The City of Amsterdam’s Waterfront Heritage area has been designated a Brownfield Opportunity Area by New York State. Amsterdam was one of 12 areas announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday to receive the designation. The city was the only recipient of the designation in the Mohawk Valley and the Capital District region.
The state program provides tax incentives for businesses and developers with projects within the area, and makes available funding and technical assistance to the city. The area encompasses both the north and south side of the city’s waterfront area, including the old Chalmer’s property, Bridge Street and Main Street.
According to the state press release, the goals of the area include strengthening the downtown’s commercial core and tax base with new residential commercial, and office uses and establishing a better connection between the north and south downtown areas.
The key recommendations contained in the city’s application include the redevelopment of the old Chalmers site, extension of streetscape improvements, installation of a high-quality telecommunications infrastructure, relocation of the Amsterdam Train Station into the downtown area, and the creation of a “Restaurant Row” which would featured various restaurants that celebrate the diverse ethnicity of the community.
The planning for the application to the programs has been ongoing for over a year. A meeting for the public to add it’s input on the project was held back in December 2014.
On Monday, Mayor Michael Villa said he was pleased with the announcement and would be providing more details as to how the city would proceed in the coming weeks.
