The Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan is complete. A group of 20 community, governmental and other agency members, representing a wide range of interests, worked very hard over the past year to develop a vision for our waterfronts. This vision includes other private initiatives that will have an impact on the aesthetics, and economic climate of our community.
A set of policies were drafted that will guide the community when looking at new developments. A list of potential partners is included with a review of opportunities and possible funding sources that could help Saranac Lake develop the waterways in line with our vision.
The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Transportation have been a great pleasure to work with during this process and have made significant contributions to the document.
Now, I invite you to take a look at the plan. The top major project includes improving Riverside Park. Then working our way along Lake Flower past the Ames Plaza and linking with ANCA's planned recreational trail along the railroad corridor. Envision a walkway along the waters edge from Riverside Park to the grassy area; several public boat slips along that walkway, and maybe even a tour boat operator. Picture historic lighting and benches along a beautiful promenade. We believe the public restroom facility should be built at the boat launch site for year-round use and the four-lane highway should be reduced to something quieter.
When you turn onto Lake Flower Avenue, picture walking along the water rather than being separated by traffic. Think about having wider walkways, historic lighting, small pull-off piers out over the water with benches and maybe a reduction of utility clutter.
The second project is a better design for Lake Colby and a utilization plan for the property on Moir Road. We are proposing to clean up the site by removing the old building, erecting a nice gazebo that can be used year-round, enhancing the parking and establishing a small canoe access point. From there, we can build a nice walk along the waters edge to get to the beach. Then we could upgrade the playground equipment, clean out the seaweed and bring in some fluffy sand to play in. We can create social centers using benches and tables and plant some trees for shelter and beautification. If we built a real volleyball court, we might be added to the regional circuit for this sport bringing in people from outside the area.
The committee did a great job filtering out the highest priorities. If you have questions about the plan, contact my office anytime at 891-0490. A special public presentation will be held on Monday, December 3rd, 2001 at 7pm at the Saranac Lake Free Library on the plan. Hope to see you there.
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