ingston's last open riverfront land could fall victim to wall-to-wall development unless residents act now.
Working against a tight October public-comment deadline, Scenic Hudson is sounding the alarm on "The Landing" and its 2,200 units proposed for 524 prime Hudson River acres. Together with the adjacent 360-unit "Sailor's Cove" project, the developments could raise the local population by a whopping 25 percent.
Taxes, traffic, noise and the potential to overwhelm city services -- such as schools, healthcare and law enforcement -- are among the concerns residents have voiced. Also, Scenic Hudson's planning experts believe bad decisions in Kingston could set a damaging precedent for other Hudson River development.
TOO DENSE, TOO BIG, TOO DESTRUCTIVE
Similar developments have created new tax burdens elsewhere in the Hudson Valley and have failed to deliver community-wide benefi ts. Proposals call for a mile-and-a-half of continuous development seven stories high -- taller than Kingston City Hall. Woodlands and natural areas would be destroyed and river access limited.
Guided by our Sound Waterfront Planning Principles, we're campaigning for a healthier alternative: fewer units and more housing choices; smaller clusters of traditional houses with small businesses on pedestrian friendly neighborhood streets; an open park area for residents, school groups and visitors to explore; and protection of unique woodlands, significant habitat and high ridges.
FIGHTING FOR SMART DEVELOPMENT
With local and regional partners under the newly formed Friends of the Kingston Waterfront coalition, we are pushing city planners for a much-needed extension for public comments on the proposal. We are analyzing the developer's plans and mobilizing residents to take action.
People should not have to sacrifice access to their river and the quality of their community in the name of economic progress. In fact, the state, in its ruling against the proposed St. Lawrence Cement plant, strongly recommended that waterfront revitalization combine residential and commercial development with public recreation.
Getting active in Kingston's waterfront revitalization is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of this important city and ensure a healthy, open Hudson River for generations to come.
Decision for the generations:
Stand up to make this a vibrant community waterfront, not wall-to-wall development that benefits just a few.
True Costs of Runaway Development
Will Kingston become a trendsetter for massive waterfront development in the valley?
"Developers promise you everything. As soon as they are gone, you're left holding the bag," said Randy George, Republican mayor of North Haledon, Passaic County, N.J.
-- The New York Times, Aug. 17, 2005
"We are heading toward a high tax base, a relative lack of services, impossibly congested roads and school-tax revolts," said Mike Edelstein, Democratic candidate for county executive, Orange County, N.J.
-- The New York Times, Aug. 17, 2005
"Kingston officials shouldn't be in any big hurry to approve a massive development project that will have profound effects on their waterfront for generations."
-- Poughkeepsie Journal, Editorial, Aug. 17, 2005 |
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| Photo by: Jeff Jones, Environmental Advocates of New York |
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