1. Introduction and Short History

Transcription

1 1. Introduction and Short History The Town of Fort Edward, population 5,892 1, is located along 12.8 miles of Hudson River shoreline in Washington County, New York. The Town is 26.8 square miles in area and predominantly rural. Incorporated in 1755, the Village of Fort Edward, population 3,561 2, is located within the Town. The Town is 53 miles from Albany, New York, 32 miles from the Vermont state line and 16 miles from Adirondack Park access at Lake George. Fort Edward is located 6 miles off exit 17, via State Route 197 of the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87), which connects Albany and Montreal to the New York State Thruway, with service to New York City and Buffalo. NYS Route 4 passes directly through the Town and Village and acts as the main street of Fort Edward. In addition, Route 4 serves as the main thoroughfare between the Northway and the Green Mountains of Vermont, as well as the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Fort Edward s historical significance dates back nearly 15,000 years when the retreating Laurentide ice sheet created glacial lakes in the area now known as the Hudson River Valley. These glacial lakes created sand deposits on the shore and in the lakebed 3 and are now home to several communities. The sand deposits also created unique ecological population, US Census, American Fact Finder population, US Census, American Fact Finder 3 Paraphrased from Geologic History of the New York Area by the Skidmore, Saratoga Study Group at and Glacial Features of the Appalachian/Piedmont Region by the Paleontological Research Institution at 'glacial%20lake%20albany 1

2 environments like the Albany Pine Bush, as well as the arable farmland throughout the region. Rare butterfly species, such as the Pink Ladies Slipper and Karner Blue, are supported by the habitat of the Pine Bush. Archeological information revels that the area know today as Fort Edward was once known by Native Americans as Wahcoloosencoochaleva or The Great Carrying Place, due to the fact that the Hudson River becomes unnavigable at this point because of falls, rapids, and shallow waters. Native Americans of many different tribes would leave the river here at Bond Creek and travel overland with their canoes to Lake Champlain 4. Archeological evidence suggests that Native Americans were using the area as early as 4000 BC and until the 18 th century. A site reveling several prehistoric settlements was found in the area with evidence of Native Americans hunting, camping, and otherwise making use of the river 5 not only as a portage area but also a settlement; contrary to the opinion that the area had just been used as a waypoint. Historically, the Hudson River corridor has played a major role in early-american life as a strategic supply line, trade route, and area of military significance. The same natural features that led Native Americans to camp here also led to the development of several fortifications, one of those being Fort Edward. According to Archeologist Dr. David Starbuck, the first military expedition through Fort Edward was lead by Major General Fitz John Winthrop in During Queen Ann s War ( ), General Francis Nicholson ordered Albany native, General Peter Schulyer, to erect a stockade and build a 4 These 2 sentences paraphrased from the History of Fort Edward section of the Fort Edward website 5 These 2 sentences paraphrased from the Rogers Island Visitors Center website 2

3 road to Fort Ann in This fortification was known as Fort Nicholson and was later abandoned. In 1755, after the French and Indian War and Battle of Lake George, General William Johnson sent General Phinehas Lyman to build a fort at the Great Carrying Place. The post was named Fort Lyman until General Johnson renamed the fort Fort Edward on September 21, 1755 in honor of Edward, the Duke of York and Albany. In the following years the Fort was built up by adding barracks, blockhouses, guardhouses, storehouses and hospitals. During this time, Rogers Island was used as a camp for provincial soldiers and rangers. Between 1756 and 1759, Major Robert Rogers and his Rangers camped in log huts on Rogers Island. Considered by some as the most daring of British colonial forces, Robert s Rangers adopted Native American battle tactics and fought throughout New York and New England. In 1757, Major Rogers wrote a series of Ranging Rules and instructed his soldiers in the principles of forest guerilla warfare. Rogers Island became the birthplace of a very elite squad of fighters known today as the U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces, part of the U.S. Special Operations Command. In 1759 General Jeffrey Amherst gathered his army in Fort Edward to prepare for attacks upon Forts Carillon (Ticonderoga) and St. Frederic (Crown Point). According to Dr. Starbuck, after the aforementioned forts were captured, the garrison on Rogers Island [was] greatly reduced. 3

4 From the late 18 th century through the late 20th Fort Edward became an important transportation and trade hub. Once again, the un-navigability of the Hudson River north of Fort Edward was the impetus for the construction of several alternative forms of transportation--canals and railroads. The Champlain Canal was built to connect the Hudson River, which flows south to the Atlantic, with Lake Champlain which flows north into the Saint Lawrence River 6. The canal was enlarged several times and realigned to its present location just south of Rogers Island as part of the New York State Barge Canal improvements in the early 20 th Century. The canals were used to ship raw materials and finished products from New York City to points north and west. The canals set the stage for New York State to take the lead as the center for business and commerce in the United States. Upon completion of the canals, New York State earned the name the Empire State. The canal system helped Fort Edward play a major role in the production of quality earthenware known worldwide as Fort Edward Crock. The main producers of pottery in the region were the New York Stoneware Company, Ottoman Bros & Co. and Haxston & Co. Concrete manufacturers, a paper mill and a foundry were also thrived in Fort Edward due to their locations on the canal. The success of the canals in New York State was to be short lived because of an emerging technology that was rapidly connecting the nation--the railroad. The relative ease and efficiency of rail transport quickly took precedence as the main form of commercial transportation in the United States. With the speed and greater load carrying Vitesse Press, Champlain Canal Ride: The Champlain Canal Waterford to Schuylerville, New York from Rossi, Louis. Cycling Along the Canals of New York. 4

5 capacity of the railroads the canals could not compete. The Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Railway, a descendant of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Corporation, ran through Fort Edward. The Fort Edward Station was built in 1900 in the late Victorian Style along the D&H Lake Champlain Route to Montreal. Two other local stations at Altamont and Westport were built in the same style. Paper mill products, lumber, and manufactured goods flowed through the train station at Fort Edward. The D&H Railway continued to provide passenger service on this line to Canada until transfer of passenger service to the newly created AMTRAK in Today the former D&H Railway is owned by the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway and remains one of the most scenic routes in the east and is still one of the best train rides in Amtrak s timetable Challenges Faced by Fort Edward General Electric (GE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin a PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) dredging process in the year 2007 that will impact the town for the next 7 years. An influx of new residents/employees will occur as the project proceeds. GE will be hiring approximately 500 people per season to work on 7 This paragraph paraphrased from Great Railroad Stations by John Dahl at 5

6 the dredging project and while GE has made a commitment to the people of Fort Edward and its surroundings to hire local first, a lack of skills in the local work force could lead to a great number of new residents. The village restaurants and stores will see an increase in business during the project due to this influx and new businesses may open to provide services not currently available. Increased stress on the Town s infrastructure due to tractor-trailer trucks will be immense; especially in the Route 4 corridor and East Street areas which are mainly residential and have great potential for tourism. The intersection of US Route 4 and NYS Route 197(Bridge Street) is considered a major gateway for motorists entering the Village of Fort Edward coming from Interstate 87 and other locations to the west and south 8. According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) 2002 Traffic Volume Report, the average annual daily traffic (AADT) for the area from Bridge Street to McCrea Street is 15,680 vehicles per day. NYS DOT estimates that in 2005, trucks will make up 9% of daily traffic in this corridor. Considering that the NYS DOT statewide average percent of heavy vehicle traffic for the year 2002 for a Principal Urban Arterial was 6.2%, 9% is relatively high for this type of road. 9 The number of working barges great enough to potentially shut down leisure boat access to the Champlain Canal for the duration of the project. The number of boaters and train travelers to the area may slow and the restaurants and stores may see a drop in business as well. The lockings for the 2005 Season though the first week of November were Route 4 corridor management Plan Ⅱ Route 4 Corridor Management Plan Ⅱ

7 pleasure vessels and 40 commercial vessels through Lock C-7 and 1661 pleasure and no commercial vessels through Lock C-8. The normal season is approximately 200 days. This works out to approximately 9 lockings per day though C-7. The additional traffic through C-7 due to the Dewatering Site will be a maximum of 26 barge round trips within a 24 hour period. The average will be 5 to 6 barges per day round trip, which yields 10 to 12 additional lockings. 10 However, this large scale dredging operation will capture great media and scientific attention and curiosity; presenting an opportunity for Fort Edward to capitalize on its strengths in the face of these negative effects. In order for this capitalization to occur a number of issues must be dealt The Town of Fort Edward lacks communication, cooperation, and coordination with the Village of Fort Edward. With the Village directly adjacent to Rogers Island it is imperative that the Town make efforts to bring the Village on board. Most economic spin off from tourism will occur first in the Village; in addition there are a number of significant historical sites located within the Village, as is the Washington County Historical Society and the Train Station. The Town and Village residents are not included in the planning for tourism. They may have ideas and knowledge not possessed by Town/Village employees/representatives. In addition the residents need to buy into the idea of tourism and the benefits it can bring to their hometown as well as be aware of the possible side effects and mitigation measures. 10 John Callaghan, personal interview, 22 November

8 Currently the Town and Village appearance does not carry the image of a destination. A recent windshield survey along Broadway proved that the commercial strip is not living up to its potential. It was difficult to determine which buildings were in use or vacant and it was not always clear what businesses were being conducted in occupied retail structures. The Town needs to determine the image they want to project. Once Town and Village residents are bought into the plan they can begin to work with the local governments on programs to improve their community s appearance. Fort Edward lacks the strong transportation grounding required to manage an increasing number of tourists and must work to upgrade the status of its current transport conditions. Citizens and visitors require a well-planned, and maintained, system of pedestrian linkages to Rogers Island and throughout the Town. The Town must also expand its existing transportation amenities, most notably its riverside location, passenger rail connections, and the Champlain Canal. Fort Edward's built environment is currently in a state of disinvestment and underutilization that conveys a lack of appreciation for the Town s historic fabric. Fort Edward has a wealth of older structures that are a testament to the Town s unique history and that create a sense of place and identity. It is imperative that preservation efforts are thorough and commence as soon as possible as time is of the essence. 8

9 Low economic indicators The population of Fort Edward has been decreasing and aging. Over all population declined from 6,330 in 1990 to 5,892 in 2000 in the Town, and remained steady at 3,561 in the Village. County population increased from 59,330 in 1990 to 61,042 in Census data also reveals significant decreases in the population for the years age group from 1990 to The Town s percentage of population with at least a Bachelor s Degree is significantly lower than the New York State average. College-aged persons and young professionals are locating elsewhere. Many of these residents may be leaving to attain higher education and jobs that are not available in Fort Edward. At $17,201 in the Village and $17,555 in the Town, per capita income is relatively lower than the state average of $23,389.. There is very little business diversity within the Town and existing business do not appear to promote themselves. There also appears to be little action by the business community, in the Town, or the Village to attract new business. The average household in the Town spends about $23,000 each year on retail goods but unfortunately over half is being spent out of Town 12. The Town is losing a significant portion of its market in most retail categories. 11 U.S. Census Bureau, Town of Fort Edward Economic Revitalization Plan, Laberge Group 9

10 3. Cultural Heritage Tourism The Town of Fort Edward is proud of its rural character and lifestyle and would like to preserve it for future generations. Furthermore, the town would like to create a largescale heritage tourism plan. However, they feel that encouraging large numbers of tourists is a balancing act and do not want to compromise their quality of life. In the case of Fort Edward, any tourism strategy employed should promote the value of small towns and rural living. It is also imperative to diversify the town s economic development strategy, as tourism is generally seasonal unless recreational activities can be enjoyed in varying climates and weather conditions. What is Tourism? Tourism is defined as traveling for recreation or pleasure. A tourist is usually defined as a person who travels for non-business reasons more than 50 miles from and overnights away from his or her usual place of residence 13. Most travel statistics - departures and expenditures - are collected using this definition 14. Tourism is one of the worlds leading economies - accounting for 10.4% of the world s gross domestic product (GDP) and 20 Kelly, Michael Tourism Planning: What to Consider in Tourism Plan Making. American Planning Association Proceedings of the 1998 Planning Conference 14 Ibid 10

11 8.3% of employment worldwide 15. In the United States tourism is expected to generate $1,537 billion dollars of economic activity, 10.8% of USA GDP and 11.9% of total employment; this represents 25.6% of the world s market share. Demand is expected to grow by 4% per year until New York States share of the world tourism market in 2004 was million visitors (133.4 million domestic and 6.3 million international) and $38.5 billion in direct visitor spending ($31.3 billion domestic travelers and $7.05 billion international travelers) for both business and leisure 17. Tourism is not an industry of itself but a combination of: 1) Industries and small businesses - hospitality, transportation, entertainment, etc., 2) The public sector - local governments providing attractions and publicity campaigns (parks, street festivals etc.) 3) Nonprofit organizations and volunteers promoting their causes - historical museums, arts fairs, etc World Travel & Tourism Council. Progress & Priorities Report 2005/ World Travel & Tourism Council United States Travel & Tourism: Sowing the Seeds of Growth. The 2005 Travel & Tourism Economic Research D.K. Shifflet (domestic) and TIA (international) 18 Kelly, Michael Tourism Planning: What to Consider in Tourism Plan Making. American Planning Association Proceedings of the 1998 Planning Conference 11

12 In their publication Blueprint for New Tourism 19 the World Travel and Tourism Council states that in order to sustain the tourist industry three fundamental conditions be met: 1) Governments must recognize Travel & Tourism as a top priority 2) Business must balance economics with people, culture and environment 3) All parties must share the pursuit of long-term growth and prosperity. Therefore tourism needs to be considered as part of an overall economic development, growth, and environmental preservation plan for the community. The literature supporting cultural heritage tourism as an economic development strategy gives similar advice; 1) A strong sense of place must be apparent 2) Shared marketing is very important and 3) Tourism should preserve and maintain a community s distinctive fabric. 20 The many benefits of tourism include increased collection of sales and lodging taxes, which benefit the local community services and school district as well as the expansion of Civic Tourism: Tourism Toady and Tomorrow, 12

13 local business opportunities. But along with these benefits come externalities such as traffic, noise, pollution, and overcrowding. If communities are not careful these externalities can damage the very qualities people traveled to the area to experience in the first place. Research shows that the tourism markets today expect destinations to be environmentally responsible and are more interested than ever in a learning/ education experience. 21 Tourism is often sold as a cost-free form of economic development. Many Towns and cities believe people come to their Town, spend money and then leave. This perception is often false. Tourism has real costs associated with it and requires a significant financial contribution to protect and promote communities historic, environmental, and quality of life resources 22. Ford Edwards rich history and current history in the making situation involving the Hudson River and PCB s, and the attention it will garner, make it an ideal place to take advantage of the current tourism trends. Cultural Heritage Tourism Cultural Heritage Tourism is the travel to and visitation of natural, historical, cultural, and artistic institutions of a place as well as the philosophic or historical character of a place; travelers may be local, regional or foreign. Eighty percent of adult travelers in the US (over 118 million people) have included an historic or cultural activity while 21 Juneau Draft Tourism Management Plan Egret Communications and ARA Consulting pg These X sentences are excerpted from: Dononvan D. Rypkema, The Economics of Historic Preservation. Washington, DC: National Trust for Historic Preservation,

14 traveling 23. A World Tourism Organization report predicted that cultural tourism and thematic tourism (where a special interest is the motivator for travel) were two products that would be a hot trend in the next two decades 24 ( ). The historic preservation of a community coupled with the political will of key players is an essential ingredient for creating a successful heritage tourism plan. For a successful heritage tourism program to be sustained, key decisions have to be made - many which forgo short-term profits. To measure the impact of heritage tourism only on such a short-term basis forgoes a larger opportunity. The ultimate test of successful tourism occurs when the visitor decides to return to that place. It probably doesn t matter whether the visitor s desire to revisit, relocate or retire there; the wish to return someday is the test of success. A heritage visitor is not just another tourist - he or she is a visitor with a significant economic impact Demographics of Cultural Heritage Tourists Compared to the average trip in the U.S., historic/cultural trips are more likely to be seven nights or longer and include air travel, a rental car, and hotel stay. Historic/cultural travelers are also more likely to extend their stay to experience history and culture at their destination. General characteristics of the Historic Site Visitor are: Spends an average of $62 more per day than other travelers 90% come with their families 23 Travel Industry Association of America website Tourism 2020 Vision, World Tourism Organization This paragraph is excerpted from: Dononvan D. Rypkema, The Economics of Historic Preservation. Washington, DC: National Trust for Historic Preservation,

15 55% spend nights away from home 58% are employed full-time 64% are visiting the site for the first time 84% will return to visit the site again to bring others or will take more time 26 In fact, four in ten cultural heritage tourists added extra time to their trip specifically because of a historic/cultural activity. 4. Fort Edward s Strategic Location and Historic Stock Regional Recognition Fort Edward is already part of many regional programs of state and national historic significance. By accentuating its role in these larger regional programs, Fort Edward should be able to capitalize on the rich history that has surrounded the Town for the past 300 years. The region in which Fort Edward rests is rich with cultural history ranging from early agriculture and settlement to military and industrial history. Through the promotion of these programs Fort Edward would be able to promote a history that 26 This paragraph paraphrased from Dononvan D. Rypkema, The Economics of Historic Preservation. Washington, DC: National Trust for Historic Preservation,

16 encircles the Town, thereby making it possible to capitalize on the success of the region. Fort Edward can be thought of as a base camp for exploring the larger area including: Saratoga Battlefield, Lake Champlain Basin, and the Mohawk Hudson Valley. Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 27 (HRVNHA), designated in 1996, is a federally designated area whose mission is to recognize, preserve, protect and interpret the nationally significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley for the benefit of the Nation. The program has many themes that are portrayed within the Hudson River Valley including the Colonial Period, the Revolutionary War, Industrial History, and Landscape and Art. The HRVNHA is managed by the Hudson River Valley Greenway, a New York State agency and public benefit corporation created by legislation in New York State Revolutionary War Heritage Trail Heritage New York 28 was established by Governor Pataki to develop a system of thematic heritage trails, promote economic development through heritage tourism, and address the critical needs of heritage trail sites through grants and workshops. A major goal of Heritage New York is to promote heritage tourism by strengthening existing tourist destinations and fostering new ones. Through its promotional activities, signage, grants, and organizational development programs;

17 Heritage New York is assisting the efforts of individuals and organizations, as well as encouraging visitors to explore the rich heritage of New York State. The Objectives and Strategies of the Heritage Trails are to: Identify, preserve and interpret historic sites that are linked to a particular historical theme through community outreach and grant programs. Promote heritage tourism through web site, brochures, kiosks and other marketing activities. Create links among thematic properties through websites, brochures, uniform and consistent signage, and kiosks. Seek opportunities to integrate sites into local and regional tourism and recreational efforts. Foster organizational development of designated sites through workshops and consultant assistance Specifically, the Revolutionary War Heritage Trail 29 links significant historic sites throughout New York to reveal New York s decisive role in America s fight for independence. The stories behind the forts, battlefields, colonial estates, farmhouses, and urban mansions bring to life the rich Revolutionary War history of New York State. New York Independence Trail The New York Independence trail is a regional promotion effort to bring attention to the rich cultural heritage of the eastern New York region. As described on their

18 website, the New York Independence Trail provides a road map for self-guided tour of some of the most important sites of the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars going from New York City as far north as Canada. As did many of the important events of the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War, the Trail passes through For Edward. Revolutionary War Road Trip Similar to the Independence Trail, the Revolutionary War Road Trip 30 is a regional promotion effort to bring attention to the role of the region in the Revolutionary War. As does the Independence Trail, the Revolutionary War Road Trip follows US Route 4 through Fort Edward. The Road Trip, if the visitor desires, can begin in Castleton, Vermont following Route 4 and conclude in Albany, New York. As the website for the Road Trip correctly states, US Route 4 goes from Portsmouth, NH to Albany, NY, but for its last 100 miles you can find much history that dates back to three very important years in the United States struggle for independence: 1775, 1776, and On the website, a traveler can purchase a book and audio-guide to the trip. The trip specifically points out places of historical interest in Fort Edward. A tour book is available for $ Henry Knox Cannon Trail

19 The Henry Knox Cannon Trail is identified on maps and in programs promoted by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Heritage New York. The Cannon Trail traces the route taken by Major General Henry Knox and his 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Mass. The Trail follows the historic route taken by Knox as he brought cannons to George Washington just outside of Boston where they were used to force the British out of Boston. As with the other trails, it also passes directly through Fort Edward. Any tourist retracing Knox s trip will make their way into Fort Edward. New York State Canal System The New York State Canal System, which includes the historic Champlain Canal, passes directly through Fort Edward. The canal system has been recognized as a nationally significant corridor and was designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Congress as a National Heritage Area in December The Corridor runs along the historic canal from Tonawanda in western New York through the state to Whitehall on Lake Champlain. The Heritage Corridor designation applies to all 234 municipalities adjoining the 524 miles of the canal system. According to the plan for the Corridor, the purpose of its designation is to protect and preserve the historic, natural, cultural and recreational resources; interpret and educate the public about the story of the canals; foster and promote recreational opportunities; help perpetuate canal culture; market the Corridor; stimulate economic development; and foster cooperative partnerships. Also according to the plan, The National Heritage Corridor will serve as an umbrella 19

20 to unite and coordinate existing federal, state, and local plans and multiple points of view. A Revolutionary Week along the Historic Champlain Canal Similar to the Independence Trail and the Revolutionary War Road Trip, A Revolutionary Week along the Historic Champlain Canal31 is a regional promotion effort to bring attention to the role of the region in the American Revolution. This boat tour parallels the Revolutionary Day on Route 4 auto tour through Fort Edward on the water up the Hudson and into the Champlain Canal to Lake Champlain; it can be combined with the auto tour on Route 7 and 9. On the website, a traveler can purchase a book and audio-guide to the trip. As with the Revolutionary War Road Trip, the trip specifically points out places of historical interest in Fort Edward. Lakes to Locks Passage The lakes to Locks Passage is a guide for water and road travelers that connects the Hudson River with the Champlain Canal, Lake George, Lake Champlain, the Chambly Canal, the Richelieu River and the St John River in Quebec. The passage focuses on four lives of the passage natural forces & native peoples, conflict and settlement, corridor of commerce, and magnet for tourism. Fort Edward is included in this region

21 2.2.2 Historic Structures and Resources. Fort Edward is the home to the Fort House Museum, the Washington County Historical Society. The Town is full of points of historical interest spanning from times ancient to industrial. There are a number of architecturally significant structures as well as many state and national historic sites in both the town and the village. National and/or State Historic Listed Properties: 1. Champlain Canal 2. Fort Edward Delaware and Hudson Train Station 3. Fort Miller Reformed Church Complex 4. Old Fort House 5. St. James Episcopal Church 6. Glens Falls Reeder Canal Historical Markers 1. North East Bastion of Old Fort Edward 2. Great Carrying Place 21

22 3. Remains of Old Moat 4. Fort Edward 5. The Smythe House 6. Tobias Van Veghten 7. Jane McCrea Burial Site 8. State Street Burying Ground Remains of the Old Champlain Canal and Old Glens Falls Feeder Canal Various remnants of the old canal locks are found throughout the Town and Village, including two locks and one aqueduct of the old Champlain Canal and 4 locks of the old Glens Falls Feeder Canal. These and can become part of interpretive displays, parks and trails. 22

23 Creating Destination Fort Edward A) Roger s Island Create a Recreation Area on Rogers Island The Town of Fort Edward understands the importance of Rogers Island as a catalyst for both economic and tourism development in Fort Edward. The archeological and environmental sensitivity of the island, as well as its relatively undeveloped state, make the island a perfect location for a large park that residents of the Town and Village as well as visitors could enjoy. Archaeological Center and Loop Trail Because of the abundance of artifacts that have been found within Rogers Island, archaeologists also have great interests in Fort Edward. Rogers Island is already the home to an ongoing archaeological excavation. This unique attraction is a regional rarity that offers an opportunity for capturing visitors that are interested in how archaeological 23

24 excavations are performed, in addition to providing an educational experience for visitors of all ages. An archeological center with information about Rogers Rangers, the islands archeological digs, and exhibits on these items, as well as a classroom, and possible exhibit about the dredging should be located in the current Rogers Island Visitors Center. (Is this what we want to say?) A staff guided or self-guided walking tour of the island s archeological, small pox, barracks, and block house exhibits could start from the center. A hike/bike trail that loops around the entire island, passing the outdoor exhibits, needs to be created to facilitate this. An effort to provide a look out for eco-tourists interested in the dredging process should be made along the trail. In the future these can become wildlife viewing spots or areas for benches. Tying such a facility into a trail network along and within the island is an important addition to the network of attractions in the Town. The Alaska Heritage Center (see photo below) has this type of outdoor, interactive exhibit style. Pedestrian Bridges A pedestrian bridge on the northern and southern tips of the island would link the island to points east while improving accessibility to the area. A pedestrian bridge at the southern tip of the island that connects to the NYS Canal Corporation (NYSCC) 24

25 maintenance section property would allow visitors more access to the Town and Village resources. A refurbishing of the unused rail railroad bridge spans could be considered for such a passage on the north end of the island. This would allow a connection to the Village and all its historical assets. A pedestrian bridge can also be added to the 197 bridge when it is repaired. Connecting Trails A connection from the Rogers Island Loop Trail can be created to the Canalway Recreation Trail at the southern end of the island via a pedestrian bridge to the NYSCC property and then up the Champlain Canal to the Old Fort House Museum and eventually connecting with the Canalway Recreation Trail. Connecting the Canalway Recreation Trail to the Old Champlain Canal Towpath on the northern edge will bring visitors back through the Town, into the Village, and back onto the island without having to double back. Exhibits and signage about canal history and life can be displayed along these two trails. This would allow visitors to go on a longer walk and experience more of Fort Edwards Historical resources; however, a detour around the proposed industrial park would have to be found with the cooperation of local landowners. Adding a few benches for resting and areas for wildlife viewing will increase the attractiveness of the trails to visitors and locals alike. 25

26 Create a Center of Activity at the Southern Tip The southern tip of Rogers Island affords beautiful views of the surrounding area and the Hudson River. Creating a picnic area and lookout at the tip of the island will also create an activity center here. In addition; there is currently a makeshift swimming area here; upgrading the swimming area and adding a small concession stand and rest rooms will improve the attractiveness of the area. Rail-With-Trail, Amtrak Station to Rogers Island NEEDS PICTURE To improve bicycle and pedestrian access to Rogers Island, we recommend that the Town and Village undertake a comprehensive feasibility study with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) concerning a one-half mile long multi-use trail along the western edge of the Canadian Mail Line right of way from the Amtrak Station south to Rogers Island. The original D&H Railway line was two tracks wide, as is the railroad embankment and the three undergrade railroad bridges, which are between East Street and Rogers Island. This potential trail would originate on the south side of East Street and west of the existing highway-rail grade crossing. It would proceed south on the first thru-girder bridge over Canal Street the second thru-girder over Broadway, and on the deck-girder Picture # 77 26

27 bridge over the East Branch of the Hudson River. On the latter bridge, the southernmost span was removed in the past, possibly to improve the roadway vertical clearance for the Idle Hours Club access road, over which it crossed. A replacement span, capable of supporting bicycle and pedestrian loads, would be required. After crossing this replacement span, the potential trail would descend on the west side of the existing railroad embankment and connect with the proposed circumferential trail on Rogers Island. There are significant, but not insurmountable, issues for a trail adjacent to an active rail line. For example, the existing rail traffic here includes four Amtrak trains at 45 MPH and up to 12 freight trains at 40 MPH per day. With the presence of the EPA Dewatering Facility at Energy Park, the freight traffic will increase. There are also two fiber optic lines buried in the right of way and these would have to be protected. To induce CPR to consider such a trail, we suggest that an easement for the trail be granted exemption from real estate taxes by Washington County and the Fort Edward School District. The easement would have to be revocable by CPR, after due notice, in the event that capacity requirements of the Canadian Main Line in the I-87 Corridor required restoration of the second track. CPR would have to be involved throughout the process so as to address their safety, capacity and liability concerns. Other stakeholders such as abutting property owners, utility companies, law enforcement officials and residents would have to be involved as well US Department of Transportation, Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned, (Washington, DC USDOT: August 2002) 27 27

28 B. Historic Preservation Preserve Historical Structures There are many historical structures within the Town and Village of Fort Edward that are in need of restoration and/or rehabilitation. Historic homes dating as far back as the 17 th century are dispersed throughout the Town. 33 Historical homes are often amongst the prime assets in many cultural heritage programs. Rehabilitating and preserving historic homes can be a major tourist draw. In order to make Fort Edward a more desirable place to live, work, and visit we recommend that the Town and Village of Fort Edward place emphasis on its historic architecture. Restoration of most of the Town and Village structures to their original luster along with the addition of period lighting, street furniture, and upscale sidewalks and curbs would transform the area into a more desirable place. This improvement could prove to be the basis by which the tarnished image of the Town and Village of Fort Edward is burnished. The process by which historic areas are renovated is often a lengthy and sporadic process. The most pivotal first step is to decide to promulgate legislation to protect historic architecture and ensure that there will be something to restore when the market conditions propel such restoration work. The second step would be to make public 33 Town of Fort Edward Economic Revitalization Plan, Laberge Group 28

29 investment in the downtown. The third step is to promote façade improvements by the acquisition of state and federal funding. While it is probable that these steps will create a multiplier effect and prompt considerable private investment in the community, short run returns on investment could prove to be limited if macroeconomic trends do not favor increased investment in upstate communities like Fort Edward. Nonetheless we recommend that Fort Edward begin immediately by amending the Town Code to create a Historic Preservation Commission similar to that adopted by the City of Glens Falls. Establish an Advisory Committee & Preservation Commission The Town and Village should establish a joint Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation to strategize what can be done to improve the rehabilitation of Fort Edward s built environment, inform citizens about the economic benefits of historic preservation, and engage community participation/ leadership to encourage historic preservation in the Town and the Village. Once a strategy has been developed the Advisory Committee can establish a joint Historic Preservation Commission for Fort Edward that would be charged with overseeing all aspects of historic preservation in the Town and Village of Fort Edward. Build Capacity These groups will be charged with establishing a positive working relationship with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to assist the Town and Village in 29

30 creating a compatible and effective historic preservation program, as well as identifying and, when applicable, implementing State and/or Federal incentive programs for funding and assistance with historic preservation efforts. Through strategic partnerships and community wide support Fort Edward can work toward preserving its historic resources, strengthening community identity and instilling in citizens a sense of pride in their heritage. 34 Gain Certified Local Government Status The Certified Local Government (CLG) Program is a nationwide program of financial and technical assistance to help communities preserve properties significant in local history. A local government can participate in this program when the State Historic Preservation Officer certifies that the municipality has established its own historic preservation commission and a community preservation program that meets federal and state standards 35. CLG status will provide Fort Edward with an opportunity to make historic preservation an official function of local government in addition to establishing important partnerships with federal and state historic preservation organizations. By gaining CLG status Fort Edward will become eligible to apply for grants through the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Examples of grant monies awarded to CLGs related to historic preservation activities include: historic and archaeological resources surveys; nominations of properties to the National Registers of 34 Ibid. 35 New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Certified Local Government Program, New York. 30

31 Historic Places; financial assistance for historic preservation activities that support community planning efforts; local outreach and education initiatives; technical, financial and training assistance from the SHPO to achieve local preservation and revitalization objectives. Create a Historic Preservation Ordinance The adoption of a Historic Preservation Ordinance has already been recommended by the Town of Fort Edward Master Plan and we reiterate the recommendation, as well as recommend the Village adopt a compatible ordinance. The Historic Preservation Commission would be responsible for creating the Town and Villages Historic Preservation Ordinance through a public process. Accent Historic Structures through Public Works Install period lighting, benches, and bluestone or slate sidewalks. Coordinate with the NYSDOT Route 4 corridor reconstruction project. Again working together and sharing resources can make such projects easier and more cost effective for the municipalities involved. Rehabilitation of Existing Structures The joint Historic Preservation Commission should seek grants from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the NYS Department of State s Quality Communities Program, and many others to restore 31

32 these structures and enhance the Town and Village s appearance. Partnerships between local governments are looked upon very favorably when applying for financial assistance. Some examples of funding and assistance programs include: Certified Local Government Program, National Trust for Historic Preservation s National Main Street Program, Preservation League of NYS and NYS Historic Preservation Tax Incentive programs. The Main Street program in combination with the Tax Incentive programs is particularly effective in attracting individual building owners to buy into the rehabilitation of their properties Future Compatibility (Not sure this is necessary) Future development in the Town and within the Village should also be made compatible with the Towns and Villages historic character. Examples of Historic Preservation Ordinances City of Glens Falls. Proposed Local Preservation Ordinance. Creates Historic Preservation Commission to identify and designate properties. No exterior alterations allowed with Seal of Appropriateness. Has hardship exemption and incentive plan. 32

33 City of Beacon. Historic District and Landmark Overlay Zone. No exterior alteration without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the Planning Board or certificate of economic hardship from the Zoning Board. Historic Preservation Area has designated allowed uses. In addition to creating the Historic District Beacon also passed local law demanding re-conversion of former storefront into storefronts from residential units. Village of Fishkill Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. Individual properties can be identified and added on ad hoc basis. Historic Preservation Area has designated allowed uses. To do renovations need certificate of appropriateness and there is an allowance for economic hardship. City of Newburgh Architectural Review Commission. No changes in any exterior architectural feature allowed without prior visual site plan approval by the Architectural Review Commission. District outlined by view corridors. Town of Rhinebeck Historic Building Protection Law. Defines which buildings are historic. Need to make special application before removing or demolishing a historic building. 33

34 C. Train Station Develop the Train Station and Adjoining Parcels The Canadian Main Line, carrying both freight and passengers, run through the Town of Fort Edward, offering the town some great opportunities. The train station in Fort Edward remains and untapped resource for the town and should be restored as a key element of the town s transportation system. Rail remains a popular choice for travel, especially for tourists. The station, and its surrounding area, should be restored to an attractive and desirable condition and should be promoted as a door into the town. Annually, CPR s US Holiday Train stops at Fort Edward, and for the 45 minute Christmas Concert, the Train Station area is bustling with activity again. Complete Renovation of Train Station and Open it to the Public Perform interior renovations to provide waiting areas. Sublet small portion to concession stand to sell newspaper, coffee, bagels, etc., or provide rental spaces for a weekly farmers market, vendors, cafes, and/or snack shops. This will provide public amenity and use the train station to showcase the tourist opportunities in the area. Concession space may be leased for income or in exchange for maintenance services. A significant sum of money has already been spent renovating the structure. Not completing its renovation reflects poorly on the Town. Since it is a registered historic structure, additional grant monies may be available. Approximate cost $100,000 - $300,000. Restore Freight Building Adjacent to Rail Station 34

35 This building has sufficient square footage to be used in part for exhibition space and/or a meeting space. This meeting space could be lined with documents from the dredging and used as a research facility for those interested in studying the process. This facility would also be large enough to hold meetings with the various parties during the dredging. Until the dredging is complete perhaps GE would be willing to pay rent on the structure, since the village will need to dedicate sufficient storage space to files relevant to the project. The structure could also provide exhibition space, which can be used for various collections that highlight the history of the area. Possibly archeological finds from Roger s Island Area, Roger s Rangers, or GE could be stored or displayed here. The proximity of the structure to the proposed parking for the train station and walking tour will help insure that exhibit is viewed on a fairly regular basis. Restoration work would include replacing gutters, installation of new windows and doors, insulation of structure throughout, installation of direct vent gas heating and cooling units, wall finishing, flooring and ceiling within. This would also involve modest site improvements including rails, steps, outside decking, and small plantings. Approximate cost $275,000. Provide Parking Adjacent to Freight Building. Free long-term parking may invite more people to use the Village and Town as a layover location, due to proximity to the train station and Route 4. This would also give the Town a location for events such as farmer s market, craft s fair, car shows, etc.; it can also be a 35

36 location for the park and walk program described in section as the train station is one location where the walking tour should begin/end. The parking area currently used for the storage of roll-off containers by Waste Management should be reconfigured. This area is currently being leased by Waste Management for $1,000 /month. Incentives should be offered for Waste Management to relocate to the industrial park after the dredging project is completed and forego revenue to install attractive plantings, curbing, signage, and new pavement. Approximate cost $95,000. Install a Section of Track to Display Historic D&H Locomotive and Passenger Car. Replace s short section of track adjacent to the Freight house Platform, between the Freight House and the Train Station. Partner with the Mohawk-Hudson Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Display three early D&H diesel locomotive and a 1920 s D&H passenger coach. This display, combined with historic railroad displays in the Train Station, would encourage railroad enthusiasts to visit Fort Edward. 36