Clouds, Crosswalk and Storefronts, Nyack
The Village of Nyack kicked off its Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) meetings on Wednesday, December 2, with a focus on sustainability, land use, socioeconomics, and housing. The CMP document, last updated eight years ago, outlines the broad goals for zoning in the village. The efforts are led by NYC-based consultancy BFJ Planning, hired by the village to help shape Nyack’s future. Among topics discussed include plans to revisit zoning for the corridor commercial near NYS Thruway Exit 11, the Nyack waterfront, and open green spaces such as BOCES and Oak Hill Cemetery.
Sustainability: The Village’s Sustainability Plan calls for more efficient buildings and an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. To meet that goal, Nyack will need to coordinate with numerous grants and programs affiliated, such as the TAP grant (Transportation Alternatives Program), Mid-Hudson Regional Sustainability Plan, NYSERDA Cleaner and Greener Communities, and the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda.
Socioeconomics and Housing: According to demographic data cited by the BFJ consultants, overall housing costs in Nyack have soared, while income adjusted for inflation has decreased. In plainer terms, Nyack residents spend a whopping 58% of their income on housing — nearly double the recommended 30%-of-income rule-for-housing rule. The exorbitant spending on housing can be partially explained by the high concentration of renters (approximately 62% of residential units are renter-occupied, nearly double that of the greater Rockland and Westchester areas). The CMP calls for combating rising rents, which threaten to displace residents, with affordable housing.
Also of interest from the meeting:
The Nyack population is aging, with the greatest population increase projected among residents age 65+.
The Nyack population is growing — but not significantly. Nyack is going 7,000 strong, and that number is only expected to increase by roughly 700 residents over the next 25 years.
Nyack’s population is better educated…
…And more diverse than the surrounding area. Take that, Rockland and Westchester!
What’s Next?: The next public workshop concerning the CMP will be held at the Nyack Center on January 13th, focusing on “Downtown and Gateways.”
Photo Credit: ©2013 alison perry