On Thursday, May 26th, Tri-State will co-host a one-day symposium at the South Nyack Firehouse titled “Green Assets: Linking Active Living and Economic Development in Rockland County.” (Flyer available here.)

Rockland County is an active-living paradise. Only 12 miles northwest of New York City, it offers a host of outdoor attractions, including Bear Mountain State Park, Esposito Trail, the Hudson River Water Trail, and a string of picturesque villages along the Hudson River. It has become a destination spot for those who like to cycle, hike, antique, and experience small-town life.

The question on the table is how can Rockland’s business and civic community promote and enhance the region’s natural assets, while preserving the quality of life and taking better advantage of the potential customer base of hikers and cyclists? The planning process for the Tappan Zee Bridge and I-287 corridor helped to spur the communities to re-think the connection between transportation and economic development. Now is the time to develop that conversation beyond the bridge to include a more comprehensive non-motorized transportation network.

The event will include brief presentations by Jeff Olson, Principal of Alta Planning; Jeff Anzevino, Director of Land Use Advocacy at Scenic Hudson;and Jerry Ilowite, Chairman of the Village of South Nyack Planning Board. After the presentations, a moderated discussion and an optional tour of the site of South Nyack’s proposed “lid” park over I-287 will follow.

The firehouse is located at 90 Depot Place, and the event will run from 2pm-5pm. RSVPs are requested to the office of Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee at 845-624-4601 or jaffeee@assembly.state.ny.us. The event is sponsored by TSTC, Assemblywoman Jaffee, the Village of South Nyack, Scenic Hudson, Rockland Municipal Planning Federation, and Rockland Riverfront Communities Council. Attendance will count towards training hours for planning and zoning board members.