Village of Athens NY Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Update

The Village of Athens requires professional planning services to update its 2002 Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to balance sustainable development with resilient growth along its Hudson River waterfront. Proposals are due April 23, 2024.

Inquiries or questions regarding this request should be submitted by email to aserrago@athensvillageny.gov by April 10, 2024. Questions and answers will be posted on the NYS Contract Reporter by April 15, 2024.

The Update will build on the Village's 2020 Comprehensive Plan and Resilience Vision to further address smart growth, resiliency, sustainability, downtown revitalization, and expansion of public access. This project involves the preparation of the Village of Athens Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) pursuant to the provisions of New York State Executive Law, Article 42 and 19 NYCRR Parts 600- 603. The funds available will not exceed $90,000. This LWRP is in the coastal area of New York State. A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is comprised of:

• a plan that includes a clear description and thorough assessment of the existing and proposed land uses and water-related uses within the identified municipal Waterfront Revitalization Area, reflects coastal policies, describes the local regulations and management structure supporting and evolving the implementation of the LWRP, and includes the lists of federal and state agencies and activities impacting and being impacted by the proposed.
• local laws and regulations supporting the implementation of the LWRP policies and purposes; and
• a local management structure that will implement the LWRP and ensure consistency of proposed actions with the policies and purposes of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

The Village of Athens is located on the Hudson River and has approximately three miles of shoreline. In addition, there is approximately one-half mile of shoreline along Murderers Creek. The Middle Ground Flats, an island in the middle of the Hudson River approximately two miles long and 1,200 feet wide, is also included in the Coastal Area. The primary waterfront issues to be addressed by the Village in the LWRP Update have been preliminarily identified as expansion of public access while protecting sensitive coastal resources, creation of scenic vistas, and promoting climate resilience while preserving significant cultural, historical, and natural features within the Village’s waterfront.

The Village is seeking qualifications from experienced planners with experience preparing Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs. A qualified firm or team will have expertise in planning, designing, determining feasibility and finding visionary strategies for climate adaptation and smart growth plans. Please see the complete NYS Department of State (NYS DOS) work program for contract C1002603 which is attached to the uploaded document.