Town reviewing suggestions for updated comprehensive plan

Town of Esopus officials have unveiled the range of issues that are being considered for a revised town comprehensive plan.

The concerns and goals were discussed at meeting Thursday, attended by about 140 people, that focused on ways the town can address growth through updated land-use regulations and planning strategies.

Esopus Supervisor Shannon Harris said the session was important, providing residents and business owners an opportunity to highlight issues and submit written suggestions for action.

“We want to hear ... what you want for the future in our community,” Harris said. “We want to be able to respond proactively to any changes that we see happening, anticipate what it is that you need, and do more outreach and communications.”

Among the goals being reviewed for the plan is increasing town efforts to take advantage of the long Hudson River shoreline.

Town officials wrote that the comprehensive plan should “identify opportunities and implement feasible options for new and improved public access to the Hudson River waterfront in the hamlets of Ulster Park ... and West Park, including but not limited to designated/enhanced cartop boat launch facilities at the Black Creek Preserve and Lighthouse Park/Esopus Meadows preserves.”

Officials also asked for people to weigh in on which waterfront projects should be priorities along the Rondout Creek.

“Evaluate potential ... public access on the Rondout Creek in Sleightsburgh and Connelly, including but not limited to a new waterside park and designated area for restaurant dining and recreation,” the goals state. “Encourage and facilitate repurposing of [a] certified marina and adjacent upland areas to incorporate waterside dining, entertainment opportunities, and residential development in combination with well-organized marina and launching facilities.”

Others proposals include seeking public access to the Sturgeon Pool on the Rondout Creek through property owned by Central Hudson, making improvements to Perrine’s Bridge Park (also on the creek), and studying the feasibility of removing abandoned and submerged barges from the creek.

Recommendations for pedestrian and bicycle safety include studying ways to connect key destinations in the town. Included would be adding a bike lane to state Route 213.

Economic development would include capitalizing on the growth along the city of Kingston’s waterfront.

“Spillover from the Rondout,” consultant Matthew Rogers said. “They’re pretty much maxed out on that side. So what the town [of Esopus] wants to do is grab that [and] bring them over into Port Ewen. Look to possibly invest in revitalizing Connelly and start to really match, if not exceed, the Rondout in terms of how much entertainment and commercial opportunities that you may have on this side.”

Consultants expect to review the comments to develop a draft comprehensive plan that will be subject to public hearings in the fall.