The Town of Copake recently received a grant from the NYS Department State Office of Planning and Development to improve local quality of life in the town of Copake by developing revitalization plans for the Roeliff Jansen Kill, Bash Bish Brook, Taghkanic Creek and surrounding areas. These funds are provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund. On Saturday, February 22 from 9am to 12pm at the Copake Town Hall, local leaders will be inviting members of the area to meet and discuss the possible ways to improve local natural landmarks as well as provide input on creating a vision and plan for local waterways and their role in the revitalization of the surrounding community.
The Town’s lead consultant, River Street Planning & Development, will lead the meeting in the hopes of capturing and shaping the community’s vision for preserving and enhancing its waterways. Presentations will be held in order to communicate the purpose of the plan; lead group exercises designed to discuss thoughts about the strengths, challenges and opportunities involved with the restorative course of action; and facilitate brainstorming regarding the possible aesthetic future of the beloved waterways. Possibilities for waterways and surrounding areas may include walking trails, biking trails, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and other recreational activities, pocket parks, signage and pop-up businesses. PLACE Alliance New York, design consultants working with River Street, will also be on-hand to design and craft compelling graphics that illustrate the town’s potential vision.