Planning and Preservation Along Historic Hyde Park Corridor
By Steve Rosenberg and Deborah Meyer DeWan
Much of Hyde Park's appeal to visitors comes from its past. More and more, however, this Dutchess County town is showing the potential to be a window on the future, a case study for sustainable growth.
Gateway to the Hudson Valley's Great Estates Region and home to attractions such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Museum; Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's cottage retreat; and Vanderbilt Mansion, the town draws more than 1.2 million tourists annually. From across the nation, people come to Hyde Park to connect with the Roosevelt legacy and the Gilded Age of the Vanderbilts.
A Template in the Making
A prototype initiative developed by Scenic Hudson, Inc. is creating land preservation and planning synergies and a model for how a municipality can achieve a prosperous future while maintaining its unique character.
An examination of the partnering successes in this community reveals an approach that could be replicated throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Commercial and residential development pressures are escalating throughout our region. Cities, towns and villages can either react to burgeoning sprawl or become proactive. In many places strained by rapid growth, certain properties take on a larger-than-life profile. Scenic Hudson believes in the power of good planning and sees these "lightning rod" parcels as an opportunity to bring in our expertise, helping to encourage public dialogue about the community's future.
Hyde Park is faced with such a struggle and is tackling it head on. The town has divergent views about the extent to which investment in its heritage tourism sites will yield a healthy economy and enhanced quality of life. After creating a comprehensive plan in 1998, the town took the initial steps of conforming its zoning to the plan. The ultimate objective will be to establish a solid framework to ensure that new development is appropriate in scale and character, complementary to the town's economic assets, and aligned with the broad-based needs of citizens.
In the midst of this initiative, Wal-Mart was eyeing 29 acres along Route 9 opposite the FDR Home and Museum. Responding to public concern about a big box store in this sensitive location, The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc. purchased the site and an adjoining 15 acres. Our action created another occasion for those who have a stake in the area to help chart its future.
Brainstorming and Consensus Building
Last summer Scenic Hudson – led by the combined forces of our Land Preservation and Riverfront Communities programs – joined the National Park Service, The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and the town in a visioning process for the historic Hyde Park corridor. Pace University Land Use Law Center Director John Nolon was asked to serve as facilitator. Representatives of virtually every local development group came together in a highly charged atmosphere to grapple with a battle classically framed as "economic expansion versus the environment."
Some were concerned about the potential removal of the land from the tax rolls, while others believed that protecting the town's historic sites was paramount. To bridge the divide, the group has gathered nine times since last August. The Hudson Valley Greenway, New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), developers, Dutchess County planners, New York State tourism and economic development officialsand residents of other communities were invited to share their valuable experience and expertise.
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| FACT: The Town of Hyde Park draws more than 1.2 million tourists annually. |
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A central theme emerged: In times of limited public funds for infrastructure and related projects, communities that plan for smart development in the right places and then create local laws to support the effort are more likely to receive the resources they need.
"An expanded tax base has direct impact on property taxes. However, I want to promote prudent economic development," said Paul Nassetta, chair of Hyde Park's Economic Development Committee, in reflecting on the work in Hyde Park. "I feel honored to be a part of this group, which includes folks from diverse backgrounds who don't always agree but who have learned to work through conflicts."
"There have been no 'you musts' in the process, but rather a willingness by participants to explore opportunities for the town," said Pompey Delafield, chair of the Historic Hyde Park Corridor Committee. "If residents don't get behind a creative future for the corridor, more strip development will fill in the spaces, and that won't draw visitors."
Scenic Hudson helped the group translate its brainstorming into a illustrated concept plan. These ideas were presented to the community at a meeting sponsored by the town and school boards. Participants were encouraged to comment.
The positive response was heartening to the group, moving David Woolner, director of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, to comment, "We've reached a stage where our ideas can be put into action. Other communities are beginning to ask how they can replicate the blueprint Hyde Park has created for capitalizing on its heritage assets."
Community activist Cheryl Kelley noted, "Communication has been vital. All points of view are important if there is to be success. The town needs a very large vision, and I too am optimistic that there will be a major result."
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Regina Armstrong, principal of Urbanomics, speaks during a collaborative planning session in Hyde Park. |
Progress is Evident
Positive outcomes are already evident. Scenic Hudson has kept the drive-in theater, located on the 29-acre property it saved from becoming a Wal-Mart, operating for the season and is exploring future uses for the site. A new sign is in the works, and volunteers are helping restore one of the town's signature stone walls that runs the length of the site's Route 9 frontage.
Meanwhile, the Crossroads project, an effort to recreate Hyde Park's historic town center, is being implemented. The Corridor Committee is working on design guidelines to enhance and maintain the character of this unique gateway region. To further support these efforts, the DOT will carry out a transportation and land use study, and the town is reviewing the Greenway Compact and the new zoning ordinance while also seeking funding for sewer infrastructure. Several events to build community pride are planned. Scenic Hudson has helped with each of these important initiatives.
Our work in Hyde Park reflects our commitment to collaborate with stakeholders and exemplifies how we leverage the power of good planning to help Hudson Valley communities make the most of their unmatched natural and historic assets. |
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| A familiar section of the historic Hyde Park corridor along Route 9 is seen in this photo. |
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