Community Groups Hold September Forum on Major Waterfront Development

Residents asked to share their ideas for a vibrant waterfront

(KINGSTON) - Professional planners and other experts with Friends of Kingston Waterfront (FoKW) - a newly formed coalition of eight local and regional citizens groups - will hold an informational forum on massive development projects proposed for the City of Kingston's last mile-and-a-half of waterfront. Topics will include taxes and economics, traffic and potential impacts on vital community services such as schools, health care and water and sewer capacity. Also discussed will be likely negative impacts on the scenic beauty of the Hudson River and its shoreline as well as opportunities for residents to enjoy their waterfront.

FoKW wants residents of Kingston and surrounding areas to be part of reviewing the proposal, which could raise the local population by 25 percent. The group wants to help ensure that developing the highly prized waterfront will be a benefit and not a burden to residents.

The forum will be held Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Rondout Community Center, 105 Broadway, Kingston. After brief presentations, residents will be invited to share their vision for a healthy, active waterfront. The discussion portion of the event will be facilitated by Geddy Sveikauskas, publisher of Ulster Publishing.

The Landing project is proposed by Yonkers-based AVR Realty, which would like to construct 2,200 residential units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space on the 524-acre former Tilcon property. Another project, Sailor's Cove, is planned for an adjoining parcel. The development, which is anticipated to come before city officials soon, would create 325 residential units.

Pointing to critical issues they plan to advocate for in redeveloping the waterfront, FoKW said residents deserve:

* a development that is reasonably sized and provides benefits for the entire community
* a waterfront that reflects the city's character: smaller clusters of traditional houses and small businesses with pedestrian-friendly streets
* natural areas along the river where residents, school groups and visitors can explore, learn and have fun.

FoKW was formed in spring 2005. The coalition is focused on ensuring resident participation in creating a Kingston waterfront that protects the Hudson River Valley's cherished history, culture, beauty and economic well-being. Its member organizations want to ensure that Kingston does not see its waterfront become a burden when the opportunity exists to create powerful benefits for a diverse population.

FoKW has created an informational Web site about the Kingston waterfront, www.FriendsofKingstonWaterfront.org.

Friends of Kingston Waterfront comprises Friends of Historic Kingston, Friends of Rondout, Hudson River Heritage, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, Sierra Club and Sustainable Hudson Valley. www.FriendsofKingstonWaterfront.org.