Published: November 08, 2009 12:08 am      

WHEATFIELD: All along the waterfront

Wheatfield town residents are invited to help plan the future of the town’s waterfront and discuss the Wheatfield Local Waterfront Revitalization Program during a meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday at the Wheatfield Community Center, next to Town Hall on Church Road. Doors will open a half-hour before the meeting to allow the public time to review maps of existing conditions for the area.

A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is an extension of the New York state Coastal Management Program. Having a local program enables the town to evaluate land use and waterfront resources and develop a comprehensive strategy to effectively manage and protect these resources. By applying a local focus on land use management and the maintenance, improvement and enhancement of important resources and features in the waterfront area, an LWRP strengthens the state program and provides the town with a roadmap to guide land use and recognize opportunities in the waterfront area. It also gives the town more local control over its waterfront. The goal is to develop a local program that properly manages land use and redevelopment along the waterfront and effectively protects important coastal resources.

The Town Board has retained Wendel Duchscherer Architects and Engineers to prepare the LWRP. Wendel Duchscherer has assembled up-to-date information on existing waterfront conditions, including land use and community character, public access, flooding and erosion, scenic resources, environmental resources and water quality. To complement this information, officials are asking local citizens to assist in describing important issues, opportunities, desires and concerns to help establish a clear vision for the waterfront. These comments can include simple suggestions, such as ideas for individual neighborhoods or areawide vision statements. Those who cannot attend the meeting are welcome to offer comments in writing to the town (addressed c/o Robert O’Toole).

The information gathered at the public information meetings will be used to revise the state’s coastal management policies and preparing the LWRP document to better reflect current issues and opportunities of local importance. This information will also be used to determine where improvement projects could be undertaken or where zoning or other regulatory changes could be effective in improving the waterfront.

For additional information on these meetings or the project, contact O’Toole in the town attorney’s office.