Section 2 Inventory and Assessment

SECTION 2. INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Action Plan

2.1 OVERVIEW
The following analysis separates the Byway into eight Landscape Categories, which are
based on our appraisal of existing land use conditions along the road (Note: These
descriptions were developed for purposes of the visual study and are NOT zoning
designations. An overview of the Byway community’s comprehensive plans is provided in
final section of this analysis). Existing conditions were inventoried during three separate
on-site visits, as well as through analysis of aerial photography. The Landscape Analysis
maps (Sheets 1 through 13) that accompany this report identify the Landscape Categories
of the road on aerial photos and help orient readers to their locations along the corridor.
Each Landscape Category described herein provides a general description of the existing
conditions and identifies key issues and opportunities related to the Byway’s visual
character. Each section concludes with an initial approach to key scenic conservation
recommendations that will help guide the development of a detailed scenic conservation
action plan in the second phase of work.

"Scene on Erie Canal, Cohoes, N.Y." (22404, Souvenir Post Card Co., New York) -- Postcard ; postmarked Jul. 8,
1908. http://www.eriecanal.org/east-2.html

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2.2 LANDSCAPE CATEGORIES
2.2.1 HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
A. General Description
The sections of Highway Commercial along the Byway typically contain automobile-,
highway-oriented commercial developments with some light industry/wholesale businesses.
The uses may involve outdoor activities and/or storage areas like car and fuel sales, retail/
service establishments, and general office facilities. The Highway Commercial areas are
typically medium to low density with large lots and sizeable parking areas. Building design
and placement are generally inconsistent between adjacent properties. Multiple curb cuts,
excessive pavement, varying setbacks, limited vegetation and discordant signs are the typical
landscape pattern. The businesses present in this area typically serve local residents, as well
as motorists passing through the Byway.
The road along these sections of the Byway is typically characterized as a major arterial with
wider road widths (and multi-lanes in some areas) allowing for higher speeds, volumes, and
through traffic. Many collector roads from denser residential areas (i.e. the Stockade
District) typically feed into these sections of the highway. Access may be uncoordinated and
excessive in places with a tendency toward large curb cuts. Sidewalks are not present in all
areas and less emphasis is placed on streetscape and visual quality. The areas identified as
Highway Commercial along the Byway are among the most visually challenged.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Highway Commercial
sections of the Byway (see also Sheets 1–4, 9, 12):

1. Some parking areas contain excessive pavement with little if any visual relief
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2. Streetscape elements like trees, pedestrian amenities (i.e. benches) and pedestrianscale lighting are limited

3. Many businesses require outdoor storage and/or displays of goods and supplies

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4. Incompatible architecture and conﬂicting building elements diminish the historic
appeal of the Byway

5. Multiple curb cuts, varying setbacks, limited vegetation and discordant signs
contribute to the lack of scenic qualities along some stretches of the Highway
Commercial sections

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B. Issues
•

Traffic congestion and delays may affect desirability of visiting and doing business along
parts of the Byway corridor

•

Buildings set far apart by vast pavement and parking areas with minimal landscaping,
lighting and wide curb cuts discourage walking

•

Uncoordinated access and large curb cuts jeopardize pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular
safety and detract from the visual and functional quality of the landscape

•

Signs and lighting vary greatly in size, material, colors, legibility, illumination,
placement, amount, and overall design, ultimately confusing users and reducing scenic
quality

•

Inconsistent architectural details, building elements, and placement diminish the
historic nature of the area and create a discordant, disconnected and unappealing
physical environment

C. Opportunities
•

Wide right-of-way provides opportunity for streetscape enhancements including street
trees and landscaping, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, and pedestrian-scale lighting

•

Curb cuts can be reduced and/or reconfigured for shared access, improving safety and
enhancing the visual qualities of the highway and its land uses

•

Unused parking areas provide opportunities for infill development including
pedestrian mini-parks or “pause places”

D. Preliminary Recommendations
1. Review and refine local zoning to support shared access and parking and to provide
support and opportunities for infill development. Consider the adoption of design
guidelines to support improved architectural and sign design while still acknowledging
the commercial/industrial character of the corridor.
2. Prepare a Corridor Enhancement Plan to address all aspects of corridor aesthetics and
functionality to include a study of potential build out options, infill development,
shared access and parking, enhanced and more consistent lighting; improved walking
conditions with benches strategically located and effective landscaping.
3. Provide support for incremental streetscape improvements and enhancements to
include: 1) The establishment of a more consistent right of way design and sidewalk
layout; 2) the reduction of pavement areas and the replacement of these areas with built
form, shared parking or landscaping; 3) a street tree planting program; and, 4)
improved wayfinding and public amenities, to include some reference to or
acknowledgement of the Byway.

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2.2.2 WORKING LANDSCAPE
The areas along the Byway identified as Working Landscape are used primarily for
industrial land uses, including manufacturing, processing, warehousing and related
operations that normally require larger land area, have the potential for higher traffic
volumes and large truck traffic, or create other conditions (e.g. noise, smell, vibration, etc.)
that are incompatible with other types of uses. Theses areas typically have direct access to
major transportation routes such as arterial roads, freeways, rail service, and the river.
The Working Landscape areas are generally low density with some limited stretches of
undeveloped land. Building design varies greatly from historically significant to
nondescript, and many are in disrepair or vacant. Landscaping and vegetation are usually
nonexistent except in undeveloped areas. The industry present in this area typically serves
the region. Thus, these stretches of the Byway corridor serve as connecting elements rather
than areas that are integral to the Byway experience. However, many of the industrial
buildings are historically significant in their own right and have the potential to contribute
to the Byway experience.
The Working Landscape section along Erie Boulevard (see Sheet 2) can be characterized as
a major arterial with wide road widths and multiple lanes allowing for higher speeds,
volumes, and through traffic. The stretch of Byway identified as Working Landscape along
Cohoes Crescent road (see Sheet 9) can be described as a collector road with slower speed
limits and traffic volumes, which feeds into higher volume highways (e.g. Route 9). Access
is limited along both stretches of the Byway identified as Working Landscape. Sidewalks
and pedestrian/bicycle amenities are not present.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Working Landscape
sections of the Byway (see also Sheets 2 and 9):

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More recent photo coming.

6. This key ALCO site on Erie Boulevard has been virtually non-operational since 1969,
with only a small area currently used for steel fabrication, and presents some unique
opportunities for redevelopment and direct access to the river

7. New York Power Authority’s Crescent Dam maintains the navigable water level
between Lock 6 (below Crescent) and Lock 7 (west of Vischer Ferry). The adjacent power
plant is capable of over 9 megawatts.

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More recent photo coming

8. The Colonie landﬁll poses a number of aesthetic and cultural challenges given its
presence within the Byway viewshed

B. Issues
•

Vacant buildings, discordant architecture and industrial land uses undermine and
detract from the visual character of the Byway

•

Lack of synchronization between existing uses and the history of the Byway (i.e. no
interpretive signage) or connectivity to the past, such as river related industries

•

No pedestrian or bicycle facilities and amenities

•

No landscape treatments around buildings or along the road to mask unsightly
structures or to create a continuous roadscape aesthetic that ameliorates existing
conditions

C. Opportunities
•

Non-operational/vacant sites like ALCO provide excellent opportunities for visually
appealing redevelopment as well as expansion of public access to the waterfront

•

Restoration and reuse of historically and architecturally significant buildings can help
convey stories of the Byway past

•

Opportunity to tell the story of how industry helped shape local communities through
the installation of kiosks and signs and/or the development of an information or
interpretive center

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•

Wide right-of-way and deep setbacks provide space for constructing pedestrian and
bicycle amenities as well as implementing streetscape elements like trees, shrubs and
flowers

•

Enhancements along the streetscape and improvements within the corridor may also
spur reinvestment in these industrial areas

1. The Byway Coalition can work with the municipalities and the local and regional
economic development agencies to encourage redevelopment and reinvestment of
significant industrial buildings and sites as appropriate, and to support street
improvements and enhancements.
2. As with other similar sections of the corridors, development of a Corridor
Enhancement Plan that addresses pedestrian and bicycle needs and interests as well as
provides the means for improving aesthetics along these routes.
3. Explore opportunities for interpretation associated with the more historic uses along
the industrialized sections of the corridors.
2.2.3 OPEN LAND
The Open Land sections of the Byway typically refer to areas that are preserved in a
restored, or predominantly natural, open, or undeveloped condition and used for wildlife
habitat, cultural, or recreational use, watershed protection or other uses consistent with the
preservation of land or in restoration of land to a predominantly natural open and
undeveloped condition. The presence of facilities, including trails, historic canal remnants,
and scenic pull-offs, that enhance the qualities of the land or facilitate the public's access to
or use of the land, may also be present.
Much of the Open Land sections of the Byway are contained within Vischer Ferry Nature
& Historic Preserve and environs in Clifton Park or along the Mohawk riverfront. The
road is characterized as a narrow two-lane arterial or collector with lower speed limits.
Dense vegetation typically enfolds the Byway with intermittent views to the river. There is
little if any recognition of the Byway due to a lack of signage.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Open Land sections of
the Byway (see Sheets 3, 7, and 8):

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9. Interpretive signage is disconnected from the Byway and needs improvement

10. One of the wetland complexes found along this section of the Byway

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11. The Open Land sections of the Byway provide ideal wildlife habitat

12. Narrower lane widths and dense vegetation characterize the undeveloped nature of
this portion of the Byway

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B. Issues
•

Inadequate Byway recognition and/or interpretive signage

•

Narrow lane widths and limited or no shoulders combined with dense vegetation and
short sight distances make bicycle and pedestrian travel more difficult and even
hazardous

•

Very few scenic pull-offs or improved parking areas, with none officially designated

C. Opportunities
•

Existing signs and kiosks like the ones at Whipple Bridge can be enhanced to provide
information about the Byway

•

Existing informal parking areas can be improved for safety and access as well as Byway
information and interpretation

•

Historic canal remnants and access to the river provide excellent opportunities for
interpretation of the Byway story

•

Action can be taken now before development occurs to maintain the natural and scenic
character of the Byway

1. Develop a comprehensive interpretive sign program for the entire Byway Corridor.
2. Review current Byway Trailblazer sign placement and identify locations along this
stretch of highway (and others) where additional Byway identification is warranted.
3. Explore and identify feasible locations for developing a formal Byway wayside or pull
off area that coincides with a scenic view or important historic site, in concert with
local municipalities. Develop a detailed design for implementing a pull off area that will
support a grant application or help in fund raising for constructing the facility. This
facility can be developed with a short trail, an informational kiosk, interpretive
elements and benches and picnic tables.
2.2.4 RURAL RESIDENTIAL
The Rural Residential areas of the Byway reflect an interweaving of natural processes and
human settlement and are typically comprised of small-scale farming operations mixed with
low-density, single-family housing. Commercial uses that are accessory to agricultural
activities (i.e. farm stands) are the only enterprises present in this area, which typically serve
both local residents and visitors alike.
Soils along the Mohawk River are lush and typically of high quality, ideal for agricultural
activities and, unfortunately, better suited for development. Greater availability of sizeable
parcels, views to the river, and the open scenery make this section of the Byway more
desirable for residential growth. Increased domestic growth, however, can lead to

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fragmentation of critical resources and can have a significant impact on wildlife and water
quality. It can increase conflicts between traditional users and newcomers, and, it also
ultimately ends up diminishing the very reason people visit or move to these rural areas:
the agrarian rural lifestyle and landscapes that contribute to the aesthetic quality of the
Byway.
Much of the Rural Residential sections of the Byway are situated along the Mohawk
riverfront or close by. The road is characterized as a narrow two-lane rural arterial or
collector with moderate speed limits. Dense vegetation contrasts with open lands and
intermittent views to the river as this section of the Byway weaves through farm fields,
traverses hills, and negotiates windy curves.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Rural Residential sections
of the Byway (see Sheets 5, 6, and 7):

13. The road through these sections of Byway is windy and narrow with little to no
shoulder, which makes this rural area so appealing, but inhibits bicycle or pedestrian
use

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14. Open meadows, orchards, and farm ﬁelds deﬁne the rural nature of this section of
the Byway and are representative of the scenic quality of the region

15. Single-family homes situated on large lots is the typical residential development
pattern

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16. Grazing horses and green ﬁelds create a pastoral character in this section of Byway

B. Issues
•

Inadequate Byway recognition and/or interpretive signage

•

Narrow lane widths, windy roads, and limited or no shoulders make bicycle and
pedestrian travel more hazardous

•

Very few scenic pull-offs or improved parking areas

C. Opportunities
•

The primary opportunity is to preserve generous open space areas wherever possible
while encouraging and supporting clustered development, which will create the least
amount of visual and environmental impact. This will help maintain an aesthetic
quality consistent with a Byway Experience.

•

The opportunity also exists to better identify and enhance the Byway Corridor and in
so doing elevate awareness and appreciation of, and consequent support for, the Byway.

•

Improving vehicular and pedestrian safety along this section is important.

1. Implement additional Byway Trailblazer signs and other elements to promote the Byway
and identify the corridor.
2. Explore the creation of a legitimate, contextually designed and safely located scenic pull
off area to accommodate traveler needs and interest,
3. Explore pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives such as Share the Road signage.

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4. Assist /support local municipalities with technical assistance, funding and planning for
roadway improvements/enhancements to better accommodate bicycles and pedestrians
in the future.
2.2.5 RESIDENTIAL
The predominant land use in the Residential sections of the Byway is housing, which vary
significantly from single family, to multiple family (apartments, duplexes, townhomes), to
mobile homes. The pattern of development is typically medium to high density with some
patches of low density found along the riverfront. Commercial uses are typically limited to
home occupations. Public facilities like ballfields, picnic areas, or river access are sprinkled
throughout.
The road along these sections of the Byway can be characterized as a residential collector
built for low to moderate capacities. Road widths are typically wider than local roads, but
none are wider than 2 lanes. Access may be uncoordinated and excessive in places with a
tendency toward multiple curb cuts. Sidewalks are not present in all areas and streetscape
elements can be disjointed from house to house.
Generally, the viewshed from the Mohawk Towpath Byway is limited to the area identified
as the Byway corridor. There are two locations within the Residential Landscape category
that have extended visibility. These are:
• the view westward from Riverview Road near the intersection with Nott Road
within the Town of Clifton Park, and
• the view eastward from Fonda Road in the Town of Waterford.
The approximate area of visibility of each of these areas is mapped in the appended sheets.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Residential sections of the
Byway (see Sheets 3, 4, 8, 10, and 13):

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17. This short section of Residential on the edge of Schenectady represents the higher
density, village-like housing

18. The Residential sections of the Byway offer some of the more stunning views from
the road, like this one from Riverview Road east of the Hamlet of Rexford in Clifton Park.
The distant shore line and ridge lines north (to the right of) the Mohawk River are in the
Town of Glenville.

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19. Single-family homes with multiple access points and direct views to the river dot
this section of Canal Road in Half Moon

20. Along this portion of the Byway in Waterford, the highest concentration of traditional
suburban development is found

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B. Issues
•

Driveways and access points can be excessive

•

Parcels have been subdivided piecemeal in some locations, with a clear lack of unity
between adjacent properties

•

Clear cutting of existing trees and vegetation has undermined the visual quality of some
areas and can ultimately impact water quality

•

Building placement can intrude on views to the river corridor and environs

•

There is a need to link the relevance of the Residential sections to some of the more
scenic or historic sections of the Byway

•

The need to preserve the two areas of extended views into areas that are beyond the
Byway corridor

C. Opportunities
•

Opportunity to help guide appropriate types of development and redevelopment

•

Driveways can be developed or reconfigured for shared access, improving safety and
enhancing the visitor experience

•

Public spaces like ballfields or picnic areas provide excellent opportunities for
interpretative information and to create a connection to the more resource rich areas of
the Byway

1. Support street tree plantings and related aesthetic enhancements to the roadsides.
2. Implement additional Byway Trailblazer signs and other elements to promote the Byway
and identify the corridor.
3. Coordinate/communicate with local municipalities about connecting existing and
future public parks, public spaces to integrate local Byway efforts.
4. Reach out to municipalities included in extended views to establish mutual
understanding and concerns for viewshed preservation.
2.2.6 VILLAGE MIXED-USE
The Village Mixed-Use section of the Byway incorporates residential, retail and commercial
uses with walkable streets that provide easy access to services and amenities such as schools,
libraries, parks, and shops. The Village Mixed-Use area is typically high density with
generally consistent building placement. The built forms run the gamut from historic
Greek Revival and Victorian style structures to cement block buildings to modern day
contemporary designs. Inclusion and diversity are promoted by incorporating a variety of
housing types, which foster a sense of connection that bolsters the health and vitality of the
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Byway and its residents. The businesses present in this area typically serve local and
regional residents, as well as motorists passing through the Byway. Public parks, river views
and historic architecture all add to the overall visual quality of the Village-Mixed Use
section of the Byway.
The road through this section of the Byway is characterized as an urban arterial or collector
with typical speed limits of 20 to 35 mph, signaled intersections, and high volumes. Many
residential collector roads feed into this section of the Byway, adding to traffic congestion
at times. Sidewalks are present in most areas, but streetscape elements including trees and
lighting need enhancement.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Village Mixed-Use
sections of the Byway (see Sheet 12):

21. Waterford Village offers a walkable, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere but would
beneﬁt from additional pedestrian amenities and landscape elements

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22. Historic residences with wide green lawns create character and contribute to the
community atmosphere, while providing diversity to the visual quality of the Byway

23. Sidewalks and street lights coupled with intact, well-cared-for buildings
representative of the region’s historic architecture help improve the pedestrian
experience and the integrity of this district

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24. Canal remnants such as those in Lock 2 Park provide excellent opportunities for
Byway visitors to experience the rich history of the corridor

25. Waterford Visitor Center provides an excellent opportunity to display Byway
promotional materials and kiosks

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B. Issues
•

No clear definition of the Byway

•

Public parking areas are not obviously identifiable or are underdeveloped, discouraging
people from parking their cars and getting out to walk

•

Minimal landscaping and lack of other streetscape elements (i.e. benches) discourage
walking and detract from the aesthetic appeal of the area

•

Signs vary greatly in size, material, colors, legibility, illumination, placement, amount,
and overall design, ultimately reducing scenic quality

•

Inappropriate architectural details, building elements, and placement diminish the
historic nature of the Byway

•

Some buildings are vacant or in need of corrective and preventive maintenance

C. Opportunities
•

Vacant buildings/spaces provide opportunities for a possible Byway information center

•

Opportunity to work with the Byway communities to implement design guidelines that
improve the appearance and consistency of the road and streetscape, including lighting,
signs and plantings

•

Waterford Visitor Center offers an immediate location to disseminate information
about the Byway to the public

•

Other public locations like Peebles Island State Park provide information sharing
opportunities

1. Implement additional Byway Trailblazer signs and other elements (such as a
collaborative banner program) to promote the Byway and identify the corridor.
2. A corridor-wide recommendation for the Byway: a complete wayfinding program that
includes information, interpretation and identification elements is another desirable
option for the Coalition to consider. Develop a detailed list of features and public
destinations along the Byway. Guidance to these destinations and parking should be
developed.
3. Encourage and support through ordinance refinement and educational initiatives, as
well as through funding, streetscape and architectural improvements and related
enhancements, especially those that will directly improve the Byway connectivity and
traveler’s experience.
4. Consider innovative means by which to promote local understanding of and
participation in the Byway Program.
5. Coordinate Byway improvement and enhancement initiatives with other involved
organizations and agencies.
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2.2.7 HISTORIC
The Historic sections of the Byway represent over 300 years of human habitation and
embody a variety of architectural elements from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. All eight
of the historic districts found along the Byway corridor are on the National Register of
Historic Places. Although the architectural styles include an eclectic mix, comprising
Federal, Empire, Georgian, Victorian, and Greek Revival to name a few, cohesiveness and
harmony are derived from the similar scale of the buildings and consistent building
placement. Typically, the Historic sections of the Byway can be characterized as very high
density with the exception of the Hamlet of Vischer Ferry, which is more moderate. The
road itself varies greatly section-to-section, from local collector to highway.
The juxtaposition of these sections of the Byway to the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, as well
as the railway, helped to establish this area as a center of business and industry. The
exceptionally rich and storied history is still visible in the development that evolved from
the burgeoning past, which include residences from mansions to factory workers homes,
churches, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, schools, governmental buildings and
transportation-related structures. Buildings situated close together on narrow streets, slate
and brick sidewalks, pedestrian-scale street lamps, majestic street trees, lush vegetation and
green parks are common features found throughout. These architectural and geographical
attributes that have stood the test of time help define the community character and
contribute to the Byway’s sense of place.
While the majority of the present day land use is residential, there are a few commercial
businesses such as Rider’s Crossing Tack & Apparel in Vischer Ferry. At Harmony Mills in
Cohoes, the largest textile mill complex in the world when it opened in 1872, some of the
mills are being converted into residential high-end lofts, which have spurred some
commercial development across the street. This section of Byway also boasts one of the
most scenic views of Cohoes Falls at the newly opened Falls View Park.
The following photographs illustrate the general character of the Historic sections of the
Byway (see Sheets 1, 6, 9, 11, and 12):

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26. Large street trees in the Stockade District in Schenectady are common features

27. Rider’s Crossing Tack Shop at Hamlet of Vischer Ferry maintains its original beauty
and architectural details

2-25


28. Many of the homes in Crescent Hamlet in the Town of Halfmoon face the river,
because what was once Terminal Road is now under water

29. Once damaged by ﬁre, Harmony Mills in Cohoes is now being restored with highend lofts and maintaining its historic façade

2-26


30. Spectacular views of Cohoes Falls are now accessible at the 4-acre Falls View Park

B. Issues
•

Insufficient Byway recognition or interpretive signage

•

Modern intrusions and development, like power lines or additions to homes, can
blemish the historic character of buildings

•

If older homes are demolished and replaced with dramatically larger, out-of-scale new
structures, the historic character of the existing neighborhood and Byway is changed
forever

•

Neighborhood livability and scenic quality are diminished when trees are removed,
backyards are eliminated, and sunlight is blocked by towering new structures built up to
property lines

C. Opportunities
•

Interpretive panels or kiosks can be added at existing locations like Falls View Park or
Crescent Hamlet to include information about the history of the Byway

•

Historic canal remnants, scenic overlooks, redevelopment/restoration of historic
buildings, and access to the river provide excellent opportunities to explain the Byway
story

•

Work with local Byway communities to ensure adequate historic preservation programs,
regulations and/or guidelines are implemented and maintained

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•

Communicate with and engage local residents (e.g. through newsletters, editorials,
website, etc.) in the importance of preservation of historic places that help characterize
their community and contribute to the scenic quality of the Byway

•

Explore new locations for pedestrian/bicyclist “pause places” such as the:
o Hamlet of Vischer Ferry
o End of Ferry Drive

1. Provide supporting data or research to policy decision-makers to steer them in the right
direction when historic resources critical to the Byway are threatened.
2. Implement additional Byway Trailblazer signs and other elements (such as a
collaborative banner program) to promote the Byway and identify the corridor.
3. Support the efforts of other local agencies and organizations involved in historic
preservation to ensure ongoing management and preservation of key Byway assets and
resources. Develop inventory of assets/resources in need of protection or management
and develop strategy for same. Coordinate with local historians, local historic
preservation commissions
4. Create communication and information program based on opportunities as identified,
with funding and implementation timeline.

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2.3 OVERVIEW OF SCENIC CONSERVATION INITIATIVES IN THE BYWAY
COMMUNITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
The comprehensive plan is the tool municipalities use to set broad goals and objectives for
the community, and to guide land use and business activities from agriculture to retail to
industry. More importantly, the comprehensive plan is an opportunity to express
community vision and values and to provide a tangible representation of what a
community wants to look like in the future. The comprehensive plan - as the foundation
of the municipal regulatory framework - can play a pivotal role in ensuring the continuing
viability of a community’s cultural and historic traditions as well as its valuable
environmental and scenic resources.
A comprehensive plan clearly stating the extent and importance of open space, rural
character, economic development, visual and historic resources and other planning and
land use elements that are significant to a town is valuable in its own right, and can be
useful in the event of a legal challenge to local land use regulations. The town plan is a
guide that helps give direction to local, regional, and state leaders, the business community,
and private citizens so that they can make informed decisions about a broad range of issues
and create the type of community they envision. It is one of the most important
documents a community can develop. While this analysis only examined comprehensive
plans, other planning documents are also valuable and relevant and should be considered
through the ongoing process. These include open space plans, trail master plans, park
plans, waterfront plans and other smaller area plans.
Comprehensive plans for the Byway corridor were therefore reviewed and analyzed for
content that might help to maintain, guide, and enhance important scenic resources.1
This included eight review areas that specifically impact or influence visual quality: 1)
shorelines, 2) historic resources, 3) hillsides/slopes, 4) aesthetics and visual quality, 5) tree
cutting and clearing, 6) character of the neighborhood, 7) signs, and, 8) landscape/
streetscape design. A summary of this review is provided in the following table:

1

Review completed in 2009.
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SCENIC CONSERVATION ELEMENT
● = Regulates with speciﬁc standards and
guidelines

Aes
the
His
tics
Hill
tori
an
Sho
sid
c
d
reli
es/
res
vis
nes
slo
our
ual
pes
ces
qu
alit
y

Tre
e
cut
tin
g
an
d
cle
ari
ng

Co
m
mu
nit Sig
y
ns
cha
rac
ter

Lan
dsc
ape
/
str
eet
sca
pe

Town of Clifton Park, Comprehensive Plan,
2006

■

●

▲

▲

●

■

▲

▲

City of Cohoes, Urban Waterfront
Rediscovery, Final Plan, April 2005

■

■

▲

▲

▲

■

●

●

Town of Colonie, Comprehensive Plan, 2005

●

■

■

■

▲

■

■

●

Town of Glenville, Town Center Master Plan,
2004

▲

▲

▲

●

▲

N/A

N/A

N/A

Town of Halfmoon, 2003

●

●

▲

■

■

■

■

●

Town of Niskayuna Comprehensive Plan –
2003

●

▲

▲

●

▲

■

●

●

City of Schenectady, Comprehensive Plan –
2020

■

●

▲

■

●

■

●

●

Town and Village of Waterford
Comprehensive Plan

●

●

■

■

▲

■

●

■

■ = Reference with broad goals and
objectives
▲ = Does not reference or regulate
N/A = Not Available

Although many of the towns along the Byway recognize the importance of aesthetics and
have some degree of reference to visual quality, as indicated in the table above, most
documents would benefit from stronger policies in terms of managing and protecting
specific resources. In every plan there are at least one or two “openings” or opportunities
in goal or objective statements on which to build, develop, or attach more specific
language, procedures, and standards, which would guide sensitive development that
eliminates, limits, or mitigates aesthetic impacts. The Coalition should try to work with
each town to assist them in refining their existing documents, or to help them introduce
applicable new regulations, as appropriate, that would help mitigate potential impacts to

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the visual quality of the Byway. Due to the differing levels of support in each community,
as well as administrative capabilities, this will vary from town to town.
Another critical step for this initiative would be to focus on information, education, and
engagement. This includes supporting the dissemination and coordination of information
between and among municipalities. A number of methods and steps can be effective in
facilitating public involvement and acceptance of the goals and objectives for scenic
conservation. This outreach program would lay the groundwork for the implementation of
planning and regulatory options for protecting and preserving the aesthetic qualities of the
Byway corridor that are so highly valued and at the same time so distinctly threatened.

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Section 2 Inventory and Assessment

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Section 2 Inventory and Assessment