Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan

Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP) History

The City's current Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (PDF) was certified in 1986, making Ogdensburg the first community in New York State with an approved LWRP. The City made updates to the LWRP in 1999 (PDF) and began working on updates again in 2012 (more information will be available soon), as an LWRP can only be effective if it promotes policies and projects that reflect current conditions, amendments are periodically required to update the plan so that it continues to effectively promote public waterfront access, economic activity, and resource production. With the assistance of a $35,000 Environmental Protection Fund Grant from the New York State Department of State, the City is currently working to complete another LWRP Update.

Preparation of an LWRP

An LWRP follows a step-by-step process by which a community can advance from a vision to implementation. These steps include:

  • getting community involvement,
  • developing a vision,
  • identifying and analyzing the key issues and opportunities,
  • developing partnerships with all who can help,
  • refining the vision into a plan of action (PDF),
  • organizing to implement the plan,
  • adopting necessary laws and practices,
  • undertaking project planning and feasibility,
  • obtaining financing and finding markets,
  • constructing projects, and
  • ongoing management of waterfront decision making.

These steps are appropriate whether the community is large or small, whether the concern is with one issue in one area or with a wide range of issues for a community's entire waterfront, or whether the primary goal is waterfront redevelopment or natural resource protection.

Objectives of an LWRP

  • Redevelop deteriorated waterfronts
  • Give priority to water-dependent uses
  • Provide the public waterfront access for recreation
  • Protect natural resources and habitats
  • Manage development to improve water quality

Benefits of an LWRP

  • Increase a community's ability to attract appropriate development.
  • Increases a community's chances to obtain public and private funding for projects.
  • Establishes long-term partnerships between City Hall and the Community.
  • Once approved by the Secretary of State, permitting, funding, and actions by federal and state agencies must be consistent with the LWRP.