Hudson Landing Project Violates Local, State Policies

Huge development would adversely impact views, local economy

KINGSTON -- Two new studies of the Hudson Landing development proposed for the City of Kingston reveal the planned project violates policies adopted by the city in its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and also is inconsistent with state coastal management guidelines. These new studies were submitted to the city planning board on Friday, Jan. 4, by the Friends of Kingston Waterfront (FoKW) coalition.

After reviewing materials submitted by developer AVR Realty to the Kingston Planning Board, two expert analysts concluded that the 1,750-unit waterfront development would have unacceptable visual impacts within the City of Kingston, from vantage points on the Hudson River and from many areas of Dutchess County – all in direct violation of the city's own LWRP and state policies.

Kingston's LWRP was developed with resident input and adopted in 1992 to serve as a blueprint for future shoreline development. It requires that projects "should improve adjacent and upland views, and at minimum, not affect these views in an insensitive manner" (Policy 1). Further, it stipulates that projects must "protect, restore and enhance natural and manmade resources which…contribute to the scenic quality of the coastal area," including views "to and from the shore" (Policy 25). It specifically cites "large-scale development" as likely to have negative impacts on these resources.

Policies within the state Department of State's (DOS) Coastal Management Program require that developments "actively promote the preservation of historic and cultural resources that have a coastal relationship" (Policy 23). Further, projects must not necessitate "the irreversible modification of geologic forms" or "the destruction or removal of vegetation…whenever [they] are significant to the scenic quality of an identified resource" (Policy 24).

"Contrary to these policies, AVR proposes to introduce large-scale development with buildings of incompatible density, mass and height into areas that have been given special recognition by New York State as Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance," reports one study, conducted by Scenic Hudson Senior Regional Planner Jeffrey Anzevino. It goes on to note that if the project proceeds as planned, the result will be a "radically transformed landscape," with a forested shoreline and bluffs replaced by "a dominant wall of buildings."

The second study is a visual analysis conducted by Terrence J. DeWan & Associates for the organization Hudson River Heritage, with grant support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the New York State Council on the Arts. It finds that "As currently envisioned, especially as illustrated in the photosimulations, Hudson Landing would appear to be out of character with the Hudson River National Historic Landmark District and would impair the setting of the Estates District Scenic Area of Statewide Significance."

"The energy the Kingston Planning Board has invested in Hudson Landing has led to a better project. However, the development remains way too large and too conspicuous – and in violation of the very policies the city adopted to protect its shoreline and guide economic growth. It could destroy the views that attract millions of visitors each year and serve as an engine for tourism – which is a $388-million industry in Ulster County and a $4.5-billion industry in the 10-county Hudson Valley region," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson.

"Thoughtful planning could result in a traditional built landscape in harmony with river communities such as adjacent Rhinecliff, Hudson and Athens. In fact, AVR's own design guidelines open with the stated goal to 'ensure appropriate development of the community, preserve the long-term value and character, and bring to the Hudson River Region a community within a community of high quality and unique vision.' The revised project AVR has presented to the city does not yet meet that goal," said Christopher Lindner, president of Hudson River Heritage.

"Kingston's waterfront on the Hudson is a precious resource steeped in some of this country's earliest history. Its vistas, both to and from the shore, have attracted throngs of visitors to the region for generations. The size and visual impact of the proposed Hudson Landing would be counter to smart growth not just for Kingston and neighboring communities but for the entire Hudson River shoreline," said Avery Smith, president of Friends of Historic Kingston.

Project would destroy views integral to valley economy

In its current form, Hudson Landing is the largest development ever proposed on the Hudson River waterfront north of New York City. It features dozens of buildings, many up to five-and-a-half stories tall, and would require considerable alteration of the landscape, site of a former quarry, as well as the removal of numerous large trees.

After reviewing visual simulations and development guidelines prepared by AVR, the studies determined that the project would have an adverse impact on views from popular city destinations such as Kingston Point Beach and the Rondout II Lighthouse, as well as be a visual detraction from numerous federal- and state-designated historic and scenic districts. These include the Estates District Scenic Area of Statewide Significance, Hudson River National Historic Landmark District and 16 Mile National Register District. Views from these areas, the Scenic Hudson study notes, "are integral in supporting the Mid-Hudson region's heritage tourism economy, community character and sense of place."

"The LWRP guidelines were adopted to protect Kingston's precious waterfront from careless developers. Fifteen years ago we recognized the economic and cultural potential of these sites and gave the planning board a tool to shape development there. These new studies show Hudson Landing clearly complies neither with the letter or intent of the LWRP guidelines. We're counting on the planning board to continue its vigilant review of this project. Armed with these latest studies, the board will clearly see the need for significant changes to the AVR plan in order for it to fit the economic, social and cultural criteria mandated by residents of Kingston," said Ann Loeding from the community group Friends of Rondout.

Development's density should be significantly reduced

The Scenic Hudson study notes that the DOS rejected proposals for two large-scale industrial projects – the St. Lawrence Cement plant near Hudson, Columbia County, and the Athens Generating Plant in Greene County – because of potential adverse impacts they would have had on important scenic resources. The DOS's actions resulted in the withdrawal of the SLC project and significant changes to the Athens plant that reduced its visual impacts.

Both studies recommend the project's density be significantly reduced and call for buildings of four stories or less that feature rooflines of varying heights, to break up the development's mass. All structures should be set back from the river, screened by large, existing trees and vegetation. An intensive landscaping program using native species also should be incorporated into ongoing plans for the site.

Copies of the studies can be downloaded here.

About FoKW

Formed in 2005, Friends of Kingston Waterfront is a coalition of citizens groups focused on ensuring resident participation in creating a waterfront that protects the Hudson River's history, beauty and economic well-being. FoKW wants to ensure that Kingston does not see its waterfront become a burden when the opportunity exists to create powerful benefits for a diverse population. It comprises Friends of Historic Kingston, Friends of Rondout, Hudson River Heritage, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, Sierra Club and Sustainable Hudson Valley. www.FriendsofKingstonWaterfront.org.

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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