The proposed land use plan recommends permitting six-story mixed-use buildings in this area of Broadway.
By Nancy Peckenham
How should the city of Newburgh think about the future use of land resources inside its borders? Should the undeveloped area of Snake Hill be reserved for cluster housing in an otherwise natural conservation zone instead of being targeted for the office and warehouse space? What about allowing higher-density mixed use, commercial and residential space along Broadway?
These proposals were among those presented to the Newburgh City Council Thursday by consultants who had been asked to look into future zoning changes for areas of the city that would be consistent with the master plan adopted more than two years ago.
Among the highlights is a proposal to create a transit node on Broadway at the intersection of Lake Street that would include two public plazas.
Some neighborhoods, like the mid-Broadway section, would allow taller buildings and greater density, while the land along the Quassaick Creek leading to the Hudson would be turned into a greenway. (This plan is not the first to propose a park along the Quassaick. Visit the county water authority’s page to learn more about the grassroots citizen’s initiative, the Quassaick Creek Watershed Alliance.)
All of the recommendations included in the Newburgh Future Land Use Plan were developed by BJF Planning Consultants who worked with a local committee composed of Peter Smith, Mary Ann Prokosch, Denise Ribble, Brigidanne Flynn, Patrick Berardinelli Sr. and Michael Curry.
The committee’s recommendations will now be considered by the city council and be subject to an environmental assessment and a public hearing. Once this or a similar plan is adopted, then the city council can begin to revise its zoning codes in line with the plan’s vision.
Following the presentation by consultant Sarah Yackal, acting city manager Richard Herbek reminded the council that the city doesn’t have the money in place to undertake the re-zoning process, warning that it is expensive. City planner director Edward Lynch said that the city could tackle small pieces at a time, reducing the financial impact. Other state or federal funds may also be available.
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