{"id":1702,"date":"2017-04-08T16:36:01","date_gmt":"2017-04-08T16:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.simpletwig.com\/blog\/?p=1702"},"modified":"2017-04-15T21:41:18","modified_gmt":"2017-04-15T21:41:18","slug":"newburgh-ny-a-case-study-in-urban-revitalization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simpletwig.com\/blog\/newburgh-ny-a-case-study-in-urban-revitalization\/","title":{"rendered":"Newburgh, NY, a Case Study in Urban Revitalization."},"content":{"rendered":"

It isn\u2019t enough to talk about buildings, or streetscapes, or general urban planning directions to achieve success. One has to understand that it is imperative to provide opportunity and positive attitudes in Newburgh in order to attract \u2018new money\u2019 and investment in the community, ideally translating into new residents who can help sustain the economic minimums for individual households and thus result in new sales and property tax income for the city. \u00a0Without a change of attitude especially with regards to violent crime including burglary (which undermines a sense of security) people will not feel safe and thus will not risk their own lives to live in Newburgh. \u00a0This isn\u2019t to say Newburgh isn\u2019t filled with so many wonderful people, festivals, events and even a symphony. \u00a0It\u2019s to say that the urbanism of\u00a0the CBD is clearly suffering and needs the kind of focus to make the kind of change happen that will help those who feel stuck in what is sometimes referred to the Newburgh slums. \u00a0References to \u2018slums\u2019 must stop, and those who use the term should be informed to understand how it is doing more harm to families living in those communities than doing good for the sense of \u2018coolness\u2019.<\/p>\n

<\/b><\/h1>\n

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW<\/b><\/h1>\n

The following series of proposals are made to yield the greatest positive impact on a broken city while spending the least money, in order to affect positive change that in itself will help supplement funding for more robust proposals and positive change. It is understood that in this case study of Newburgh, NY, the city has little funding available partly to do with basic city planning which is draining the city (because of inefficiency of layouts and higher than normal maintenance required) as well as economic depression. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore the following are proposals to trigger further development, remove the \u2018scary overtones\u2019 of urban blight and reduce its maintenance draw without costing the city significant funding, while setting up the city for future success. If successful, by triggering further development, renovations, and generating sales tax and other funding the following programs will pay for themselves and provide financial means\u00a0for more aggressive urban and social buttressing. \u00a0The alternative, despite sporadic efforts by individuals with flips and\u00a0renovations, will potentially be the further decline of the city and the potential flight of more citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BACKGROUND:<\/b><\/p>\n

Someone unique is the basic layout of Newburgh, with a very wide main street (Broadway) which I refer to as \u2018The Strip\u2019. \u00a0The downtown being the portion of the Strip closest to the river. It is also unique in that it is a 3 sided city with the Hudson making up the 4th side. Considering its size of 28,000 \u00b1 residents it does not have a town square to mark the center but instead relies on the Strip. \u00a0Despite its small size, it has the hallmarks of a larger city in that there are surrounding residential communities, the poor essentially being left in the city center, which is unique as usually the poor are in an area to one side of a city center. \u00a0But this offers a unique opportunity, that the poor can be integrated into the revitalization of the center and thus become the backbone for its success, if the transition is handled properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Broadway,<\/a>
Broadway, Newburgh, NY’s main street. A super wide street which is ultimately pedestrian and retail hostile.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a city, Newburgh, NY is not in a unique situation. Cities across America during the 1950\u2019s sought to encourage development by tearing down their dated downtowns (urban renewal). \u00a0While I could, and have, write a thesis on why this approach failed so miserably, essentially because it ignored the human psyche and knew nothing of how to cater to the way people think, it should be understood that the approaches herein do address the human way of thinking about the world around them. \u00a0With that in mind, one could draw from this outline for so many cities whose core has been eroded by renewal ideology, or by some other factor like loss of jobs, to reinvigorate their city as a place to be and live. <\/span><\/p>\n

For this study, I chose Newburgh, partly because of its high crime rate for such a small city, but also because it holds so many architectural, regional, federal park and city park assets and gems. \u00a0It\u2019s hard to imagine how such a city could find its CBD (central business district) suffering so harshly as exhibited by high crime, low income, boarded up houses, broken streets and empty lots. \u00a0Urban renewal, the tearing down of larger buildings to hopefully entice larger more modern buildings and businesses did little but leave large scars and a significant loss of jobs and downtown pedestrian activity, not to mention the loss of character.<\/span><\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t enough to talk about buildings, or streetscapes, or general urban planning directions to achieve success. One has to understand that it is imperative to provide opportunity and positive attitudes in Newburgh in order to attract \u2018new money\u2019 and investment in the community, ideally translating into new residents who can help sustain the economic minimums for individual households and thus result in new sales and property tax income for the city. \u00a0Without a change of attitude especially with regards to violent crime including burglary (which undermines a sense of security) people will not feel safe and thus will not risk their own lives to live in Newburgh. \u00a0This isn\u2019t to say Newburgh isn\u2019t filled with so many wonderful people, festivals, events and even a symphony. \u00a0It\u2019s to say that the urbanism of\u00a0the CBD is clearly suffering and needs the kind of focus to make the kind of change happen that will help those who feel stuck in what is sometimes referred to the Newburgh slums. \u00a0References to \u2018slums\u2019 must stop, and those who use the term should understand how it is doing more harm to families living in those communities than doing good for the sense of \u2018coolness\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u2018little suggestions as noted herein\u2019 will combine their results with \u2018already underway efforts\u2019 that are renovating existing structures, to combine and effect a stronger surge of change that will trigger its own momentum and sustainability, tipping the balance towards a city of sustainability and desirability. \u00a0The city, as designed, was not sustainable unless change to modify its functionality is enacted quickly (to remove unnecessary strain), and now is the time, considering the current efforts being made, to capitalize on the momentum that is happening (a partial list of current programs is listed herein).<\/p>\n

Changing Attitudes:<\/b> \u00a0It is crucial to affect real change with the weakest link of the population by teaching them the vast variety of avenues towards financial success. \u00a0The approach \u00a0(one that is fundamental to house, street and neighborhood success) towards financial independence should be communicated to renters, homeowners and absentee landlords:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018owning a home is like having a piggy bank… for every dollar that is paid on a mortgage it is a dollar put in your own bank. Yes, your house or your parents house is like a bank. \u00a0If you improve your home you can increase that dollar from 1 dollar to 4 dollars and thus make a lot of money. \u00a0This can be accomplished with your own time, by repairing, painting and cleaning the parts of your bank that need attention, and, encouraging your neighbors to do the same.\u2019 \u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This is a lesson that most people do not understand until it is explained to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as one is addressing the human factor, one must address the weakest links of the built urban environment which is covered herein.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to integrate all or most of the proposals, in order to effect an interlacing self-supporting effect and thus reinforcing impact that can be felt not only by those who call the city center their home, but by the entire region. \u00a0Call Chuck Schumer and other representatives to secure funding, to be supplemented as taxable income increases through the programs themselves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

The following is a robust multi-prong approach towards effecting real change in the shortest amount of time and at the least amount of financial burden to a city.<\/b> \u00a0They are NOT in order of priority. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This study is non-commissioned, and thus may have silly mistakes like incomplete sentences or other incomplete thoughts. If you find such an error, please identify the number where you spot something confusing or incomplete so I can take steps to correct it. I consider this to be\u00a0a work in progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for taking an interest. All comments and suggestions are welcome. Please show some appreciation!<\/span><\/p>\n

Nicholas Buccalo, Architect. April 7, 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

01<\/b><\/h1>\n

ZONING, CODE, LANDMARKS<\/b><\/h1>\n

1a ZONING PLANTING INCENTIVE:<\/b><\/p>\n

Problem:<\/b> Streets without trees look desolate, hot, uninviting. Adding street trees is the easiest and cheapest way to make a street look better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution: <\/b>For every 100 trees plus guard fence (around tree pit) planted in a depressed\u00a0neighborhood, a bonus of \u2018x\u2019 amount of square footage is added to the allowable FAR (floor area ratio). \u00a0This bonus of square footage might be the thing that spurs developers to invest in a new building. Developers naturally try to maximize square footage, because the cost of the footings and roof stays about the same, yet an added floor can help secure their financial investment. \u00a0Offering a bonus helps give them the confidence that their investment will be secured.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trees must be planted on side streets running from Broadway (City Center) as space is available. \u00a0This is part of the \u2018linking\u2019 proposal noted herein. This effort should be coordinated with the \u2018narrow street program\u2019 (see below) which seeks to widen sidewalks, reduce the amount of asphalt, and create front yards. \u00a0Smaller flowering front yard trees are allowed as a substitute for a sidewalk tree if homeowner agrees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Incentives to build:<\/strong> Besides the spectacular views Newburgh offers, other programs listed herein could be part of FAR incentives, or some other tradeoff to help assist in realizing the many important components needed to buttress a changing city in such a way to ensure its functionality and vitality well into the future.<\/p>\n

Zoning Incentives Cost:<\/strong> Clearly many of the\u00a0incentives noted here do not cost the city anything but changing the Zoning, and accepting both the benefits to the city (more people, more taxable income, a filled-in urban environment, avenues for success for its citizens) as well as the resulting massing of a building.<\/span><\/p>\n

In order for these incentives to be known, the city would have to advertise them in some way, starting with the city website.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1b ZONING TO AVOID OFFICE PARK TYPE BUILDINGS:<\/b><\/p>\n

The goal<\/b> is to help new structures fit into the fabric of the city, to enhance the building itself, and preserve the sidewalk experience. \u00a0There\u2019s nothing worse than having to walk an entire block with no pedestrian activity in the building. The other goal is to prevent the feeling of a suburban office park or storage facility park which would have a negative psychological impact on the cohesiveness of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

Problem:<\/b> While new structures, especially offices, institutions, academic buildings are all welcome, be sure to avoid \u2018the killing of the street activity\u2019 and, \u2018the creation of an office park sensibility to the disposition of buildings\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution:<\/b> New buildings need to define the street wall, or provide a public space that is a defined urban space, or provide some acceptable relationship to the street, and, provide some retail space and glass transparency like display windows (not to say a solid brick wall can\u2019t be aesthetically pleasing or should be prevented).<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1c PRO-ACTIVE PERMITS, CODE INSPECTIONS, and other APPROVALS:<\/b><\/p>\n

Problem<\/b>: for many projects, just the process of getting permits, approvals, inspections can slow and even kill a renovation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/b>: it is imperative that inspectors and enforcers take a proactive stance with Contractors, Architects and Engineers to help \u2018during the design process\u2019 to make sure the project goes smoothly and quickly, making projects in Newburgh easier to accomplish and thus an incentive for homeowners, developers, contractors and professionals to take on a project and even do more renovations. This should be advertised.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1d HISTORICAL BUILDINGS\/DISTRICT PROJECTS:<\/b><\/p>\n

While the exterior of existing buildings should try to remain historical, this should NOT be a straight-jacket attitude (until the tide has turned), that is, if a solution can be shown to enhance the visual appearance of an existing building and thus express \u2018new blood\u2019 in the city (showing vitality in much the same way these structures showed when they were first built) and thus encourage development over historical accuracy, then it should be accepted and encouraged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is possible for a city to have too many Landmarked buildings, if the city is unable to sustain itself. \u00a0<\/span>This doesn\u2019t refer to National Monuments, or significantly historical structures,<\/span> but to a house or building which is more plain in its character and whose renovation would outweigh the need to make the front door historically accurate, because there is an acute need for taxes to support the city, and, mixed income housing projects and viable retail spaces. \u00a0Right now Newburgh needs viably financially strong options in order to sustain itself and provide the opportunity to revitalize Landmarks buildings in the future. \u00a0This idea is especially relevant in Landmark Neighborhoods.<\/span><\/p>\n

My own attitude: a strong community has people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. The same is true for neighborhoods. \u00a0While some streets can represent the comradery of a group of peers to create a special effect, so to can one embrace a diversity of age. \u00a0In fact one can say some of the most special moments of interaction are when a grandparent shares their wisdom with a child. The contrast between new and old can make each \u2018read\u2019 as being special.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1e DISTRICT OR LANDMARKS RESTRICTIONS TO DEVELOPMENT:<\/b><\/p>\n

What are the boundaries and restrictions of the East End Historic District, and, are their other Landmarks restricted properties or districts? \u00a0This component of this outline is more of a question as I do not know the particulars of Newburgh. It extends 1d above.<\/span><\/p>\n

Problem:<\/b> while landmarks can preserve the heritage of a thriving city, it can thwart development due to its cost, unless funding is private or funded by some program\/grant. \u00a0It\u2019s not to say buildings shouldn\u2019t be restored, it just that providing the economic vitality of the city that can then support the extra investment of landmarked buildings should be a priority. \u00a0Once the tide is turned, then developers will naturally want to be a part of the growth and prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1f ONE-TWO-THREE FAMILY PROPERTIES:<\/b><\/p>\n

Problem<\/b>: The restrictions for creating a 3 family can make it not feasible for a homeowner, yet the extra income of a second apartment in a owner occupied home could make all the financial difference to keep the house in perfect maintenance for decades to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/b>: If the 2nd & 3rd floors use a separate entrance\/exit than the 1st floor which has it\u2019s own entrance\/exit, treat the 2nd & 3rd floors as a 2 family, if, a 2 hour fire separation can be created between the lowest level and the levels above (double continuous sheetrock plus fireblocking throughout the cavities of the ceiling). \u00a0This would imply that there are no stairs or mechanical pipes running from the 1st floor through the fire barrier between the floors. \u00a0The addition of interconnected fire alarm for all floors to alert all residents of a fire\/smoke condition. \u00a0This implies that only the ground floor can be separate, and not the 3rd floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

As per page 58 of the Newburgh Master Plan (see reference link at end) the \u2018First Time Homeowners\u2019 face a financial problem when purchases a single family (or two family) home. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rental income should ideally cover the mortgage, taxes and maintenance, or at least cover 50% of the costs. \u00a0If one can afford a single family home, there is an incentive to move out of the city in order to: be safe, get a garage, get a yard, have more quiet, not live on top of your neighbors. \u00a0Therefore, multi-family dwellings are more likely, but one who is considering the renovation of a owner occupied multi-family dwelling has to cover the cost of extra bedrooms, baths, kitchen and entrances in order to make this situation work for a building. \u00a0The idea that one rental apartment will make a financial difference is stretching the financial equation. \u00a0If anything, one apartment only covers the expense of the apartment itself, over a 10 year period, before any financial benefit is felt by the homeowner. Two rental apartments, along with the owner occupied apartment (a 3 family) helps the owner achieve financial stability quicker if not burdened with the expenses of fire-escapes or sprinklers or other multiple dwelling requirements. \u00a0Again, if 2 units are completely separated from the 3rd, neither safety or financial burden is sacrificed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1g HOUSING PROJECTS (NO):<\/b><\/p>\n

The City of Newburgh should reject any new construction that:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Looks like cheap a housing project, made for low income people, made so cheap via details and character that it falls apart within 10 years thus adding to the segregation, degradation and demise of the city.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Should avoid any project that segregates people by class, but instead seeks to integrate people of different incomes. \u00a0By doing so, market rate housing can help support, maintenance wise, housing that is subsidized. \u00a0Further, those who are most vulnerable will feel secure and be more likely to succeed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    I have seen cities so desperate to allow 2 or 3 story suburban type apartment buildings get built in their city center. \u00a0This has a devastating effect on the character of a city and must be avoided. \u00a0Instead, just maintain the grass of a lot and provide incentives for the construction of real buildings that achieve a character which reinforces the CBD as an active and vital city.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    1h GAS STATIONS NEAR CITY CENTER or ON MAJOR APPROACHES:<\/b><\/p>\n

    New gas stations should not be along any portion of \u2018The Strip\u2019 or within blocks of \u2018The Strip\u2019, or in residing inside residential neighborhoods, in order to maintain the quality of a charming city center. \u00a0This is a general suggestion that should require the review of zoning maps to ensure the alien quality of a gas station does not land at an important intersection. \u00a0If old gas stations have been abandoned and they lie in this area, they should be cleaned and removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Gas Stations, despite the clear need for them, can be devastating to the image of a city. \u00a0While they need to be accessed in a convenient way for motorist and even visually accessible from a distance, they need to be marginalized to avoid any negative impact they create naturally. This is true for automotive repair shops as well. \u00a0No one wants to live next to an automotive repair shop and it will kill the value of that land that is adjacent to it. \u00a0In fact it is so effective at killing land value that often they will spread out, taking over residences and defining an entire area. \u00a0In this respect, the definition of an area for motor vehicle servicing, the city should try to encourage an area that can be identified as \u2018for service\u2019 that will have the least impact on residential or the retail community.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    1i PARKING LOTS NEAR CITY CENTER or ON MAJOR APPROACHES:<\/b><\/p>\n

    Parking lots that allow vehicles to park in front of a building, like those on S. Robinson Avenue near S. William Street should not be allowed as they are \u2018character killers\u2019. \u00a0Instead parking should be either perpendicular to a road or behind the business building. \u00a0Buildings should be near the sidewalk or within 10 feet to offer a plaza. \u00a0Considering S. Robinson Avenue is a critical avenue into the city it is unfortunate that the current situation was allowed (because it defines the character of the city to all those who drive past it), but zoning can prevent it from happening in the future. \u00a0In the end, removing parking from the front of a building does two positive things for the business:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. They make seeing the business easier (since you don\u2019t have to look past cars, vans or trucks which creates visual chaos) and thus the identity of the business easier and more memorable, and,<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. They make finding the entrance to parking easier and thus make the business seem more accessible. \u00a0Often times the only indicator of a parking entrance is the curb cut. \u00a0This parking entrance would be visually reinforced if the parking was perpendicular to the street as long as it didn\u2019t extend beyond the building front (yes people can walk a little, it\u2019s good for their heath).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      1j HOUSE & CITY STREET LIGHTING:<\/b><\/p>\n

      Two things can have the greatest public perception of a town or city. \u00a0The number of trees along streets (already mentioned), and proper lighting.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Problem: <\/b>Normal lighting often leaves the light source visible to the human eye. \u00a0This not only creates glare, but also creates night blindness (the inability to see in dark areas) and through contrast between bright and dark, makes dark areas difficult to see into. \u00a0Further, bright lights that are visible create dark shadows further enhancing stark contrasts. \u00a0Essentially the human eye can not adjust between bright light and darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution 1: <\/b>House lights\/fixtures need to be can type fixtures where the light bulb is not visible to 4 feet above the closest sidewalk. \u00a0This can be encouraged and then enforced over a 3 to 5 year period. \u00a0This allows light to bounce around to illuminate other areas, and prevents the eye from being exposed to \u2018night blindness\u2019 glare. \u00a0All bulbs should be \u2018warm\u2019 and LED. \u00a0Cool lights clearly do not make for a warm, cozy environment, the kind one would expect in a nice residential environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Like a lack of trees, cool glaring lighting can be harsh to a human, and clearly be an uninviting quality. Besides the cost of the fixture, the requirement of warm LED lighting can actually help homeowners reduce their electric bill, and effectively make the neighborhood safer by making it easier to see people at night (if a person is standing in front of a glaring light bulb, it is impossible to see their face unless there is light shining on the face. \u00a0Without the glare, reflective light has a chance to illuminate the face).<\/span><\/p>\n

      I have taken extra time to explain this, as most people especially those without any professional experience think that having an exposed light will help light up an entire area. The glare, combined with our iris which needs time to close or open, has an effect that can create night blindness. \u00a0Glare must be prevented and written into the zoning. \u00a0Exceptions only for Landmarked buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution 2: (If and when street lights are replaced) <\/b>Street Lights need not extend their light to 10 feet beyond the \u2018opposite side of the street\u2019 sidewalk, nor extend 60 feet in either direction along the length of a street, or where the effects of two street lights overlap. \u00a0Light shining on buildings that are on the same side of the street need not illuminate above the 1st floor (not into the 2nd floor windows) as often the front of the house contains the sleeping quarters and might result in people pulling blinds down 24\/7. \u00a0Therefore street light should have baffles to contain the light, prevent glare and focus their energy in a way that illuminates their area and facilitates light bounce off surrounding surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Without the glare of \u2018naked\u2019 lightbulbs shining in people\u2019s eyes, the light will have a chance to bounce onto other surfaces and create a much more pleasant experience to view at night. \u00a0It will also avoid \u2018black shadows and dark corners\u2019 where someone can hide, thus making visibility much easier and safer.<\/span><\/p>\n

      When one drives down a street, especially on a raining night, light glare from streetlights can have a huge negative effect on our ability to see what is on the road. <\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"newburgh-hudson\"<\/a><\/p>\n

      1k Million Dollar Views:<\/strong> Newburgh is in a unique position in that it actually does offer million dollar vistas, created by both the Hudson Valley and River, but also by the elevated position of Newburgh itself. \u00a0Zoning along the bluffs should take advantage of this, and not be used for manufacturing (or play a much smaller non-intrusive role). \u00a0That is, the river front and slopes are prime locations for residential. \u00a0Given the goal of higher prices, if that means gated residential so be it. \u00a0This does not imply not having overlooks and\/or promenade for the public to enjoy the best views down, across and up the valley. \u00a0Clearly the views of the Hudson Valley are better than any park one could design and build. This area should be built up to maximize the land value.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      02<\/b><\/h1>\n

      TRANSPORTATION & STREETSCAPE<\/b><\/h1>\n

      TRANSPORTATION proposal:<\/b><\/p>\n

      The following are zoning, planning and maintenance ideas, unless stated otherwise.<\/b><\/p>\n

      2a MAJOR ROADS:<\/b> The city should explore better connections from the town center to the highway, especially from manufacturing zoned lots. \u00a0I understand that certain inner city streets are extra wide to accommodate semi-trucks, but they do not need to be as wide as they are. This is not an incentive convincing enough to have a manufacturer move their operations to Newburgh especially if the result is additional blight.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution 1:<\/b> S. Robinson Avenue is an important street, yet the curbs and width seem incomplete as I will assume there are large parking crowds for games in the adjacent park which could impede flowing traffic. At its intersection with Broadway, dedicated turn lanes should be more significant as should the entire intersection, to reinforce its importance to the city center and links (the impression of the growing and developing city to the most people possible).<\/span><\/p>\n

      Considering its importance, S. Robinson Avenue should be tree lined, enough to create a positive impression while driving down the avenue, with large enough gaps to allow for visual connection to businesses (about 1 for every 60 feet).<\/p>\n

      Curb cuts on opposite sides of the street along S. Robinson Avenue (or similar) should align, and on the same side, if necessary combine with adjacent lots (rather than 2 adjacent curb cuts for two businesses), to eliminate excessive curb cuts which are distracting and confusing to motorists, and, create a hazard to pedestrians.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution 2:<\/b> Major entrances into the district of the city must be properly maintained, including grass strips, fencing, curbs, straightness of signs and poles, all to reinforce a positive message to those entering the city. \u00a0Not doing this is not providing a good \u2018first impression\u2019 and reinforces a negative attitude towards the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

      https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/@41.4932031,-74.0220687,3a,75y,331.55h,81.19t\/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shSTLTFpCqFIBRPNAXAXAHA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

      Solution 3:<\/b> Major Roads: Connect Water Street with Broadway to complete the connection to the waterfront (secondary access is not good enough), and reinforce major connection routes with beautification efforts (no trash, no weeds). \u00a0This will reinforce an impression of the city as being well maintained with the greatest number of passing vehicles, and encourage people to enter the city and spend money on lunch or whatever.<\/span><\/p>\n

      It should be understood that without taking steps to ensure the implementation of improvements now, that when the opportunity to rebuild a major street arises those important concepts can be forgotten and not implemented. \u00a0Therefore regulations must be set now.<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      2b WATERWAY<\/b>: Besides the ferry to the MTA, Newburgh must explore other paths to West Point and perhaps even to NYC itself (if it can be shown to be faster than the MTA stopping at every town).<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution: (Newburgh Express) <\/b>While a bit far fetched, a consistent and fast access from one major point into and out of Newburgh, with no slow-down stops in between, will automatically make Newburgh a viable option to live. \u00a0Commute time IS a factor in people\u2019s minds as to whether they are willing to move to a community.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution 2:<\/b> Bus Newburgh Express. The same idea as the express waterway, but using bus service. The important thing is to guarantee as fast service to Newburgh as a city that is closer to NYC or West Point, i.e. has not intermediate stops.<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      2c RECREATION<\/b>: is there any reason there isn\u2019t more water recreation sports on the Hudson including a beach, considering it\u2019s width at Newburgh? \u00a0Often an active waterfront can be seen by people \u2018on the other shore\u2019 and attract visitors and perhaps new residents. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution<\/b>: Starting with flags, tents or other soft and inexpensive structures, the city should do all it can to improve the appearance of Newburgh from the perspective of the East side of the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Bus, North Side Route: Needs to be broken into two, with the same bus. \u00a0First the Broadway \u2018river route\u2019 which loops back to Broadway, then the bus leaves the center of the strip for the other portions of the North side. \u00a0This will bring the bus back to Broadway twice as much and provide riders with a quicker ride to their destination (rather than sitting on the bus they will wait on Broadway for the right trip, thus keeping pedestrians on \u2018the strip\u2019, win win) (page 93 Master Plan).<\/span><\/p>\n

      This study acknowledges current efforts to improve the waterfront and waterfront district, from major planning to the recent flower sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Problem\/Solution:<\/b> While new businesses spread out away from downtown Newburgh, there should be signs pointing to the direction of \u2018Downtown Newburgh, this way\u2019 to encourage people to connect. The path from the highway off-ramps to downtown should be easy to navigate and encourage people, and businesses, to go there. \u00a0(this is connected to the importance of a rotary at each end of the \u2018strip\u2019).<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      2d ROADS: Broadway \u2018the strip\u2019: \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

      Problem: This road as configured is pedestrian hostile, doesn\u2019t not encourage driver visitation (the double lane promotes passage through and not meandering\/exploring), does not encourage walking, does not encourage people visiting stores on opposite side of road.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solution: <\/b><\/p>\n