updating the Village’s master plan for consistency with the LWRP and the development goals for the Village. Other LWRP objectives address parking, traffic and roadway conditions, air quality, and stormwater: • • • improve the parking situation at the railroad station assess the air quality of the Croton-on-Hudson area study the stormwater system of the Village The following projects, noted in the LWRP, are currently being undertaken to implement the above objectives: • Croton River Gorge Trail. Create walking trail from Silver Lake to Black Rock. • Investigate additional sites for waterfront recreation areas. The Village property (“Seprieo”) site north of the yacht club was purchased in 1996, and has been the subject of extensive planning studies. The Croton Waterfront Feasibility Report addresses this site, as discussed in Section 3.8 PAGE 97 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN • Improve Croton Bay Boat Ramp and Village-owned land south of Metro-North parking areas (public access of villageowned land for recreational uses). This small area off Croton Bay has historically been utilized for boat access and passive recreation including fishing. A Concept Plan for Croton Bay Boat Launch was developed as part of the Greenway Vision Plan for Croton-on-Hudson, recommending cleanup of debris, weeds, secondary tree growth and stockpiles, improved vehicular and pedestrian access, and restoration with native plantings. These improvements have been undertaken. • Installation by NYS DEC of an Air Quality Monitoring Station. The nearest monitoring station # 590204 is in White Plains. • Study of Village Stormwater System to track discharge into coastal waters. A study of the entire Village’s drainage areas into the Hudson and Croton Rivers and Furnace Brook is being conducted in 2002 by the firm of Dvirka and Bartilucci. It will result in specific recommendations for improvements to the stormwater drainage system. • Designation of Route 9 (in Croton-on-Hudson) as NYS Scenic Road • Traffic & Roadway conditions study (identify improvements to facilitate traffic flow). A traffic calming study undertaken in 1999-2000 evaluated roadway conditions within the Village and recommended traffic calming measures. • Update of the 1977 Master Plan to ensure consistency with LWRP This 2003 Comprehensive Plan updates the 1977 Master Plan to ensure consistency with the LWRP objectives and other policies. This Plan also addresses the open space and recreation objectives of the LWRP, as described below. b. Conserve and Protect Natural Resources As discussed in Chapter 2.0, Croton-on-Hudson has undertaken extensive planning efforts to protect the local natural environment, and has participated in several national and regional programs, as follows. Croton-on-Hudson’s Environmental Conservation Policy In addition to the above-cited policies of the LWRP, Croton-onHudson’s Environmental Conservation Policy was adopted by the Village, to conserve, improve, and protect the local environment. PAGE 98 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The specific policies emphasize the need to coordinate the environmental plans and programs of the Village, with Federal, State, regional and local governments, other public and private organizations. The policies note that patterns of development that minimize adverse impact on the environment, including such unique resources as the Croton River and its estuary, and the Hudson River and its shoreline, should be promoted. Croton-on-Hudson is a model Greenway community. The Hudson River Valley Greenway Program is guided by the following key principles: • • • • Open space networks and natural, cultural resource protection Local planning undertaken in a regional context, and regional planning undertaken in a local context Economic development, including agriculture, tourism, and urban redevelopment Reclamation of the waterfront and access thereto The recently completed Westchester County Greenway Compact Plan provides strategies for regional economic development, waterfront renewal and downtown revitalization. The Compact was adopted by Croton-on-Hudson in November 2001. Croton-on-Hudson is a Tree City USA, a national designation. The trees throughout the Village reinforce the natural character of much of the Village, even in the Upper Village. A tree trail map is proposed to help reinforce the value of the local trees, and also help enhance their protection. Such a study is being prepared by the Conservation Advisory Council. It would also add to the existing trail system. The Plan recommends preservation of the Croton River Gorge as a priority. The Village should also explore agreements with municipalities on the opposite side of the Croton River to protect the viewshed and its character. c. Trails and Links A common thread in comments in workshops and in the survey was the “walkability” of the Village, and the need to further enhance connections between parks, shopping areas, and residential neighborhoods. In addition to the poor condition of many sidewalks, there is also the safety concern where the lack of sidewalks forces pedestrians to walk along the side of busy roads. Improved pedestrian access to the waterfront was also frequently cited. New links should be created between existing trail segments. PAGE 99 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The LWRP specifically notes