Officials and Community Leaders Comment on Scenic Hudson Report on Hudson River Coastal Management

"Scenic Hudson's audit of New York State's Coastal Management Plan exposes the need for a re-evaluation of coastal urban planning. We applaud Scenic Hudson's leadership in commissioning this study and its recommendations. Clarity and consistency in the program policies and guidelines will support well-planned development with long-term protection of our coastal resources," said Louis G. Marquet, executive vice president of development company LeylandAlliance of Tuxedo.

"This study outlines critical advancements in state government that could greatly help communities up and down the valley guide their economic growth. We know that the beauty of the Hudson River and its shoreline and the valley's unique quality of life are huge selling points for expanding existing business and attracting new employers. Protecting these assets is vital to our lasting economic prosperity, and Scenic Hudson has offered a well-researched road map for our guidance to make sure that we follow through and partner with Scenic Hudson and other organizations to get our waterfront development right," said Charles S. North, president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"Scenic Hudson's study of the Department of State's Coastal Management Program offers tremendous insight into this very important program," said Village of Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell. "It's especially encouraging that this study is coming at a time when Tarrytown and so many other communities throughout the Hudson Valley are facing enormous pressures to develop their waterfronts and can clearly utilize an effective, well-funded and smartly designed assistance program from the state."

Speaking from the vantage point of an upriver community, Village of Athens Mayor Andrea Smallwood said, "The Village of Athens's adoption of its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan has been pivotal in maintaining our historic maritime character, protecting natural assets and enhancing economic opportunities. The Village of Athens Waterfront Advisory Committee regularly refers to the LWRP and coastal zone policies as a guideline for new developments."

City of Newburgh City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane spoke of the need for an enhanced coastal program. "The Coastal Management Program has a positive reputation for implementing standards for coastal quality that strike a balance between technical assistance, regulation and incentive-based partnerships. Yet, the Hudson Valley region is confronted with rapidly changing economic and environmental conditions. New York needs a strong Coastal Management Program to ensure that local leaders have the information they need to make and implement decisions that will create prosperity for current and future generations."

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 10,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. www.scenichudson.org

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