Over 50 residents and business owners from the Hamlet of Brewerton attended the second public meeting at the Brewerton Firehouse on Wednesday, October 17 for the revitalization plan for the Hamlet. This meeting was a follow-up to the public workshop held on June 13 and was part of a planning initiative funded by New York State to create a master plan for the redevelopment of Brewerton.

Project manager Paul Fritz, from Environmental Design and Research (EDR), the local land planning and design firm hired by the Town of Cicero and paid through the grant from New York State, led the presentation and unveiled the initial project vision while summarizing community input to date and discussing preliminary recommendations.

Among the initial prospective improvements discussed:

• Redesign the streets, sidewalks and façade of Main Street Brewerton
• Enhance the waterway to increase water-related tourism opportunities
• Augment the gateway along the bridge that links the waterway with the business district
• Improve the overall public infrastructure

The overall development includes an inventory and analysis of natural and community resources, descriptions of specific revitalization projects, and an implementation strategy. In addition, the strategy will include a market analysis of potential uses and schematic plans for two demonstration projects.

A vision statement has been developed for Brewerton and is the expression of the overall image of what the community wants to be and how it wants to look in the future. It is the starting point for the creation and implementation of action plans based on community input. The following vision statement has been developed:

We envision Brewerton as a close-knit, thriving Erie Canal and Oneida Lake community that welcomes residents and visitors alike. We celebrate our history and heritage, unique natural setting, recreational opportunities, cultural events, shopping and dining, and community connections and services.

Key tasks and milestones still remaining on the project include:

Refine and prioritize recommendations		November 2007
Create concepts for two public demonstration/catalyst projects		January 2008
Develop draft report		February 2008
Third public meeting		April 2008

Click here to view the proposed images for the Hamlet.

Community Clean-Up Proposed
One of the first action steps from the meeting suggested was a community clean-up day. Members from the advisory committee were looking for volunteers from the community at the meeting. Advisory committee members are hoping to find a start date in April or May. For more details call Linda Sacco at 315-699-1414.

Second Public Meeting Presentation

Over 130 people from the Hamlet of Brewerton showed their overwhelming support of efforts to revitalize Brewerton at a recent public workshop on June 13 at the Brewerton Firehouse. The meeting was open to all area residents and businesses. Attendees participated in a variety of workshop activities to share their opinions regarding the Brewerton revitalization project.

Residents at the meeting were divided up into 8-10 person teams. The moderated discussion reviewed the following topics:

• Strengths Discussion (What makes Brewerton great)
• Mapping Tour
  • Community Questionnaire (Feelings about the area)
  • Sacred Places (What is important to them)
  • Getting Around (How do they physically interact with Brewerton)
• Then and Now (Thoughts on changes to Brewerton over time)
• Concerns & Opportunities (What troubles them; what opportunities excite them)
• Vision (All ideas for future)

The public meeting is a key component of a state-funded planning process called a “Revitalization Strategy.” This document describes the types and patterns of development desired by the Brewerton community. It will also identify key community values and goals and strategies for how to achieve them. Its main purpose is to establish a vision and to guide decision making on important land use issues and public investments.

Copies of the meeting notes are available for download from this site (pdf file).

View a summary of the meeting notes

THE NEXT PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD IN OCTOBER. A DATE AND TIME WILL BE RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER.