The final section of the Mohawk Towpath Byway's Scenic Conservation Action Plan containing recommendation and the Action Plan Matrix.

1. SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
5.1 OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENTIRE BYWAY
CORRIDOR
The following overall recommendations for Scenic and Aesthetic Preservation,
Management and Enhancement are derived from the Landscape Analysis, the guidance
and input of the Byway Coalition members, and from principles established in Scenic
Byways - A Design Guide for Roadside Improvements prepared for the Federal Highway
Administration by the United States Forest Service. These recommendations provide a
point of departure for the Byway Coalition to work with its partners (see the
recommendations set forth for a “Byway Summit” in this summary) to forward the overall
goals of the Byway and its Corridor Management Plan and to tackle, on a segment-bysegment and project-by-project basis.
5.1.1 CONDUCT A BYWAY SUMMIT AND FOLLOW UP EVENTS
Partnerships, some formal, some informal, will be essential in developing Byway
infrastructure, as well as for protecting and enhancing the distinct characteristics which are
present along the corridor. The notion of a Byway Summit was one in which those
potential partnerships could be identified and initiated. There is no question that
collaboration of this sort is essential for successful Byways. The summit would bring to the
table all potential “partners” for the Byway efforts - and the Byway philosophy not only
encourages collaboration among various groups and entities, but recognizes that this
collaboration is essential to further reinforce and enhance the Byway and its associated
projects and activities. The Byway Summit would invite all potential parties and partners
(municipalities and department representatives, citizen groups, non-profits, hospitality
businesses or business groups along the Corridor, state agencies, etc.) to a day long event
and workshop that could actually result in an action plan that identifies projects, partners,
steps to implement, potential costs and necessary resources. The Mohawk Towpath Scenic
Byway Coalition has outlined the format for such an event, which is fleshed out as follows:
a. Present An Overview of the Byway - its goals, philosophy, a summary of the Corridor
Management Plan and the Scenic Conservation and Enhancement initiative.
b. Provide an Overview of the Value and Benefits of the Byway - How it contributes to
economic development, tourism and the local quality of life in the Mohawk Valley.
c. The Plan for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Scenic, Cultural and Historic
Landscapes of the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway - Further identification and
discussion of recommended projects and initiatives.
d. Development of An Action Plan including the Corridor Enhancement Plan - Working
with the attendees to identify, prioritize, describe and allocate resources as part of an
overall Action Plan for Scenic Conservation and Enhancement.
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2. SECTION 5. ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
The Byway Summit provides the point of departure for ongoing and regular meetings of
the Byway Partners Group to be established at the Summit Event. This group will track
proposals, funding, and identify sub committees that will plan and shepherd specific
implementation projects. The Coalition can work with the Summit Partners to develop a
protocol and process for implementation of projects in each community consistent with the
community’s interests and capabilities.
5.1.2 DEVELOP A CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENT PLAN
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition has articulated the challenge for this byway
and its enhancement: “Since our Byway passes through various types of landscapes it is
difficult to come up with global solutions for all.” Each segment has its specific qualities,
character and opportunities, and a next step for this initiative would be to develop more
detailed plans and recommendations for specific implementation projects. The
enhancements will be different for each identified enhancement area and the Coalition,
with its partners, can tackle, on a segment-by-segment and project-by-project basis, the
individual areas. Priorities for funding and sources of funding will need to be identified
along with action items for the appropriate “partners” - indeed these projects typically will
require collaboration between the Byway Coalition and the involved municipality, as well as
other community, regional non-profit and/or state agencies or entities with an interest in
the particular property, area or project. From a specific and appropriate plan for the
reclamation of the landfill site, to streetscape and bike/pedestrian improvements along
other sections, to developing templates and technical details for specific pull off areas, there
are a number of feasible projects that can be low cost and community oriented, to larger
scale, larger cost, longer term efforts.
Thus, the Enhancement Plan will identify for each project area the need for and proposed
outcome from the recommended improvements, as well as provide detailed site plans of the
proposed enhancements as a basis for costing and eventual construction. For example,
along the corridor section following Erie Boulevard in Schenectady, the effort would
possibly focus on: 1) streetscape and pedestrian improvements, 2) support for individual
property enhancements such as shared access, improved signage and landscaping; 3)
interpretation of the historic manufacturing buildings and activities; and, 4) clear guidance
from wayfinding elements identifying the corridor (with banners and signs or other
elements) and its associated elements (i.e. identifying the Canal Path segment, and
directing visitors and bicyclists to the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway Trailhead).
Another compelling need in several locations along the Towpath Byway Corridor is the
opportunity to develop some roadside pull off areas to facilitate visitor’s enjoyment and
understanding of the Byway. These pull offs can be located at historic sites and scenic
overlooks, most of which have already been identified. The accompanying illustration
provides a general overview of the “ingredients” of such pull off area.
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3. SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
Other potential projects would include working with the Solid Waste District in Colonie to
address landfill closure and aesthetics, and this has regional significance due to its high
visibility along the river, as well as continued scenery preservation in identified locations to
protect important natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic assets along the Byway. Developing
tools and a list and criteria for prioritization of such land conservation initiatives would be
one component of the overall Enhancement Plan.
Basic Ingredients of a Pull-off
Key:
A. Parking area
D. Trailheads
G. Fencing
J. Dog Park
B. Kisok/ Info
E. Sculpture
H. Picnic tables
K. Bollards/Posts
C. Interpretive Signs
F. Scenic views
I. Shelter (opt. restroom)
L. Landscaping
5.1.3 ENHANCE WAYFINDING AND IDENTITY PROGRAM
“The byway’s identity should be apparent throughout the entire byway,
even when it encompasses a variety of elements and environments. It
may be necessary to vary some of the elements so that each facility fits
its purpose and location. ...Repeating elements of the byway’s image
gives everything a more unified and organized appearance, lets visitors
focus on the information being presented, and creates a more memorable
experience.” (from Scenic Byways - A Design Guide for Roadside Improvements, page 32)
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4. SECTION 5. ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
The primary and most effective global strategy to strengthen the Byway, its presence in the
landscape and access to and appreciation of its varied resources, will be to develop a more
intensive and extensive visual and physical presence that stands out against the varied and
visually chaotic settings that exist in some stretches of the byway. A comprehensive
wayfinding program promotes the image and identity of, access to and information about
the Mohawk Towpath Byway. Examples and ideas for this range from a comprehensive
wayfinding plan to a banner program. The existing trail blazer signs along the corridor and
the new interpretive kiosk at Crescent Park are an important first step, and these elements
need to be strengthened and expanded. This is one of the key steps or initiatives, which can
better unify, connect and link the Byway through its varied sections. This is particularly
important given the varied character and environments, which exist along the Byway’s 28
miles of established corridor segments. Coordinated efforts, such as those with the Erie
Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, the New York State Canal
Corporation, and the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission, should continue,
and should work towards developing a unified program to help connect and delineate the
byway corridor.
New York State Department of Transportation prepared a guide for Byway signing and
wayfinding that can serve as a point of departure (New York State Scenic Byways Sign Manual,
New York State Scenic Byways Program, New York State Department of Transportation,
2005). The popular and successful kiosks in the Towns of Halfmoon and Clifton
Parkprovide a working template for the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway. Another project,
which provides the basis for understanding the components of a comprehensive wayfinding
system, is the Connecticut River Byway’s wayfinding initiative, which encompasses two
states, two sides of the river and over 200 miles of byway corridor. The system developed is
based on a compelling “brand” or “mark” for the Byway and includes everything from
kiosks and interpretive signs, to pedestrian and auto directional signs, and site
identification elements.
5.1.4 IMPLEMENT AN EDUCATIONAL AND PARTICIPATORY PLANNING
PROGRAM
This recommendation is forwarded as a means of sustaining interest and involvement in
the Byway over time. There are a number of options to consider that will promote the
Byway, provide opportunities for residents and visitors to appreciate the Byway, and engage
other constituents for ongoing support. In Vermont, for example, the Mad River Byway
holds an annual “Walk ‘n Roll” event to promote walking and biking along the byway and
to support safe travel on the highway, Route 100, which forms the primary route for
experiencing the Byway. This community event, over the course of a week, includes a
number of activities, which help to involve local residents in the byway and supports
alternative modes of travel and bicycle safety. Likewise, the first annual “Walk the Byway”
event (see sidebar at left) and the Annual Mohawk Towpath Byway Duathlon, now in its
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5. SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
12th year, are also good examples of events here on the Mohawk Byway, which should be
continued and further developed.
Other options include involving local schools and historical societies in workshops and
developing events that have a broad appeal. These types of events and activities further
reinforce the viability of the byway while providing opportunities for community gathering,
education and recreation. Thus, the Coalition can work with its partners to identify and
develop both an annual event for the whole byway as well as specific, targeted public
involvement opportunities.
5.2 ACTION PLAN MATRIX
The following table provides a proposed schedule for implementing the initiatives in this
report. This plan is not static and can and should adjust to variables that usually occur
during any project process.
INITIATIVE/RECOMMENDATION
A. EDUCATION
1 - 2 3-4
1. Promote understanding of scenic and landscape resource
management by participating in development review or meeting
with local planning boards.
2. Consider various initiatives to raise awareness of the Byway, in
particular programs that involve students and schools.
3. Use multiple means and media to promote information and
guidance about the Byway.
A. PROMOTION
1. Create scenic pull-offs along Crescent-Cohoes Road, Riverview
Road and Aqueduct Road.
2. Promote the value of an online presence through the website,
blog, etc.
3. Expand the number of fine historic, bike and river tours,
festivals and events to attract, engage, and educate visitors.
4. Consider additional tourism infrastructure and amenities at key
sites.
5. Create a master plan for the Byway, building off of the
interpretive signs and kiosks already implemented.
6-10 OG
✓*
✓*
✓*
✓
✓*
✓*
✓*
✓*
* See Objective 1 in the Byway’s Business Plan For 2014.
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6. SECTION 5. ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
INITIATIVE/RECOMMENDATION
A. ACCESS
1 - 2 3-4
6-10 OG
1. Continue to develop and integrate recreational opportunities,
amenities and infrastructure.
2. Consider additional locations for an observation deck or viewing
areas of the river and canal infrastructure, such as those installed at
Mohawk Landing or Falls View Park.
3. Work with developers for trail right-of-way, improvements, and
connections to existing trails and bike paths.
4. Continue to develop and improve access areas to the canal and
river.
Specific projects to improve access may include:
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
-Improving the state dock next to Crescent Bridge
✓
-Widening shoulders of roads along the Byway
✓
✓
-A bike path on Rexford Bridge
-The planned construction of the new Roosevelt Bridge
-A bike path to connect the north/south trail systems
✓
-Neighborhood walking guides, biking guides, and connectivity to
support trails being developed in the East End
-New sites for scenic pull-offs
✓
✓
-Working with National Grid to promote multiple use of
transmission corridors
A. SCENIC ENHANCEMENT, REDEVELOPMENT &
PROTECTION
1. Open old canal or establish bike paths from north end to Albany
City to Cohoes.
2. Re-vegetate and reuse the Colonie Landfill
3. Work with NYS Power Authority and developers for access
opportunities, improvements, and conservation or open space
protection.
4. Create long-term management, maintenance, and use of historic
sites and structures.
5. Develop scenic pull-offs.
6. Identify key viewsheds or scenic views to protect.
7. Develop a toolbox for scenic and landscape resource
management.
Some specific concerns and opportunities related to scenic resource management
include:
-Consider the use and fate of historical buildings and pursue
preservation and acquisition grants
5-6
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓

7. SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
INITIATIVE/RECOMMENDATION
1 - 2 3-4
-Implement the Cohoes Crescent Road Improvements Alternatives Analysis
✓
6-10 OG
-Evaluate invasive species control measures including milfoil and
water chestnuts
-Expand riverside and roadside clean-up events like Canal Clean
Sweep and Town Highway adoption programs
-Mitigate run-off from development
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
-Address use of Colonie landfill
-Identify alternative fundraising possibilities
-Promote open space or scenic preservation as a part of the
development review and approval process
A. COLLABORATION
✓
1. Further solidify existing partnerships and identify potential
future collaborators.
2. Identify all entities and organizations working in the Byway
region to promote tourism, scenic resources and open space
management, recreational options and amenities.
3. Maintain or establish relevant programs that provide
opportunities for collaboration, such as grants and other initiatives.
A. OTHER IMPORTANT INITIATIVES
✓
✓
✓
Urban Streetscape Considerations and Opportunities
1. In Waterford and Schenectady there are too many signs:
commercial signs, regulatory signs, wayfinding, real estate and more
Crescent-Cohoes Road
✓
✓
✓
1. Widen road and add pull-offs at key scenic and historic locations
2. Develop a park at the power plant
3. Add a bike/pedestrian path to discourage walking on the road
shoulder
4. Repair and improve riverside scenic and safety issues
✓
✓
✓
5. Improve drainage
6. Interpretation of military crossing
✓
Landfill at Colonie
1. Evaluate timeframe for the redevelopment process and look at
other relevant projects
2. Add roadside screening buffers to both minimize scenic impact
and catch airborne debris
3. Improve runoff catchment
✓
✓
✓
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8. SECTION 5. ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
INITIATIVE/RECOMMENDATION
4. Revegetate with appropriate species, including dwarf flowering
trees and wildflowers
5. Build pathways for recreation
6. Conduct semi-annual (or more often if necessary) roadside
clean-up
ALCO Industrial
1 - 2 3-4
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
1. Add vegetative softening and other roadside landscape elements
2. Create a small park with increased tree and grass areas
3. Add pull-offs with green space and interpretive signs
4. Extend the character of neighboring communities with new
construction
Aqueduct
1. Improve access to Aqueduct Park
2. Promote bicyclist and pedestrian use in the area and provide
connections to the bikeway
3. Improve river access, including a boat launch
6-10 OG
?*
✓
?*
✓
4. Use vegetative control on the aqueduct structure
Historic Areas and Retaining Community Character
1. Review the inventory of historic areas in the Corridor
Management Plan, and within individual municipal comprehensive
plans
2. Formalize the “signage family” to unify adjacent communities
and facilitate navigation
3. Collate community guidelines and projects that provide useful
examples for historic resource management and preservation
Scenic Areas and Suburban Sprawl Issues
✓
✓
✓
1. Maintain open space buffers along roadways
✓
2. Maintain character and architectural style in growing suburban
areas
3. Plan new vista points, “refuge areas”, and pull-offs
✓
4. Improve and add new trailheads, access signs, and foot trails
✓
✓
Improve Access to Recreational Facilities and Opportunities
1. At Rexford Bridge, Power Authority, Ferry Drive, and Twin
Bridges, among others
* These items have been accomplished ...or do they need to be revisited? ejh
5-8
✓

9. SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Conservation Action Plan
INITIATIVE/RECOMMENDATION
1 - 2 3-4
6-10 OG
Improve Route 9 Gateway in Halfmoon
1. Reinforce proposal to develop a boulevard appearance for the
road, as set forth in the Town’s Comprehensive Master Plan
✓
5-9