The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway is reviewing and updating our corridor management plan (CMP). As a part of this process we will be seeking public comment and suggestions through a series of virtual public workshops starting on May 4 from at 7 PM. The workshops will continue with the second on May 25 at 7 PM and on June 15 at 10 AM.
The first workshop will focus on the eastern portion of the corridor including Cohoes, Waterford, and parts of the Towns of Colonie and Halfmoon. The second on May 25 will focus on the western portion of the Byway including the towns of Niskayuna, Glenville, and the city of Schenectady. The third and final session June 15 will focus on the central portion of the Byway including the Towns of Halfmoon, Colonie, and Clifton Park.
The general public is welcome and encouraged to attend any one or all of these workshop sessions. To participate telephone 518-406-8610 and leave a message with your contact information, or visit www.mohawktowpath.org and register, or drop a note to the Mohawk Towpath Byway, P O Box 90, Clifton Park, NY 12065. We will provide further information on a variety of ways to participate in the workshop discussions.
The Mohawk Towpath Byway is a series of local, county and state highways that follow the historic route of the Erie Canal between Schenectady and Waterford/Cohoes in upstate New York. As one travels the Byway you unlock the story of the Mohawk River, Erie Canal, the waterway west and the part our communities played in the westward expansion of the country and the Industrial Revolution.
“Our original Corridor Management Plan, adopted in 2002, has served us well, guiding us to success on many levels. It is our hope that the updated plan will provide a community roadmap for the next 20 years and beyond,” says Eric Hamilton, Executive Director for the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition.
“We are hoping to have ideas and suggestions from a broad cross section of businesses and not-for-profits that serve the Capital Region Area,” emphasizes Peter Bardunias of the Capital Region Chamber. “Of particular interest are those who cater to visitors to the area as well as those in our communities to make this a better place to live, work, and play.”
“Thousands of hours of volunteer time on the Mohawk Towpath Byway has paid off in contributing an enhanced quality of life to our neighbors and visitors. Our corridor management plan provides direction for this effort. As we improve the visitor experience we also make our communities more livable, with better access to recreational opportunities, cultural attractions, and our natural environment,” adds Larry Syzdek who chairs the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition.
“This area is steeped in history,” says Paul Olund, President of the Friends of the Mohawk Towpath Byway. “In fact compared to the other 184 Nationally Scenic Byways ours has been referred to as the short byway with a long history!”
