What is Hudson Connects?
In 2017, the City of Hudson was selected by the New York State’s Capital Regional Economic Development Council for one of ten Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Round Two awards.
A ten million dollar state grant was awarded to fund a variety of projects within the self defined BRIDGE District (‘The District’), an acronym for “build, renew, invent, develop, grow, empower.”
The District, as defined in the City’s DRI Grant, is bounded by the Hudson River to the west, 2nd Street to the east, the South Bay wetlands to the south and Dock Street to the north (refer to map above). Approximately $4m of the grant is allocated to improving streets and circulation. This initiative has been branded “Hudson Connects”.
Hudson Connects is a streetscape planning and design initiative focused on addressing pedestrian safety, enhancing multi-modal transportation, and improving connectivity within The District. This plan will ensure that bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, drivers, and other roadway users have safe and comfortable access to existing and future amenities including the Hudson Amtrak Station, Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Promenade Hill Park and businesses along Warren Street.
A Community Driven Strategy
Beginning in the summer of 2020, the City hosted a series of community workshops, presentations and events.
These events ranged from walking tours and open houses - to outdoor workshops and a demonstration project street mural. During this process the City collected valuable input from the community that drove the development of the Connectivity Plan.
Proposed Improvements
The City has worked hard to prioritize improvements in an effort
to maximize the benefit to the entire community.
The following are a list of proposed improvements that are anticipated*:
State Street Promenade
A 12’ multi-use path will be constructed between 2nd Street and Front Street for use by bicyclists, skateboards, joggers, walkers and others.
Front Street Promenade
The road will be narrowed and a multi-use path will be constructed between Dock Street & Ferry Street. This will include new paving, lighting, street trees and furniture.
Intersection Improvements
All intersections within the project area will be made ADA compliant with new curb ramps and other amenities. Select intersections will include corner bump-outs or other safety measures. The intersection of Warren Street and Front Street will be tabled and include additional pedestrian safety measures.
Sidewalk Improvements
Gaps in sidewalk and sidewalks
in severe disrepair will be infilled or repaired.
2nd Street Stair
The stair connecting Allen Street to
Cross Street will be reconstructed including
new stairs, railing and lighting.
Furniture, amenities and landscape
New seating, bicycle racks, lighting and
street trees will be installed in select project areas.
*Please note that these are improvements that the City hopes to include in the project. This being said, we have to be fiscally responsible and work within the $4m budget. As construction prices fluctuate, the scope of this project and the proposed improvements may be modified.
Project Goals
As outlined in the DRI grant application, the project aims to address pedestrian safety, enhance multimodal transportation, and improve connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods and the City’s Downtown. Led by our conversations with folks throughout the city, the following goals summarize the collective vision for this project.
Goal 1:
Make streets safe and accessible for all.
The streets should be developed as a multi-modal network that provides a safe and enjoyable experience for all users regardless of age or ability.
Goal 2:
Reconnect the waterfront.
The streets should enhance and reinforce visual and physical connections to the waterfront.
Goal 3:
Celebrate the historic architecture of Hudson.
The form, furniture and materiality of the streetscape should respect and reinforce the historic architecture and urban fabric of the city.
