be constructed in addition, or in lieu of, the converted CSX owned building PAGE 71 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN • A 3,000 square foot bandshell for cultural/community events • Beach/boat launch: Enhancement of the small existing beach area for a boat launch for small non-motorized watercraft • Stone Rip-rap: retention and enhancement of the existing stone rip-rap structure for shore stabilization. • 4,000-square foot fenced playground area with play structure • Development of an adjacent area for court-type games targeted for the elderly (i.e., horseshoes and bocce). • Above-ground stormwater management system, including a series of natural storm water treatment devices • Creation of several small parking areas, including a main parking area west of the access road, and two smaller parking areas to serve as overflow parking and serve users of the north cove nature trails and fishing areas. A future development option, not part of the preferred alternative, was also studied for the area between the main parking lot and the water’s edge. A restaurant and a small marina are identified as possible uses for this site. The area of this possible development is recommended for a flexible, possibly temporary use such as a sculpture garden, dog run, or wildflower meadow. Waterfront-Related Projects Several waterfront related projects are underway that relate to the planned recreational use of the Village parcel. These include: Half Moon Bay Condominiums Completion As part of the build-out of the condominium complex, new pedestrian paths open to the public will be created; these will help link waterfront uses along the shoreline from Croton Point Park north to the Village Parcel, as part of a larger county trail system. Closing of Brook Street Crossing and the Gateway Plan To improve public safety, the NYS Department of Transportation and the Metro-North Railroad have proposed closing the Brook Street at-grade crossing to vehicular, bike, and pedestrian traffic. Vehicular access to the waterfront would be limited to the Senasqua tunnel (proposals have also been made to limit the Senasqua tunnel in the future to pedestrian and bicycle use) and the access road to Half Moon Bay condominiums. PAGE 72 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Gateway Plan proposes a new north-south connecting road to serve the waterfront, running from the Half Moon Bay condominium access road through the parking areas in Senasqua Park, to the Yacht Club, and the Village waterfront site to the north. This road would improve current substandard roadway conditions by accommodating two-way traffic and widening lanes for bicycle traffic. Extension of Sewer Line The sewer system main that serves Senasqua Park has recently been extended to the Yacht Club. This main could be further extended to the new park building and other possible facilities to the north. PAGE 73 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 3.9 Summary of Planning Issues The planning issues that emerged from the public participation and research phases of the Comprehensive Plan are described below. The issues cover a range of topics, including natural resources, housing, transportation and commercial development. Underlying these issues is the common interest in preserving Croton-onHudson’s small-town character and natural resources. The following chapter recommends strategies to address these issues. Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space • Maintenance and appearance of parks and trails • Preservation of Village’s open space character • Accessibility to parks, especially waterfront Housing • Provision of affordable and age-appropriate housing • Increasing housing costs • Housing maintenance and code enforcement • High property taxes • Regulation of accessory apartments Transportation • Speeding along arterials routes (Routes 9A and 129) • Congestion in commercial areas and around train station • Need for sidewalks and crosswalks • Need for increased parking in commercial areas • Truck circulation and loading • Improved bus transportation services for seniors Commercial Development • Mix and quality of retail and services • Appearance and maintenance of commercial buildings • Improvements to pedestrian access • Encourage additional specialty stores Community Facilities • Expansion of recreation options • Need for community center for teens and seniors citizens • Absence of arts and cultural center PAGE 74 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 4.0 PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations draw on the results of the public workshops, resident survey and research conducted over the course of the comprehensive panning process. Throughout the public participation program, a common theme was identified among Croton-on-Hudson residents: that of an overall sense of comfort and satisfaction with the Village as it is today. Although many issues were raised and specific suggestions for improvements made by residents, the vision for Croton-on-Hudson shared by most residents emphasizes the following basic goals: preserving Croton-onHudson’s traditional qualities, strengthening its assets, and protecting its resources. Many of these issues and goals expressed by Croton-on-Hudson residents are similar to those identified in the 1977 Master Plan for the Village. That Plan recognized that, “the essential character of Croton-on-Hudson is a