TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 1-11.1 Introduction to the Byway 1-11.2 Vision and Goals 1-11.3 Process to Date 1-2

1.3.1 Engaging the Partners 1-21.3.2 Assessing, Inventorying and Mapping the Byway’s Scenic Quality 1-31.3.3 Identifying and Prioritizing Scenic Issues 1-31.3.4 Developing Scenic Conservation Strategies 1-3

1.4 Implementation 1-3

SECTION 2. INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT 2-12.1 Overview 2-12.2 Landscape Categories 2-2

2.2.1 Highway Commercial 2-22.2.2 Working Landscape 2-52.2.3 Open Land 2-82.2.4 Rural Residential 2-122.2.5 Residential 2-152.2.6 Village Mixed-Use 2-192.2.7 Historic 2-23

2.3 Overview of Scenic Conservation Initiatives in the Byway Community’s Comprehensive Plans 2-29

SECTION 3. PRIORITIZATION OF SCENIC ISSUES 3-13.1 Introduction to Workshops 3-13.2 Key Considerations 3-1

3.2.1 Education 3-13.2.2 Promotion 3-23.2.3 Access 3-23.2.4 Scenic Enhancement, Redevelopment, and Protection 3-33.2.5 Collaboration 3-4

3.3 Important Initiatives 3-53.3.1 Urban Streetscape Considerations and Opportunities 3-53.3.2 Crescent-Cohoes Road 3-53.3.3 Landfill at Colonie 3-53.3.4 ALCO Industrial 3-53.3.5 Aqueduct 3-53.3.6 Historic Areas and Retaining Community Character 3-63.3.7 Scenic Areas and Suburban Sprawl Issues 3-63.3.8 Improve Access to Recreational Facilities and Opportunities 3-6

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3.3.9 Improve Route 9 Gateway in Half Moon 3-6

SECTION 4. SCENIC CONSERVATION STRATEGIES – A TOOLBOX 4-14.1 Introduction 4-14.2 Site Design and Layout 4-2

4.2.1 Landscape integration 4-24.2.2 Cluster development 4-44.2.3 Limit Visible Building Façade 4-64.2.4 Limit visible parking 4-84.2.5 Buffer incompatible uses 4-104.2.6 Infill development 4-124.2.7 Compatible design 4-144.2.8 Siting utilities 4-184.2.9 Vantage points 4-20

4.3 Materials 4-224.3.1 Compatible colors 4-22

4.4 Signage 4-244.4.1 Appropriate sign design 4-244.4.2 Future signage 4-27

4.5 Lighting 4-294.5.1 Appropriate lighting 4-29 4.5.2 Direct light downward 4-31

4.6 Landscaping and Vegetation 4-334.6.1 Limit clearing 4-334.6.2 Street trees & vegetation 4-354.6.3 Incorporate streetscape elements 4-37

4.7 Access Management and Transportation Planning 4-394.7.1 Limit curb cuts 4-394.7.2 Complete streets 4-414.7.3 Scenic pull-offs 4-434.7.4 Access to river 4-464.7.5 Gateways 4-48

4.8 Reclamation and Revegetation 4-504.8.1 Adaptive Re-Use 4-504.8.2 Topography & woodland landscape 4-52

4.9 Regulatory Assessment Techniques and Options 4-544.9.1 A visual inventory 4-544.9.2 Visual assessment 4-544.9.3 Overlay zoning districts 4-544.9.4 Design guidelines and design review 4-544.9.5 Tree-cutting standards 4-544.9.6 Sign regulations 4-55

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4.9.7 Cluster or conservation subdivisions 4-554.9.8 Incentive based programs 4-55

SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN MATRIX 5-15.1 Overall Recommendations for the Entire Byway Corridor 5-1

5.1.1 Conduct a Byway Summit and Follow Up Events 5-15.1.2 Develop a Corridor Enhancement Plan 5-2 5.1.3 Enhance Wayfinding and Identity Program 5-35.1.4 Implement an Educational and Participatory Planning Program 5-4

5.2 Action Plan Matrix 5-5

RESOURCES

MAPS

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