Current Projects

Greene IDA has a number of projects both underway and nearing completion at any given time. For more specific information, please contact April Ernst at ernst@greeneida.com.

CATSKILL DOWNTOWN VISIONING PROCESS TO MAP OUT VIBRANT FUTURE

The Vision for the future of Downtown Catskill, its Waterfront, Main Street and Catskill Point will be the next project of the Greene County Industrial Development Agency in partnership with the Greene County Legislature, the Village and Town of Catskill and the Heart of Catskill. This initiative will incorporate unprecedented public participation from all segments of the Catskill community.

“We are thrilled to embark on an exciting and innovative visioning process that will map out the future for downtown Catskill to incorporate a strategy of destination retail, cultural & entertainment enhancements and waterfront development,” emphasized Paul Slutzky, Greene IDA Chairman.

The Greene IDA will coordinate a Phase II Visioning Study to be conducted by Elan Planning & Design of Saratoga Springs, NY over the next six months in partnership with essential local participation. An Action Team will be established to oversee the process and give local direction to the project. Membership on this committee will include local elected officials, the business community, County agencies and local citizens.

The process, driven by those that know Catskill best, will paint a vision for downtown Catskill as well as the waterfront and Catskill Point. The resulting Strategic Action Plan will address marketing and business development and enhancing the “look and feel” of downtown with the intent of attracting new consumers to enjoy the unique Catskill experience. A Phase I Study has been completed which identified key parcels and future development nodes and the basis for the future strategic development plan.

Lisa Nagle, Principal of Elan Planning & Design added, “Establishing a diverse Action Team made up of local elected officials, the business community, local citizens and County agencies will be critical to ensure that all voices are heard. All other segments of the community will be included as part of the overall process. We are extremely excited to assist all partners to ensure that Catskill becomes the premier destination downtown in the Hudson Valley.”

“There is an overall feeling that Catskill is at a tipping point and is in need of projects and investment that will drive destination traffic from both within the county and outside. We need destination related projects that will give consumers additional reasons to visit Catskill and build on the success that has been achieved over the past decade.  Our focus is to advance a vision that enhances our natural resources and builds a strong local economy,” explained Greene County Majority Leader Keith Valentine.

The target area is wholly located in the Village of Catskill which has seen a tremendous turnaround over the last decade. The Village Government has long advocated for the revitalization of its main street and waterfront and has achieved a growing and dynamic business community.

Catskill Village President Vincent Seeley added, “Our success to date is at risk of eroding due to the overall lack of consumer traffic downtown and lack of diversity of consumer opportunities. This visioning process will help identify projects for future investment to create the downtown experience with new restaurants, cultural & entertainment experiences and an exciting linkage to our waterfront that so many of us envision.”

The Catskill Business Community through the leadership of the Heart of Catskill has made significant strides in establishing Main Street as a viable commerce center. Incorporating a diversity of retail options with a destination draw and other recreational opportunities will make the existing businesses stronger.

“Our efforts over the last 15 years to create a vision for downtown Catskill have produced significant results. It is now time to attract several critical anchors that will drive consumer traffic that will be beneficial to the business community as a whole. We welcome the process and are thrilled to be involved at the grassroots level,” added Linda Overbaugh, Executive Director of the Heart of Catskill.

Overall Governmental support of this initiative is essential to its success and eventual implementation. The Town of Catskill’s support and participation is important to ensure the surrounding community to the target area is prepared and ready to maximize the overall benefits to local taxpayers.

Catskill Town Supervisor Peter Markou added, “We are happy to have the opportunity to participate in this visioning process. The Town must stay in tune with the actions of the village so we can support and enhance the visitor’s experience to our fine community. Our business community has much to gain as well and we should coordinate our overall efforts which are in everyone’s best interest.”

The Phase I report and Phase II scope is available on both the County Office of Planning and Economic Development (www.discovergreene.com) and Greene IDA’s (greeneida.com.s76633.gridserver.com) websites or by calling each respective office 719-3290 or 731-5500.

Phase 1 Summary Report - PDF (1.7MB)