Section 4 scenic conservationstrategies

SECTION 4. SCENIC CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
Mohawk Towpath Byway: Scenic Action Plan

4.1

INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLBOX

The purpose of this section is to provide a toolbox of specific strategies that address the
issues and opportunities identified while inventorying and assessing the Byway landscape.
These strategies range greatly in scope and scale, anywhere from building siting to color
selection. Some of these strategies may be mandated or incentivized, as addressed in Section
4.9 Regulatory Assessment Techniques and Options. Whenever possible, local success stories
have been included as specific examples of these strategies used in practice.

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4.2 SITE DESIGN AND LAYOUT
4.2.1
Landscape Integration
One of the best ways to limit the aesthetic and environmental impact of development is to
integrate buildings into the landscape. Structures that are built near the base of a slope,
below a ridge, or along or within the edge of a wooded area fit more cohesively within the
landscape, rather than standing out and interrupting scenic viewsheds. Avoid placing
structures in the middle of large open meadows if alternatives exist. Building in this
manner allows structures to blend in with the existing character of the Mohawk Towpath
Byway. Building along forested edges or hedgerows also allows the preservation of open
space and greatly reduces the visual presence of structures. Choosing appropriate colors and
materials further reduces the visual impact.

Strategy to Avoid
Large open ﬁelds with hedgerows
or a forested edge are commonly
found within the rural areas of the
Mohawk Towpath Byway.

Recommended Strategy
Place buildings at the base of a
slope and along wooded edges to
minimize their presence in the
landscape.

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SUCCESS STORIES
An aerial view of this
subdivision just off the mid
section of the Byway shows
a compact community of
individual homes built on
small lots. The developer
maintained open spaces
with a large green buffer,
pockets of meadows, and
forested slopes, and
incorporated a paved bike
trail. The individual homes
recede into the sloped
landscape, leaving open
areas within the
community.

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4.2.2 CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
Cluster development is an alternative to conventional development, which typically divides
parcels of land into equal large lots leaving little or no open space. Clustering, on the other
hand, groups structures on a smaller portion of the available land, reserving a significant
amount of the site as protected open space. Clustering allows the existing landscape
aesthetic of open fields, forest or shoreline to be maintained, while promoting cost effective
and energy efficient development. Applied in urban areas, clustering development often
emphasizes site design flexibility for protecting constrained areas, and important site
features for allowing more creative design. Cluster provisions in rural areas may focus more
on conserving resource lands, and securing larger expanses of open space consistent with
rural character.

Strategy to Avoid
Conventional development patterns
consume all available land in order
to maximize the lot to be
subdivided.

Cluster development allows
structures to be built closer
together while conserving larger
areas of open space for habitat,
farming, parks, playgrounds, trails,
or other open space use.

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SUCCESS STORIES
1. Olde Nott Farm
Throughout the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway there are a number of good examples of
cluster developments. Olde Nott Farm, located just east of the hamlet of Rexford, is one of
these. The layout incorporates close clusters of homes that leave areas for large adjacent
open spaces within the project. The open spaces are designed to flow in and out of the
surrounding forested land and the project, blending the two together.
2. Hummingbird Court
The town of Niskayuna worked in partnership with a developer on an under-utilized and
sensitive parcel adjacent to a bird sanctuary. The process produced a final design that
incorporated a high density cluster, trail connections to the sanctuary, and dedicated
acreage to increase the overall size of the sanctuary.
3. Fieldstone Estates
Fieldstone Estates is located in the Town of Niskayuna. It is a 100-acre parcel with a design
and layout that left over 72 acres dedicated to open space. Fifty-four single family homes
and 47 townhomes are planned. The residents can enjoy over a mile of natural walking
trails with pedestrian boardwalks at wetland crossings.

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2

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4.2.3 LIMIT VISIBLE BUILDING FAÇADE
A simple way to reduce the visual impact of development is by orienting buildings in a
manner that reduces their visual presence. This can be achieved by placing buildings so
that their long sides are perpendicular to the road or riverfront. In typical land use
patterns, buildings are commonly oriented with the wide façade toward the road. By
orienting buildings so that the short side is toward the road, the amount of structure or
mass that a passerby sees is greatly reduced. By combining this practice with others such as
“Landscape Integration,” the visual impact on otherwise open or scenic landscapes can be
further reduced. Note that buildings should have a “friendly face” oriented toward the
road, preferably with an entry, porch and/or windows.

Strategy to Avoid
This building has its long
side oriented toward the road
and is sited in the middle of the
lot. This results in the structure
disrupting view corridors and
dominating a formerly open
landscape.

Built along a natural vegetated edge
with the narrow, or gabled, end of
the building facing the road, this
building has less visual presence to
the passersby.
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SUCCESS STORIES
To be provided by the Coalition

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4.2.4 LIMIT VISIBLE PARKING
In typical commercial development, parking is usually placed in the most visible location –
along the road directly in front of the building. Vehicular access is the priority, and curb
cuts are as wide as the parking lots, creating an unsightly “sea” of asphalt. Alternative site
designs promote parking areas that are located along the side or rear of buildings, with
more of the area devoted to pedestrian amenities, signage and landscaping. This approach
minimizes the visual impact of the parking and storage areas, while promoting better
visibility for the building or business. By combining this practice with others such as
“Orientation,” the visual impact of the development can be further reduced.

Strategy to Avoid
In the typical parking
arrangement, the pavement
abuts the road with no
amenities for pedestrian
circulation, signage, or
landscaping. The asphalt
parking and large building
dominate the view.

Parking is situated off to the side of
the building with storage at the
back. Sidewalks provide safe
pedestrian access while the
orientation of the building limits its
visual presence.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Little Italy, Schenectady
Two restaurants below are relocated to Schenectady’s “Little Italy” on North Jay Street
almost 15 years ago, moving into what used to be a retail shop. The adaptive reuse of a
retail space also provided an opportunity to improve the streetscape with trees at curbside.
Ample parking is in the rear of the property. Maturing trees in the rear separate the
neighborhood from the major passenger and freight rail line also to the rear of the
building.

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4.2.5 BUFFER INCOMPATIBLE USES
Where incompatible uses exist adjacent to one another, wider buffers of woodland should
be preserved or planted to provide an effective screen that allows the different uses to
coexist. Providing recreational opportunities within the buffer, such as connecting trails,
wetland mitigation, or wildlife habitat, adds additional community resource.
Vegetative mixtures of coniferous, broadleaf, and understory plants are the most effective
landscape buffers between disparate land uses, such as between commercial and residential
uses, or agricultural and residential uses. Through a mix of different species, and range in
heights of plants, the vegetation effectively screens light, noise and traffic between the two
uses by providing a substantial, physical delineation. These landscape screens can be
incorporated into a site plan either by preserving existing forest on site, augmenting
existing hedgerows, or by planting areas with a mix of forest species.

Strategy to Avoid
Without a buffer in place, the
negative effects of
incompatible uses (light
spill, noise, traffic and
overall visual quality) will
impact adjacent properties
and land uses.

Preserving or planting a vegetative
buffer will effectively screen
incompatible uses and allow them
to coexist.

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.2.6 INFILL DEVELOPMENT
Infill development is the process of developing vacant or under-used parcels in otherwise
built-up areas where infrastructure is already in place. Infill in areas that have already been
developed is one of the best tools to prevent sprawl outside of cities and village centers,
which in turn protects the historic and scenic character of the Byway. It also infuses new
capital investment and vitality. Infill development puts new buildings on vacant lots
surrounded by development, or rehabilitated buildings on sites where buildings are
abandoned, contaminated, or in disrepair. Many Village Mixed-Use, Highway Commercial,
and Residential areas along the Byway offer opportunities for infill development. The key
to successful infill is to respect the site context and to follow historic or pre-existing
development patterns. This may include building setbacks, circulation patterns, scale, and
massing. Consolidated parking and increased pedestrian-scale elements, such as lighting,
trees, and landscaping, can further enhance the character of the Byway.

Existing Condition
Vacant lots, abandoned
buildings, and unconsolidated
parking offer opportunities for
inﬁll.

Fill vacant and under-used lots in
developed areas with contextuallyappropriate buildings.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Vischer Ferry Historic District
Located along the Mohawk Towpath Byway is the Vischer Ferry Historic District. Within
this dedicated space there is an example of a 1980’s infill subdivision that was designed to
fit within the context of the important historic district. A screen of mature trees separates
the PUD from Vischer Ferry Road and retains the historic character. Location #2
delineated in the aerial photograph is a utility building that has the shape of what might
have been a century old building. Location #3 is a house constructed in the early 2000s
where the owners were provided with three suggested architectural plans that might fit the
character of the community. The owners picked one of the three. Location “A” in the
upper picture is the location of the photographer that took the picture below.

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4.2.7 COMPATIBLE DESIGN
The architecture of the Mohawk Towpath Byway contributes substantially to the area’s
visual character and quality. From the notable settlement of Vischer Ferry, to the historic
village of Waterford, to the celebrated industrial forms of Cohoes, there are numerous
architectural assets throughout the region that should be preserved and enhanced. Future
development needs to complement the existing patterns and designs. The elements of scale,
massing, and detail can be used to plan new buildings in such a way that melds them
effectively with the existing architecture of the Byway’s towns and villages.
Practice to Avoid
Commercial box-type
architecture, often found lining
highways, lacks character and
detracts from the aesthetic that
exists along the Byway.

Recommended Practice
Commercial buildings should
borrow from the existing
Byway context. In this
example, a commercial
building that borrows from
the existing industrial
patterns of the region would
suit the historic landscape.

Practice to Avoid

Recommended Practice

Buildings that inﬁll vacant lots in
downtowns and villages, yet do not
match the massing, scale or design
pattern of what exists, detract from
the streetscape and create gaps and
incompatible design patterns.

Inﬁll buildings should be designed with
the same setback and proportions of
scale and massing to what currently
exists on the street. They can be
contemporary in design but need to be
contextually connected in some
manner.

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Along with promoting the existing character within the architecture new development
should be planned and designed in such a way that the development patterns of the
historic neighborhoods is maintained. Designs that are sensitive to the scale, form,
rhythm, proportions, and materials proximate to neighborhoods that have a well-established,
distinctive character should be encouraged.

Strategy to Avoid
This suburban-style
property, with a large
lawn, dissimilar setback,
and incompatible
architecture, does not ﬁt
with the character of its
surroundings.

New development in this
neighborhood ﬁts within its
surroundings by respecting
existing and desirable
architectural patterns, including
similar setbacks, scale and
massing, street trees, and
sidewalks.

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SUCCESS STORIES
Vischer Ferry Fire House
Although the Vischer Ferry Fire House predates the Mohawk Towpath Byway, it serves as
an excellent example of compatible design. The original building, built in the 1970s, was a
boxy, Spartan structure. During the design discussions prior to renovating the building, the
District thought that Greek revival elements could be added to help the structure fit with
the community. The new building’s sloping roof turns what was a boxy structure into a
pleasant Greek revival building that better matches the architecture of the surrounding
neighborhood.

LIGHT HOUSE PARK PAVILION
Light House Park is a small waterfront park in the town of Halfmoon on the Hudson
River, located adjacent to a large historic Greek revival homestead. The park includes a
pavilion as part of the amenities. Rather than a utilitarian pole barn type of construction
with open wood truss roof, Halfmoon chose to use elements from the neighboring
structure.

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SUCCESS STORIES
Appropriate Material Choice
Using the appropriate building materials is an important aspect of compatible design.
Many communities along the Byway used to have brick yards, so brick is particularly
common. To fit within the character of the existing brick structures, and to celebrate the
Byway’s history of brick production, new buildings or parks could incorporate brick into
their designs.

NORTH MOHAWK STREET, COHOES
A construction project in Cohoes in the early 1990s vividly demonstrated what could be
done through context-sensitive design. Although the Byway cannot take credit for the
improvements along North Mohawk Street, the construction allowed access for archeology
studies and a park to observe historic canal construction. Well-placed amenities and
interpretive signs invite passersby to investigate.

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4.2.8 SITING UTILITIES
Utility lines are necessary, but often add to the visual clutter that undermines the aesthetic
qualities of a landscape. Two simple methods can greatly reduce or eliminate this visual
clutter. The first strategy is to place utility lines behind buildings or homes, perhaps behind
a line of trees or against a natural edge such as a forest. This method removes the poles and
wires from their typical, prominent position along a road to a less obtrusive location. The
second strategy is to put the lines underground. This method can be more costly, but where
employed, can completely remove the utilities from the visual landscape. This approach is
highly recommended in valued public landscapes, such as villages or in historic districts.

Recommended Strategy 1
Whenever possible, place utility
lines underground, completely
eliminating the visual clutter they
add to the landscape. The utilities
shown here by the red dashed
line would run under a paved or
grassed strip between sidewalk

Recommended Strategy 2
Siting utility lines behind
buildings on a main road can
minimize visual clutter from the
streetscape.
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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.2.9 VANTAGE POINTS
Vantage points are positions in the landscape that provide opportunities to experience the
unique or scenic viewsheds of the area. They may be made up of one point, or of a series of
points along a stretch of road. The highly scenic landscapes and built environment that are
visible from the Mohawk Byway are an integral part of the experience, whether driving to
work or visiting the region. Preserving viewsheds along the Byway corridor is essential to
protect scenic resources for the aesthetic and economic value they provide.
Practice to Avoid
In this scene, open spaces
with distant views to the
river are closed off by
development.

Recommended
Practice
Proposed
development can be
sited to maintain
vantage points and
views, and even
help frame them.

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.3 MATERIALS
4.3.1 Compatible Colors
Employing appropriate colors and materials for building finishes can help blend
development effectively with its natural surroundings. All landscapes have a unique color
palette that humans consciously or unconsciously understand to be part of their aesthetic
character. A contextual approach to color can be an important consideration when
planning new construction. It is desirable to work within an existing natural palette to
decrease the visual impact development will have on an existing scenic landscape.
Selecting Color
Shown below is a selection of photos taken along the byway. The colors shown surrounding
the images below are colors derived from the natural landscape. Colors selected from the
landscape are sometimes referred to as “earth tones.” Typically, the darker the tone used for
cladding, the more the building will recede in the view. For bright, open landscapes, such
as a meadow, lighter, brighter colors may be more appropriate.

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Shown below are two scenarios for selecting colors from the landscape and applying them
to new construction that best enable the buildings to blend in with their surroundings. The
color selected depends primarily on the colors present in the specific landscape to be
developed. More precisely, the color used should be appropriate to the placement of the
structures in the landscape. For example, typical areas of development are meadows with a
forested backdrop. If the structure to be built is along the forested backdrop, a darker earth
tone that matches or relates to the forest coloration would be most appropriate. If the
structure is built with a meadow backdrop, a lighter tone that matches or is harmonious
with the meadow color ranges would be most appropriate.
The existing field in the lower left photo is not currently developed and affords a beautiful
open vista to the ridge. By selecting an earth tone color for the exterior, even a sizeable home
can be made to blend with its surroundings and the forested backdrop, and thus would not
overly impact the scenic view.

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4.4 SIGNAGE
4.4.1 Appropriate Sign Design
Well-designed and well-placed signs can complement the character of the Byway and are an
important aspect of promoting scenic quality. Incompatible signs and a proliferation of
signs create clutter and detract from resources of scenic or historic significance that help
define the beauty of a place. Therefore, the design and development of effective and
appropriate signs should include an attention toward design, messaging, legibility,
placement, and lighting that is compatible with the character of the Byway. One
opportunity for communities along the Byway is to consider coordinated wayfinding
systems to assist travelers in reaching their desired destinations in a timely and safe manner.
While the responsibility is typically on individual business owners, organizations, and
institutions to ensure that their properties, buildings, or businesses are effectively signed,
the individual municipality has the purview of sign approval and the potential to guide
effective and appropriate sign design. Several basic design strategies for good signage are
provided herein that would help promote and enhance the character of the Byway.

Strategy to Avoid
Signs that interfere with a
building’s architectural
patterns, such as fenestration
and façade, appear visually
discordant.

Place signs on buildings in a
way that complements the
architecture and creates a
more visually pleasing
effect. Sign bands that
accommodate all signs for a
building work best.

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Strategy to Avoid


Internally illuminated signs with lightcolored backgrounds overwhelm the
dark-colored lettering, which both
makes the sign less legible and creates
unnecessary glare along the road.

Internally lit signs should only illuminate
lettering on a dark-colored background.
These signs are highly legible in both
nighttime and daytime conditions and
do not create undue glare.

Strategy to Avoid


Ground mounted spotlights result in
excess light and cause unnecessary glare
on the roadway.

Mount spotlights directly on
freestanding signs to reduce or
eliminate excess light spill. Lighting
ﬁxtures and the housing for the lights
can also be designed in a manner that
provides uniform illumination for just
the sign surface.

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SUCCESS STORIES
The Proctor’s Block on State
Street in Schenectady is a prime
example of appropriate sign
design.
It seems that proper lighting is
often a greatly misunderstood
topic when looking at
development plans. Lighting
fixtures are chosen because they
fit the “architectural scheme” of
things, but do nothing for the
overall proper lighting of an area
or object. Lighting should be
directed to “wash down” rather
than “light up,” which tends to
light the night sky rather than
the landscape or surfaces below.
Improper lighting can be too
much or too little light or the
wrong type of bulb or fixture for
the job at hand.
When evaluating new signage,
what type of light is proposed
and is it proper for a given area?
Getting the lighting right early in
the design is important, because
once a lighting system is
installed, even if it’s a poor
choice from the conceptual stage,
communities may stuck with it
for decades.

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4.4.2 Future Signage
Sign design can have a substantial role in a community’s visual character and economic
vitality. Although there is currently extensive signing in the Mohawk Valley, new signing
that may be proposed in the future should incorporate architectural references (color,
materials, details) from the building it references.
A beautifully-designed sign that is easy to read reinforces the values of the business it serves
and attracts customers. Signs that are legible and well placed in the landscape or on the
building enhance site and village character, and can reinforce the historic qualities and
sense of place within the Byway corridor.

Typical Practice:
•

Ground and building mounted signs

•

Plastic or wood signboards with business name, graphics and services listed

•

Signs with extensive messaging and insufficient contrast for legibility

•

Undersized or oversized signs and undesirable placement as freestanding or
building mounted elements

•

Unpainted or undersized support posts for signs

Recommended Practice:
•

Signs with limited messaging and highly legible and appropriate typography;
no more than 3-4 messages can be safely read by individuals traveling in
vehicles

•

Color schemes that promote contrast with lettering and consequent
legibility

•

Signage appropriately placed on the building to fit with rather than “fight”
the architectural style

•

Appropriately sized and scaled signboards, whether building or ground
mounted

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.5 LIGHTING
4.5.1 Appropriate Lighting
Light pollution in rural and scenic areas is a growing problem. As development increases,
so too does the amount of light used. This light often escapes its intended target, spilling
out into the sky and detracting from the visibility of stars, while increasing glare along
roadways and in residential areas. By employing good lighting design techniques, the
amount of unnecessary light entering the sky can be decreased, while still allowing for
adequate lighting where it is needed.

Strategy to Avoid
Typical floodlight type fixtures have no
shield and spill bright pools of light
and glare outside the intended area,
potentially onto adjacent properties.

Lighting, whether on buildings, along
streets or on signs, should always be
designed in such a way as to minimize
light spilling outside the intended
area, especially across vistas or
directly into a driver’s eyes. By
encasing the light elements within a
fixture, the light is directed to where it
is needed, rather than in any direction
the bare bulb will shine.
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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.5.2 Direct Light Downward
Accompanying good lighting design is the principal of directing light downward. By
directing light downward at an intended location unintended light intrusion into
neighboring homes can be limited along with reducing glare on roads and the various users
traveling on them.

Strategy to Avoid
Floodlight type ﬁxtures affixed to facades that have no shield and spill bright
pools of light and glare outside the intended area, potentially onto adjacent
properties and users. In this scenario there will be a large amount of off-site
glare.

Directing lights at given locations that are in need of illumination with proper levels,
and shields in place will limit off-site glare and prohibit any unintended light spill,
minimizing safety concerns.

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.6 LANDSCAPE/VEGETATION
4.6.1 Limit Clearing
Forestland throughout the Mohawk Byway Region represents one of the dominant
landscape patterns, and is also one of the most valuable aesthetic and natural assets. Typical
development that clears large areas of land for building sites can dramatically diminish
both the scenic and ecological value of these lands, and leave holes or gaps in an otherwise
continuous land use type. Limiting clearing through careful site planning allows the
integrity and scenic quality of the forests to be maintained.

Strategy to Avoid
Typical development in forestland
clears large areas of vegetation for
building sites and fragments these
previously undeveloped lands.

Careful site planning can limit
clearing, and greatly reduce negative
aesthetic and ecological impacts.

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.6.2 Street Trees & Vegetation
Street trees and other vegetation play an important role in defining the scenic quality and
appearance of the Byway. Trees and vegetation screen development, organize land use
activities, and add visual interest. Street trees also add immeasurable value to urban streets,
such as shade, visual softening of built edges, and creating safer walking environments.
Ecologically, they act as mini habitats and cover for various species and serve as stormwater
management tools. Street trees should be selected for hardiness and site suitability. To
provide a continuous canopy, street trees are typically spaced 25 to 35 feet apart along both
sides of the street in an alternating pattern. Actual spacing is dependent on the location,
the type of trees selected, and their mature size. A local forester, arborist, or landscape
architect can provide an appropriate tree-planting schedule that considers local climate and
soil type.

Existing Condition
Many mature, existing trees
and vegetation are removed
during site clearing for
development and road
construction.

Plant street trees when
development projects and
roadside utilities need to be
screened from the traveling
public or adjacent uses. Street
trees and vegetation should
also be planted to provide
organizing elements and
screen or buffer incompatible
or unattractive uses.
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Selection of tree species and location of overhead utilities are important considerations.
Our utility companies spend a great deal of money (our utility delivery costs) reducing the
risk of ice damage. The result can be unsightly “U” shaped tree crowns. Flowering apple
species or dwarf varieties may better serve the purpose. Care should also be taken so not to
reduce visibility at intersections and curbcuts.
SUCCESS STORIES

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4.6.3 Incorporate Streetscape Elements
New life can come to town and city streets that incorporate streetscape elements that
include support for multi-modal transportation options such as bus shelters and bike lanes.
Traffic calming elements that include improved lighting, signage and landscaping,
pedestrian accommodations and traffic safety enhancements greatly enhance the livability
of the street and add value to the adjacent properties. Street tree plantings and innovative
stormwater infrastructure can add functional and aesthetic value to a street by helping to
reduce the impacts of climate change via reductions in runoff amounts and velocity and
shading and cooling.

Existing Condition
Wide streets with little in the way of landscaping, traffic calming and pedestrian amenities
can negatively affect the quality of life in a neighborhood. Aging and unsightly utility
poles and excessive pavement create negative aesthetic and functional impacts that can
result in undesirable economic implications for a community.

Employing streetscape tools and practices coupled with Green Infrastructure initiatives
can convert an existing typical street into a multi-dimensional, vibrant, safe and
attractive environment.

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.7 ACCESS MANAGEMENT/TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
4.7.1 Limit Curb cuts
The historic development pattern along highways in the Byway corridor has been linear,
continuous and with each building or lot having its own access with a dedicated curb cut.
This type of pattern creates traffic safety issues with too many vehicles entering and exiting
individual lots and commercial sites, and contributes to visual clutter along the road.
When businesses or residences share access drives many benefits accrue to both the public
and the property owner. Shared access reduces development and maintenance costs.
Multiple businesses that share entry roads can improve internal traffic circulation,
consolidate parking lots and reduce their overall footprint of impervious pavement and
development area, thereby increasing safety, enhancing the streetscape and decreasing the
environmental impact.

Existing Condition
Linear commercial and residential
development has set the precedent of
multiple curb cuts along the highway.
This practice adds to the visual clutter,
as well as increases traffic conﬂicts,
leading to the potential for more
accidents.

In new development or redevelopment projects, the
number of curb cuts can be
reduced by re-orienting the
buildings, creating a shared
parking lot, and designing
shared access to a neighborhood. As a result, the quality of
the developed highway
environment has been improved,
traffic conﬂicts reduced, and a
more attractive neighborhood
and commercial center created.
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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.7.2 Complete Streets
The complete streets methodology is based on redeveloping city and town thoroughfares
with multi-modal use (pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular, and transit) and community character
as a core element. Complete streets implement key smart growth principles such as
walkable environments and traffic calming to promote livable neighborhoods.
Incorporating complete streets practices into roadway design will encourage visitors and
residents alike to safely and comfortably explore the Byway by bike and on foot.

Existing Condition
Typical roadway design focuses on
efficient ﬂow of vehicular traffic,
creating an unpleasant and
potentially dangerous environment
for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Complete streets strategies may
include dedicated bike lanes or paths,
pedestrian walkways and crosswalks,
and other traffic calming strategies
such as curb extensions and
pedestrian refuge islands.

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SUCCESS STORIES
Cohoes Crescent Road
The Mohawk Towpath Byway and the town of Colonie partnered to carry out a study of
potential improvements to Cohoes Crescent Road, one of the most highly-traveled
segments of the Byway. The study identified five alternatives to evaluate, which were guided
by the ‘complete streets’ methodology. The alternative selected featured a multi-use path
running between the road and the river, formalized parking and pull-offs, new shoreline
access points, and upgrades to the existing pocket parks along the road. The town is now
seeking funding to implement the recommended project.
The study also provides a template for evaluating other segments of the Byway.

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4.7.3 Scenic Pull-Offs
Pull-offs are a key component of any scenic byway, and may feature recreational amenities,
river access, and interpretive signage. Pull-offs enhance the Byway experience, providing
opportunities for visitors to enjoy the scenery and learn about the history of the area. To
increase the presence and visibility of the Byway, scenic pull-offs should be identified with
clear and consistent signage.

Existing Condition
Although there are some existing
scenic pull-offs along the Byway,
there are many stretches of highway
with few opportunities to pause and
enjoy the scenery or learn about the
history of the Byway.

Establish new scenic pull-offs at key
locations. Pull-offs should offer
sufficient parking, interpretive
signage, and appropriate recreational
amenities, such as picnic tables,
gazebos, grassy areas, shade trees,
trails, restrooms, and river access
points.

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SUCCESS STORIES
Historic Dunsbach Ferry Site
The pull-off at the site of the historic Dunsbach Ferry is a prime example of how simple
improvements can greatly enhance the attractiveness and scenic quality of a pull-off. After
the installation of an interpretive sign, seen below, an ambitious Eagle Scout adopted the
site as a community service project. The young scout rallied his troop, friends, and family
to put down a fresh layer of crushed stone and install a wooden fence surrounding the pulloff. The historic Dunsbach Ferry site is now more visible, accessible, and attractive to
passersby on the Byway.

COHOES FALLS VIEW PARK
The four-acre Cohoes Falls View Park,
opened in 2009, offers visitors a new
perspective of the second highest waterfall
in New York State. The park is enhanced
with interpretive signage from the
National Park Service that tell the history
of the falls and the surrounding area.
Additional infrastructure includes fishing
platforms and an 80-seat amphitheater.
The Park was the result of successful
public-private collaboration involving
Brookfield Renewable Power, the City of
Cohoes, and the National Park Service’s
Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor.
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Crescent Park
Crescent Park is home to the first interpretive kiosk built along the Byway. The kiosk’s
three panels tell the story of the town of Halfmoon, the hamlet of Crescent, and the
Mohawk Towpath Byway. The park improvements were funded by a grant to the New York
State Scenic Byways Program and carried out by the Halfmoon Parks Department, with
assistance from the Shenendehowa Rotary Club.

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4.7.4 Access to River
River access, for both viewing and recreation, can greatly enhance scenic pull-offs and
parks. The Mohawk River can provide many recreational opportunities for visitors,
including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. River access points are also key sites for
intepretive signs that teach visitors about the history of the area.

Existing Condition
Existing pull-offs and
trailheads typically
have limited river
access, insufficient
parking, and few
complementary
recreational amenities.

Provide access to the Mohawk
River, for both viewing and
recreation, including
canoeing, kayaking, and
ﬁshing. Supplement river
access with other recreational
amenities, interpretive
signage, and ample parking
spaces.
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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.7.5 Gateways
At the entrances to towns, well-defined gateway elements can give visitors a sense of arrival.
These road design features can provide the supplemental benefit of calming traffic.
Narrower, tree-lined streets can slow down drivers as they approach the town at highway
speeds, both increasing the likelihood that visitors will notice unplanned attractions and
creating a safer environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Gateways are thus a very
important aspect of scenic management, as they encourage visitors to see more of what the
Byway has to offer than they would notice from a car window.

Existing Condition
Currently, entrances to
many towns along the
highways within the Byway
corridor are not welldeﬁned.

Enhance town entrances
with street trees, gateway
signs, and vegetated road
medians.

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SUCCESS STORIES

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4.8 RECLAMATION AND REVEGETATION
4.8.1 Adaptive Re-Use
Adaptive re-use of existing industrial (or commercial) sites is an effective land development
strategy, particularly in older towns and neighborhoods. In an era when many older
industrial sites are being vacated or abandoned, there are opportunities to redevelop those
sites for new residential, cultural or mixed uses. One preferred option includes retaining
the building footprints, shells and structures and rehabilitating those structures for new
projects.

Strategy to Avoid
Industrial sites located amongst
residential and commercial
buildings are often unsightly, noisy,
and disruptive to the character of
the place.

When possible, redevelop
industrial sites with buildings or
recreational facilities that ﬁt
with character of the area. At the
very least, industrial sites should
be screened to mitigate their
negative scenic impacts.

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SUCCESS STORIES
One of the greatest success stories and, perhaps, the most visible on the Mohawk Towpath
Byway is the conversion of Harmony Mills complex in Cohoes into high end loft
apartments with amenities including an indoor pool and indoor parking. These massive
brick structures have dominated the textile manufacturing district since 1872. The
restoration of the roof lines and the unique ornate architectural features of the facade has
restored the grandeur of the place as well as providing a glimpse of this important piece of
the Industrial Revolution.

Another example of adaptive reuse is Cornell’s Restaurant on North Jay Street,
Schenectady. Originally built as a retail store the building was converted to its present use
in 2001. The restaurant has grown to be one of the key businesses in the section of the city
locally called “Little Italy.” Cornell’s is the building to the right in the photograph on page
4-9.

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4.8.2 Topography & Woodland Landscape
Preserving the natural resources of the Mohawk Valley and maintaining the integrity of
forested landscapes and their associated topography is a critical concern for the future of
the region. Low Impact Development (LID) reduces the footprint of new development and
helps to preserve the functional capacities of undeveloped lands to provide ecosystem
services such as the filtering and storing of excess runoff, an important consideration in
this era of increased and higher volume precipitation events. Forestlands and undeveloped
slopes and hillsides that are not fragmented - left intact - also serve to retain the valued
scenic qualities of the region.
Strategy to Avoid
Residential development that
disrupts the existing topography
and vegetation patterns, with
excessive clearing and ﬂattening
of the land, detracts from the
scenic wooded hillsides of the
Byway landscape.

Cluster residential development to
preserve intact forested land.
Roads should be designed to
follow the natural topography of
the land, and clearing around
houses should be minimized.

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SUCCESS STORIES
The Steinmetz Connection
The “Steinmetz Connection” is a perfect
example of how towns along the Byway can
maintain the natural topography and intact
woodland landscapes, and additionally create
new opportunities for recreation and historic
engagement. The town of Clifton purchased a
41-acre parcel in between the Byway and the
Mohawk River, which is home to many old
trails and a 2-acre pond used historically for ice.
By purchasing the property, Clifton Park
maintained the scenic character of the
woodlands while creating opportunities for
visitors to get out and explore the Byway
landscape.
In addition it has been discovered that this
property may have been used by Charles
Steinmetz as a camping retreat in the early part
of the twentieth century. This adds another
story to the Byway’s collection.

Above: Charles Steinmetz cir 1915
from Wikipedia.com.
Below: Hiking one of the trails in the
Riverview Road property.

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4.9
REGULATORY ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES AND
OPTIONS
4.9.1 Visual inventory
A visual inventory is the best way to document and manage important scenic resources that
need preserving, and the foundation for the development of effective protection strategies.
Such an inventory might include written descriptions and photos of the views, open spaces,
and related visual resources of concern. The inventory may also include site-specific
information that distinguishes unique characteristics, size of the site, ownership,
accessibility, key vantage points, and potential threats.
4.9.2 Visual assessment
Once important viewsheds and vistas have been identified, a visual assessment can be
conducted to help understand how development might impact the visual character of the
area. In addition to the evaluation of the significance of a scenic resource, techniques for
assessing visual impact include viewshed mapping, visual simulations, line-of-sight sections,
photographic inventories, site analysis, and field review. For more information, see the
additional materials listed the Resources section at the end of this report.
4.9.3 Overlay zoning districts
Adopted as part of a zoning bylaw, overlay districts are land use districts superimposed over
one or more basic zoning districts. Overlay districts alert developers and landowners to
issues and additional requirements that need to be addressed when applying for
development permits. They establish development restrictions, or extend development
incentives, on properties within a defined geographic area or on land characterized by
specific physical features or site conditions (e.g. steep slopes or wetlands). They are
intended to discourage development in unsuitable areas and protect certain critical features
and resources (e.g. wildlife, floodplains, rare species, agriculture). Because overlay zoning
districts do not change the underlying zoning of an area, they can often be a more
politically viable option than modifying zoning districts.
4.9.4 Design guidelines and design review
Design guidelines and review, like overlay zoning districts, can help to protect and enhance
the scenic character of an area by setting standards for new construction and renovations.
Design guidelines can limit the impact of development on scenic views and viewsheds
through siting buildings and roads, maintaining or improving vegetative buffers,
establishing building heights, materials and colors, and outlining compatible uses. The
foundation of the design guidelines and review process is a comprehensive visual analysis,
which has now been undertaken for the Mohawk Towpath Regional Byway, to identify
important landscape and architectural features.

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4.9.5 Tree-cutting standards
Tree-cutting standards limit or control tree cutting and tree damage during construction,
preserve existing trees, and add new trees or replace old trees. As trees and other vegetation
play an important role in the scenic quality of an area, tree-cutting standards can be a
valuable strategy for scenic conservation and enhancement. Tree planting guidelines,
including information on appropriate species, can supplement tree-cutting standards.
4.9.6 Sign regulations
Sign regulations can promote well-designed and well-placed signs, by establishing height
and size limits, banning billboard signs, and controlling sign illumination methods, for
example. By paring down or preventing an excessively cluttered sign landscape, the Byway
can clarify and strengthen its visual identity through cohesive signage. Signs should reflect
the character of the area and make it easy and safe for visitors to navigate the Byway and its
associated attractions.
4.9.7 Cluster or conservation subdivisions
Cluster subdivision is a type of land subdivision that groups homes close together on small
lots to permanently protect views, open space, and valuable land. The portion of the parcel
that is not developed may be restricted by a conservation easement or used for common
space and generally owned by the developer or a homeowners association. Conservation
subdivisions are similar in that they employ clustering, but are oriented more toward siting
lots and development in a manner that protects the integrity of the natural and aesthetic
resources of a site.
4.9.8 Incentive based programs
Incentive-based programs, such as a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program,
preserve scenic areas by offering density bonuses, expedited permitting process, less
stringent design review, or tax breaks to encourage landowners or developers to take
advantage of the program.
TDR is a program established by local zoning ordinance that relocates the potential “right
to develop” from areas where proposed land use or environmental impacts are considered
undesirable (the “sending” site) to another site chosen or defined by local bylaws (the
“receiving” site) on the basis of its ability to accommodate additional units of development
beyond that for which it was zoned, with minimal environmental, social, and aesthetic
impacts. TDRs are typically used to protect open space or environmentally sensitive areas
like wetlands, farmland, forests, or critical wildlife habitat.

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