograph (the summary sheets are attached). The cameras and summary sheets were then returned for processing and analysis.

The effort was a tremendous success!

Twenty seven cameras were distributed and 20 were returned. One person handed in their own personal prints and another provided digital prints on disk. Over 500 prints were developed and analyzed. The subjects as photographed by the Committee members were categorized as a means to identify the "consensus of issues" among the hundreds of pictures taken. The result of this analytical methodology was the preliminary identification of ten (10) categories of issues/concerns. These are as follows:

  • "145 Palisades" - the largest numbers of photos taken were of this area.
  • The Waterfront Area
  • "View-sheds"
  • Waterfront Park
  • "Development" - impacts relating to density and encroachment into viewsheds were noted.
  • The Aqueduct
  • The Metro North Line/Train Station
  • "Gateways" - appearance of entrances into the Village.
  • Downtown - the importance of Main Street and its proximity to the waterfront.
  • Building Stock - the unique architecture of buildings across the Village were noted.

    • Given the quality of the photographs taken a difficult process of selecting representative prints of the above categories was then undertaken. The photos selected were then used in a collage to represent the consensus of categories listed above. This collage or "photo essay" was joined with a map of the Village to represent by location the areas of concern or interest. This exercise provides an early visual representation of the issues in the context of the waterfront area. This information will be useful as the Committee moves forward in deciding on a delineation of the waterfront boundary for the LWRP.

    LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION POLICIES
  • 1. Foster a pattern of development in the coastal area that enhances community character, preserves open space, makes efficient use of infrastructure, makes beneficial use of a coastal location, and minimizes adverse effects of development.

    Economic Development Policies

  • 2. Protect water-dependent uses, promote siting of new water-dependent uses in suitable locations, and support efficient harbor operation.
  • 3. Protect agricultural lands.
  • 4. Promote sustainable use of fish and wildlife resources.

    Waterfront Natural Resources Policies

  • 5. Protect and restore ecological resources, including significant fish and wildlife habitats, wetlands, and rare ecological communities.
  • 6. Protect and improve water resources.
  • 7. Minimize loss of life, structures, and natural resources from flooding and erosion.

    General Environmental Policies

  • 8. Protect and improve air quality.
  • 9. Promote appropriate use and development of energy and mineral resources.
  • 10. Minimize environmental degradation from solid waste and hazardous substances and wastes.

    Recreation and Cultural Policies

  • 11. Improve public access to and use of public lands and waters.
  • 12. Enhance visual quality and protect outstanding scenic resources.
  • 13. Preserve historic resources.

    • THE VILLAGE OF DOBBS FERRY
    LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
    Attachment to 11/15/00 Minutes