Hamlet Economic Planning and Assistance Initiative Dan Kelleher, Special Assistant for Economic Affairs, NYS APA Robyn Burgess, Local Planning Assistance Specialist, NYS APA October 30, 2017
October 30, 2017 2 Agenda Introduction the HEPA Initiative Overview of Lake George Project Discuss Process Current Components and Public Input
October 30, 2017 3 Hamlet Economic Planning and Assistance HEPA is a community-driven initiative, led by a local stakeholder workgroup with assistance from the Adirondack Park Agency, that develops and implements a plan for economic improvement of the community s commercial center. The Agency seeks to build partnerships with Adirondack communities to help them achieve their economic and quality of life goals.
October 30, 2017 4 HEPA Objectives and Deliverables Provide a framework for hamlet revitalization through an economic plan Build local capacity for plan/project implementation with assistance from APA staff Achieve success of economic plan elements (projects on the ground)
October 30, 2017 5 Purpose of Economic Development Continue to provide the level of services desired by local residents without raising taxes Ensure a robust private sector that offers diverse commercial services to local residents
October 30, 2017 6 Process Met with Local Stakeholder Group: February, 2016 Public Meetings: May 18, 2016; September 20, 2016; June, 27 2017 Community Needs Assessment, Current Conditions, Public Survey, Economic Analysis: Ongoing Public Draft Plan: Summer 2017 Final Public Meeting: Summer 2017 Local Government Adoption: Fall 2017
October 30, 2017 7 Economic Development Overview There are only three ways to expand the potential for public and private service provision: Increase Population Increase Median Income -Higher wage/skill jobs Increase Visitor Spending -Extend seasons, bring more people, more tourism infrastructure
October 30, 2017 8 Vision Statement Comp Plan Full Year-Round Population and Economy Promote Entrepreneurship, Free Enterprise, and Property Rights Attract Startups Attract Retirees
October 30, 2017 9 Residents Support Growth
October 30, 2017 10 Community Assets Public Perception Natural Amenities Recreation Opportunities Walkable Downtown Small Town Atmosphere Low Taxes
October 30, 2017 11 Community Needs and Opportunities Expansion of business seasons Longer tourism season Greater retail diversity More year-round employment More higher-paying and skilled jobs Pre-identified sites for commercial and craft industry
October 30, 2017 12 Plan Focus Attract New Residents Expand Visitation Season to Four Seasons Attract New Private Industry Ensure Infrastructure for Growth and Environmental Sustainability is in Place
October 30, 2017 13 The Opportunity Close Location to High Performing Metros 1 Hour to Albany ½ Hour to Saratoga Springs 20 Min to Glens Falls 8 th in US in new gross income 57 th largest GDP - Only upstate metro to not fall in rankings 39 th in per capita personal income - Higher than half of largest US metros Three of Top Four Upstate counties in private sector employment growth 10% year-over-year traffic growth at Albany International Airport
October 30, 2017 14 Attract New Residents to Build Customer Base Promote the development of diverse housing options Market Lake George as a great place to live Leverage visitation sector to introduce potential residents to the region Other ideas?
October 30, 2017 15 Expand Visitation Season to Four Months Use events to attract new visitors in the off-season Continue to update lodging facilities to attract modern visitors Explore the development of year-round visitor attractions including a larger-scale conference center and new recreation opportunities on surrounding State lands Develop and nurture the region s arts sector Other ideas?
October 30, 2017 16 Attract New Private Industry Develop pre-approved commerce park(s) Coordinate with EDC Warren County, NYS APA and other regional economic development organizations to recruit new businesses Pursue PR campaign highlighting existing successful businesses and unmet market opportunities Identify and promote sites appropriate for diversified individual office and light manufacturing development Other ideas?
October 30, 2017 17 Industry Development Opportunities
October 30, 2017 18 Ensure Infrastructure for Growth is in Place Pursue wastewater treatment improvements necessary to accommodate economic growth Ensure zoning laws match the community s preferred identity for itself, particularly along the Gateway Corridor Expand parking the near the Village center. Implement the most current stormwater retention methods to protect the community s greatest asset, Lake George. Other Needs?
October 30, 2017 19 Additional Ideas? Attract New Residents Attract New Private Industry Expand Visitation Season to Four Seasons Ensure Infrastructure for Growth and Environmental Sustainability is in Place
October 30, 2017 20 Additional Key Sites
October 30, 2017 21 Additional Key Sites
October 30, 2017 22 How to Reach Us Dan Kelleher Special Assistant for Economic Affairs 518-891-4050 Daniel.kelleher@apa.ny.gov Dan Barusch Director of Planning and Zoning 518-668-5131 Dbarusch@lakegeorgetown.org