Nyack Will Work on Waterfront, Transportation, Ecology with $206,000 Grant

Armed with a grant from New York State, the village of Nyack is going to update its Comprehensive Master Plan.

This is to be a year-long, community-based project. Its topmost priorities are “to integrate a resilient waterfront with the possibility for new multi-modal transportation options and a more sustainable village.”

One of those options is a new ferry from Nyack to Tarrytown and/or Manhattan. Some of the money will be used to hire consultants to study possible ferry landing sites and transit-oriented development.

The $206,000 Regional Economic Development Council award will be matched with $50,000 from the village.

“With this grant, we can explore how best to achieve our goals, protect our community and maximize our potential,” said Nyack Mayor Jen Laird White.

On the agenda:

• more efficient use of land, infrastructure and natural resources
• an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions
• new investments in transit infrastructure
• adaptive reuse of existing buildings
• greener construction

Village officials expect to hire a consulting planner who will run public meetings, guide village committees, hire and supervise consultants to update data on parking and transportation studies and developing the final version of the new master plan.

“This kind of planning will define our vision for our community ten to twenty years from now. And it will cement our commitment to sustainability, healthy living and smart growth. It is a spectacular opportunity.” said Marcy Denker, chair of Nyack’s Sustainability Desk.

PHOTO: NY Waterway currently runs a ferry between Haverstraw and Ossining/NYWaterway.com