Suggestions part of Synthesis feasibility study to revitalize waterfront

Scotia, New York. Approximately 30 village residents told a study group Tuesday night they would like to see marinas, bike trails, walkways and fireworks arenas along the Mohawk waterfront on both sides of the river between Scotia and the city.

The suggestions will become part of a “Waterfront Market and Feasibility Study” that Synthesis will release in March.

“Your comments tonight will help develop policies for the village to adopt formally. They will serve as guidance for development along the river,” said Richard Eats of Synthesis.

A goal of the project is to link the business cores of both the city and the village with the waterfront, Eats said. This can be accomplished by roads and paths, he said.

Scotia Mayor Michael McLaughlin said the study will be used to solicit state and federal grants and investors for projects along the riverfront.

“We want some ideas in a drawer so that when funding becomes available we can go forward,” he said.

Eats said grants are available for projects involving parks and recreation, roads and environmental areas.

As part of the study, a marketing firm hired by Synthesis will survey people in the community about the types of projects they would support.

“We want to help people develop an economically viable plan that the market can absorb. What is important is to generate ideas and marry them to real economics,” Eats said.

These projects would be located in an area in the village bordered by the Piotrowski farm to the east, Collins Park to the north and Collins Street to the west; the Western Gateway Bridge to the west; and in the city bordered by Front and Mohawk Streets.

The area already has strong historic tourism and recreational components, notably the city Stockade neighborhood, officials said, drawing more than 200,000 people annually.