The Capital District Transportation Committee has detailed a number of improvements that could be made to the land and infrastructure off Route 5S in Rotterdam Junction, an area pinpointed by the town for future development and park space.
James Levy, a planner from Wilbur Smith Associates, presented the results of the eight-month land use and transportation study of commercial, residential, industrial use and undeveloped land from the Interstate 890 exit to the intersection of Mabie Lane at Route 5S to the Town Board on Wednesday, May 14, at the Rotterdam Junction firehouse.
Levy said several groups, including community members, Schenectady County, CDTC, the state Department of Transportation and the town of Rotterdam combined to make recommendations about the study area.
The CDTC’s executive summary includes a number of recommendations, including the realignment of an intersection at Lower Gregg Road and Route 5S, the addition of a sidewalk and grass strip to both sides of Route 5S between Mabie Lane and the Mohawk Bike-Hike Trail and provisions for improvements to the Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike crossing over Route 5S.
Levy cited the known safety issues at the [bike] crossing on Route 5S as a primary concern. Seventy-three-year-old Alan Fairbanks was killed at the crossing in November 2006, and a group known as Friends of the Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail has campaigned for changes to the crossing ever since.
Levy said increased signage could be an interim step to improve safety and that various grant opportunities could help leverage funds for other safety improvements.
Levy also said that planners and engineers involved in the study saw the possibility for an expanded mixed-use office and residential district in Lower Rotterdam Junction.
`There’s the possibility of expanding a village concept out further from Rotterdam Junction as well,` said Levy.
Another suggested land use change surrounds the Baan Farm area immediately west of I-890.
Levy said the area could be rezoned into a Planned Business Development District due to its highway access and solid transportation infrastructure. The new district could allow for several types of uses, including agricultural, warehousing, transportation, freight and distribution facilities.
The study doesn’t only recommend development though.
CDTC recommends the inclusion of a river shoreline buffer in the area. The buffer would provide for an undisturbed area along the Mohawk River with potential public access.
`The land could be created as park space, passive area or open space,` said Levy.
Levy said the study provides recommendations for open space throughout the corridor by extending the undeveloped acreage adjacent to the river.
Supervisor Steven Tommasone said the area could also benefit from a $150,000 state Brownfield opportunities grant.
He said the grant could be used to increase historic tourism and increased park space in the area, especially along the river.
He cited the recent listing of Erie Canal Lock 23, off Rice Road on the National Register of Historic Places as a model site for future tourism in the area.“