Planners urge waterfront upgrade

City, village would focus on the Mohawk River area

The draft findings of a $70,000 study by the urban planning firm, Synthesis, identified ways in which Schenectady and Scotia could improve access to the Mohawk, encourage boaters to explore sites on land, lure developers and entrepreneurs, and link the river to surrounding neighborhoods via bike paths and walking trails.

“The plan is intended to enhance, promote and guide development of the Schenectady and Scotia Waterfront as a desirable destination for Erie Canal boaters, tour bikers, the local public and visitor’s to the region,” according to the executive summary of the plan, which was funded by the state, city and village.

The final report is expected to be released soon, and, with it, cost estimates for all of the ideas and recommendations Synthesis culled together after meeting with residents and local and state government officials.

McLaughlin and Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton said the study would provide the basis for both communities to set priorities and pursuer funding from the private sector, state and federal grants, and the Metroplex Development Authority.

“There are some very exciting possibilities that we need to look at further,” Stratton said.

A Dock, Trails. On the Schenectady side of the river, Synthesis suggests building a dock, welcome center, overlook pavilion, restaurant and bed-and-breakfast for the hundreds of recreational boaters who traverse the Mohawk every year. A bike trail running underneath the CSX railroad bridge would connect the new bulkhead with the existing riverfront park in the Stockade.

Schenectady improvements concept

Streetscape improvements would spruce up the east Front Street neighborhood. A pedestrian bridge over busy Erie Boulevard could provide a safe route to reach the fledgling Little Italy cultural district on North Jay Street.

New townhouses and a “passive park” near a Niagara Mohawk electrical substation could also be built along the river.

Among the plan’s many hurdles- both financial and regulatory- is getting permission from the New York State Canal Corp. to cut back the shoreline to build a permanent dock. The Canal Corp. strictly controls access to the marked channel where commercial barges make sage passage down the river.

Preliminary talks with the Canal Corp. have been positive, according to Zoning Officer Steve Strichman.

Recommendations for the Scotia side of the river are even more extensive, given the amount of riverfront property in the village that’s already accessible to the public.

Scotia improvements concept

The entrance to the waterfront and Collins Park would be enhanced with an intersection realignment at Schonowee and Mohawk avenues and a “festive walkway” along Schonowee at the waterfront to the commercial corridor.

Existing walking and bike trails would be extended, and a redesigned parking lot at Jumpin’ Jacks would create more green space at the river’s edge for people watching the water ski shows. Freedom Park would be upgraded with new paths and picnic areas, and the riverbank stabilized to prevent further erosion.

A special boating basin would double as a fishing pier, offering an attractive place to stroll. A new boathouse for high school crew teams would also be built.

Streetscape improvements at Livingston Avenue would open up access to two potential development parcels.