Rensselaer seeks input on prioritizing city projects

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Planning and Development Department of Rensselaer is seeking community feedback on prioritizing projects as part of the Rensselaer Rising program. The city is holding two meetings on Tuesday, Oct. 1, and Wednesday, Oct. 2, to review the long-range plan.

Rensselaer is looking to focus on the Crailo Historic Neighborhood, Columbia Street Commercial District, and from the waterfront to East Street and Partition Street. The meetings are Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rensselaer City Hall and Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rensselaer Public Library.

The Rensselaer Rising program was created from a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) study funded by the New York State Department of State. BOA studies help communities identify investment and revitalization sites.

An immediate result of the Rensselaer Rising effort is a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which will soon be sent to the state. Now, officials are seeking project ideas in support of the BOA study sites. Mayor Mike Stammel said the city has heard feedback from numerous consultants and is looking forward to more from residents.

"We’ve heard numerous ideas about what the City of Rensselaer needs, and with the help of our consultants from LaBella and LandArt Studio, we have established a draft Vision, Goals, and a Proposed Area Plan for the designated Brownfield Opportunity Area," Stammel said. "Now it is time to bring these materials back to the public to make sure we got it right."