WHAT YOU CAN DO
Support Transit and Transit-Oriented Development.
The more people are willing to incorporate public transit into their daily routine, the more advanced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will become in the Corridor. Property owners and developers should coordinate with CDTA to integrate new and existing development with the BRT system. Neighborhood groups can also work with CDTA to ensure that transit is more accessible from your neighborhood.Encourage public policies which support compact, mixed-use development.
Public support of mixed-use development can go a long way toward realizing this more efficient land use pattern. Most of the jurisdictions along the Corridor will soon need to create or update their comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. Get involved in this process to ensure that these plans support compact, mixed-use development that balances local and regional uses.Advocate for pedestrian and street improvements. Let your jurisdiction know that you want these improvements. Initial designs for more pedestrian-friendly streets have been developed in the process of identifying the Preferred Future. In many cases these small but effective changes can be built into routine road and sidewalk maintenance as well as new construction. Implementing these changes on your street may be easier than you think.
Create a Framework for Corridor Cooperation. Cooperation among the five communities that share the Corridor is key to realizing the Preferred Future. Neighborhood and business associations are the building blocks of this cooperation. Communities can create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) along their portion of the Corridor, and then work with each other to ensure that a unified vision for the Corridor is maintained.
The Preferred Future Action Plan
Because of the important role of cooperation in implementing the Preferred Future, an Action Plan published with the final reports, has been written to provide all potential users -- developers, city planners, elected officials, property owners, employers, residents, and more -- with an easy way to understand and access the tools which will be required to move the vision forward.
Click here to view the Action Plan in pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format.Take advantage of neighborhood revitalization programs.
Look for home renovation and home-ownership programs in your neighborhoods. Small business development programs may also be available throughout the Corridor as a catalyst for revitalizing the local economy. Small businesses can look forward to "thinking outside the box" and taking advantage of new policies such as local business development programs, outdoor café seating, and signage programs. Larger companies should look for opportunities in redevelopment, reuse or infill sites.Become familiar with the Preferred Future Action Plan.
This document is the "guidebook" for the Preferred Future. An executive summary of the Study and the Action Plan is available here or by contacting the Capital District Transportation Committee at 518-458-2161.Participate in future planning processes. As the components of the Preferred Future are implemented, there will be additional opportunities to make your voice heard. Public participation is critical to sound planning and execution of new development. Use the contact information below to keep informed about upcoming projects.
Above: A "How to use this document" section is included in The Preferred Future Action Plan to ensure that it is easy to read and understand.