Creating Residential, Commercial and Municipal Upper Floors:
A Guidebook for Regional Revitalization
This project is a
cooperative effort between Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council,
Preservation League of New York State and
the Village of Palmyra. It has been funded through a grant from the
Project Description
For years, many of the regional cities, villages and town centers have been deteriorating. High vacancy rates on the upper stories of downtown buildings are often a common problem contributing to worsening conditions. These spaces could be returned to profitability again with opportunities for residential, commercial and municipal uses.
The Guidebook will be written to assist municipal officials and interested parties in rejuvenating underutilized and abandoned upper floors of buildings in mixed use areas of cities, villages and town centers throughout the region. The document will explain the issues that have contributed to this problem and potential methods of overcoming these obstacles to aid stakeholders in their revitalization goals. A variety of concepts will be examined including NYS building codes, zoning, local laws, impacts on local water bodies and funding opportunities. The Guidebook will also emphasize public/private cooperation and visioning for municipalities as they create strategic and comprehensive plans.
Guidebook Outline
Sections of the
Guidebook will include:
-
Upper Floor Options
-
Potential Benefits of Upper Floor Revitalization
-
Waterfront Development
-
Integration into Strategic, Master, Comprehensive, Local Waterfront Revitalization, Smart Growth, and Eco-System Based Management Planning.
-
Determining the Needs of the Community
-
Local Laws
-
Building Codes
-
Design Considerations
-
Funding Sources
Workshops to train local governments and the public in the effective use of the Guidebook will be presented after completion, which will enable communities to be proactive in resolving issues related to underutilized upper floors, and creating strategies for their revitalization.
For more information
This project was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund
50
West Main Street, Suite 8107
Rochester, New York 14614
tel:
585.454.0190
fax: 585.454.0191
Last Modified: January 30, 2012