Ogdensburg held its final public workshop for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan Thursday.

Edr Cos., the Syracuse consultant assisting the city in drafting the plan, presented its revised concept plans along with suggestions for enhancements to corridor renderings and land and water gateways.

Revised concept plans included adding more green space and parking areas in Augsbury District and more housing, restaurants and retail in the Diamond International and Shade Roller sites.

The planning and design firm with over 30 years of experience, heard concerns from life-long residents who questioned the economic impacts and sustainability of developing waterfront housing, retail and new marinas along the St. Lawrence River.

“Those are valid concerns,” said Jane E. Rice, a project manager with edr Companies. “Much like a strategic or community plan, the revitalization plan is meant to serve as a guideline. Nothing is set in stone.”

The plan would help formulate grant money for future community projects such as an amphitheater or fishing pier, said Mrs. Rice.

“Grant agencies are more responsive when the community shows a collective commitment to revitalization,” said Mrs. Rice.

Suggestions for land and water gateway improvements included a stone wall and flag poles where Route 37 meets Route 68 and a welcome sign to the Ogdensburg Marina to create a more inviting entrance to the city.

Corridor renderings included more distinct parking lines and pedestrian paths. The new designs also included a bicycle network within and around the city.

The company handed out surveys asking residents to rate revitalization projects in order of importance following the presentation.

Project suggestions ranged from city-wide sidewalk improvements to constructing a new Maple City Park at the end of Lake Street near the Spring Street Bridge.

The data gathered from the surveys will help determine what projects the city should begin first, according to Andrea L. Smith, interim director of planning and development.

“You can begin these projects starting tomorrow, the city and the community does not need to wait for the approval of the plan,” said Ms. Smith.

The plan will go before the City Council and Department of State for approval once it is approved by the Steering Committee, a group of business owners and residents.

Mrs. Rice said edr hopes to complete the plan by fall. Another public session will be scheduled to present the finalized draft once it is completed.

Details of the plan can be found at www.ogdensburg.wikispot.org

Thousands of readers like you have made Northern New York Newspapers the number one ranked website* for local news and sports coverage in the north country.

You can continue on to this article in a few seconds, or you can visit one of our websites:

• Watertown Daily Times
• The Ogdensburg Journal
• Daily Courier-Observer