What is a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)?

 

A LWRP is a comprehensive land and water use plan developed by local municipalities under the authorization of the NYS Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act. The LWRP defines a vision for a community’s waterfront, identifies specific projects and policies to encourage environmental protections, foster economic development, and improve public access to the waterfront, and outlines implementation techniques to achieve that vision.

 

Examples of LWRP projects include:

 

• Beach enhancements

• Boat launch development/improvement

• Flood control

• Historic preservation

• Infrastructure enhancements

• Marinas

• Park, recreation and access improvements

• Projects to redevelop underused or deteriorated areas and sites

• Road repair

• Signage - directional and information

• Site development

• Stream bank stabilization

• Streetscape enhancements

• Trails and walkways

• Water quality

 

Why develop an LWRP?

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Some of the benefits of completing an LWRP and receiving state approvals include: 

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• Identification of a clear and consensus-driven direction for appropriate future development of the waterfront.  

• Establishment long-term state-local partnerships for planning, technical assistance, and advice.  

• Review of government agency actions that affect the local waterfront area.  

• Technical assistance from the Department of State.  

• Increased opportunities to apply for financial assistance from State funding sources to implement its LWRP.  

 

What will the final LWRP have?

 

1. Waterfront Revitalization Area (WRA Boundary)

A narrative description and map of the Waterfront Revitalization Area (WRA) which includes surface waters and underwater lands

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2. Inventory and Analysis

A description and maps of existing natural and built resources and conditions within the WRA. It includes a thorough analysis of waterfront issues, opportunities, and constraints to economic development and resource protection needs. It also provides an assessment of the vulnerable resources and potential risks associated with storms, flooding, and the effects of climate change.

 

3. Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Policies

Provides an alignment with the LWRP and the existing forty-four (44) State waterfront revitalization policies. State policies are refined and detailed to reflect local conditions and circumstances.

 

4. Proposed Land and Water Uses and Proposed Projects

A description and map of proposed long-term land and water uses within the WRA, and proposed projects necessary to implement the LWRP.

 

5. Techniques for Local Implementation of the Program

Description of existing local laws and regulations, and any new or amended laws or regulations that are necessary to both improve community resilience and implement the policies, strategies, proposed uses, and projects set forth in the LWRP.  This section also describes other public and private sector actions necessary to implement the LWRP, including actions by federal and state agencies necessary to fully implement or advance projects in the waterfront revitalization area.

 

6. Federal and State Actions and Programs Likely to Affect Implementation of the LWRP

Description of the specific federal and state actions necessary to further implementation of the LWRP (technical assistance, funding, procedural changes, etc.)

 

7. Local Commitment and Consultation

Description of the public consultation efforts undertaken in the preparation of the LWRP, such as public hearings, public informational meetings, and/or meetings with governmental agencies.