Mobilizing Citizens in Haverstraw
by Hector Rodriguez
The tide is turning along the Village of Haverstraw waterfront.
Like many Hudson Valley communities, Haverstraw has rediscovered its riverfront - much of it long ago abandoned by industry - and now plans to redevelop it. Scenic Hudson's long-standing commitment to Haverstraw dates back to 1998 when we purchased a 1.5-acre addition for Emeline Park and worked with the village to turn it into another Rockland County treasure. As a result the community has playgrounds, a public venue for events and a place to connect with the river's beauty.
Unfortunately Emeline Park is the exception. The current proposal by Ginsburg Development Corp. to develop more than 40 waterfront acres emphasizes luxury housing and does not address the concerns of the community's largely Hispanic population, which needs family-oriented recreational opportunities, gathering places and affordable housing. To their credit, the company and the village are incorporating some commendable elements such as a children's museum and commercial uses at the northern end of the waterfront.
Mixed-Use Development Balances Community Interests
Redeveloping the Haverstraw riverfront presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore the historic link between the village and river.
In valley communities such as the City of Yonkers in Westchester County, city officials, developers and other stakeholders, including Scenic Hudson, collaborated to create an open riverfront that permits residential, retail and recreational uses. In the Village of Ossining in Westchester County more than 60 percent of a new waterfront project is slated for public space and parkland. And the Village of Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County is poised to turn the former General Motors Corp. plant into a mixed-use development featuring open space and connections to the village center and surrounding parks. (Please see Plan Emerges for Sleepy Hollow Waterfront.)
These mixed-used developments represent smart, sustainable growth. They balance community interests, preserve and enhance resources, serve residents and attract tourists.
To this end in Haverstraw, Scenic Hudson has advocated for the expansion of Emeline Park, a minimum of 15 percent open space throughout the proposed waterfront district, a 16-foot public promenade, protection of river views, a community boat house and other public amenities within a mixed-use environment. These provisions would benefit both private developments and the village.
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Located in the heart of the village waterfront, Emeline Park is accessible by land or water and boasts a gazebo, playground and sweeping views of Haverstraw Bay. |
Public Access Concepts Gaining Ground
Over the past year we have actively promoted sound planning principles and meaningful public participation. Our outreach has given voice to a growing number of diverse groups looking to express opinions and concerns regarding the redevelopment.
The concepts of increased park and recreational lands, mixed-use development and a public promenade have been embraced by community leaders, including Haverstraw Deputy Mayor Angelo Cintron, Trustee Ricky Sanchez, Trustee Francisco Batista, Planning Board Chair Jose Vargas and members of village advisory committees. The dialogue continues.
In the coming months the village and developer will have the ability and responsibility to create the best possible project. We hope the developer will seize this opportunity to consider the alternatives and enhance the waterfront for the betterment of the village and Hudson Valley.
This diverse community deserves a first-rate riverfront that provides economic stimulus, preserves open space and scenic views and encourages people to enjoy the majesty of our American Heritage River. |
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| Scenic Hudson's vision for the Haverstraw waterfront includes residential, commercial and recreational uses. |
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