Government > Departments > Development & Planning > LWRP

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is a locally prepared land and water use plan for the City of Albany’s Hudson River waterfront.  The LWRP was adopted in 1991 in partnership between the NYS Division of Coastal Resources (under the NYS Coastal Management Program) and the City of Albany, establishing policies and implementation techniques that balance redevelopment, preservation and enhancement of natural and recreation areas along the City's waterfront.  The LWRP also provides a framework for ensuring consistency between local, State, and Federal policies and decisions.

City of Albany, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (1991)
LWRP Appendices A - G

“…Downtown Albany is a vibrant mix of business, residential, educational, cultural, and entertainment uses connected to the Hudson River waterfront.”

As proposed in the newly adopted Albany 2030 plan, implementing improvements and accessibility to the Hudson River waterfront is one of many priorities expressed by the community.  Some of the interconnecting strategies identified in Albany 2030 include:
 
     n Improving waterfront and downtown connections;  
     n Improve public access to waterways;
     n Expand and connect greenways and trails, linking them to regional networks;  
     n Use zoning and environmental review to protect river and stream corridors. 

Though several projects have already been implemented successfully, the LWRP is in need of updating in accordance with Albany 2030.  The City is looking to address proposed strategies, as well as new issues, such as changes in climate and flooding patterns, and future issues, such as Brownfields properties and access challenges.    

Successful projects already completed from the LWRP include:

     n Landscaping Lower Patroon Island Nature Preserve (Riverfront Preserve);
     n Rehabilitation of Corning Preserve Comfort Station;
     n Island Creek Waterfront Park;
     n Pedestrian Overpass from Downtown to Waterfront;
     n Continuation of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail. 


INVENTORY & ANALYSIS KEY ISSUES

Current review of the LWRP and analysis of existing data has identified certain key issues to overcome in improving waterfront and downtown connections.  These include:  

n Access to the waterfront via all modes is constricted by physical barriers and confusing street patterns. 
n Vacant and underutilized properties provide opportunities, but also environmental and financial constraints to redevelopment. 
n Commercial services (refreshments, equipment rental, retail) are limited by a lease agreement with the State and Albany Port Commission. 
n Waterfront facilities (parking lots, sidewalks, boathouse) are in disrepair and reflect a poor image. 
n Improved marketing and promotion of waterfront events, activities, and businesses is needed.  
n Projected impacts of climate change (Hudson River rise and increased flooding) on waterfront development and infrastructure.


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Several steps are required to update the LWRP.  The update is scheduled to be completed by April 2013 .  Below is an agenda for the process. 

Step 1     Inventory & Analysis; Climate Vulnerability Assessment    Public Meeting 1  (12/11/12)
Step 2     Revitlaization Policies
Step 3     LWRP Update & Climate Adaptation    Public Meeting 2  (2/25/13)
Step 4     Local Implementation / State & Federal Actions
Step 5     SEQRA Complance
Step 6     Draft LWRP    Public Meeting 3   (TBD)
Step 7     Final LWRP

Thank you for your participation in updating the LWRP.
Please join Albany 2030 on facebook or twitter to discuss your thoughts:

TAKE THE SURVEY ON PRIORTIZING IMPROVEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTING PROJECTS AT THE WATERFRONT
 

Contact Information

The Department of Development & Planning
21 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 434-2532
Fax: (518) 434-9846

albany2030@ci.albany.ny.us

Partnerships      City of Albany   |   NYS DOS   |   WRT   |   Waterfront Advisory Committee