New Paltz wise to update plan

Editorial Poughkeepsie Journal February 23, 2006

Village of New Paltz Mayor Jason West made a name for himself by holding ceremonies for same-sex couples, but lately he has been spending his time on more mundane matters, such as the village's land-use code. It might not get him many headlines but his focus is critical to the future of the village.
New Paltz officials intend to update the village's master plan, a guide to how the municipality should grow in the years ahead. A volunteer master plan review committee has been working on the issue.
The village already has a vibrant downtown, aided by the presence of the State University of New York campus. But it has basic infrastructure limitations — specifically water and sewer capacities — that put a strain on village services.

Several office buildings are being constructed on Main Street just east of the downtown hub, and this is a positive development. Far from perpetuating sprawl, these buildings will be located in "in-fill" areas, that is, in pockets of spaces where there are adjoining buildings. And a large supermarket is being built on land that once was home to the Ames department store in a key plaza on Main Street.

Still, the village does have several areas where it could expand its business district. North Chestnut Street, just off Main Street, is one logical place. So is Route 32 north, which provides an entrance to the village from Rosendale and Kingston. The Route 32 corridor could certainly be more attractive. Aside from mostly old businesses, there are some boarded-up structures and open parcels that could be developed, perhaps with stores on the ground floors and apartments above. This would expand the village's "walkable" feel.
Like many Hudson Valley communities, New Paltz continues to grow and is struggling with how to do so wisely. The village's master plan hasn't been updated for more than 10 years, so the time is right to shape a new look for the future.

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