HEUVELTON NY FORWARD DRAFT VISION AND GOALS

As part of the Heuvelton NY Forward application, the community was required to provide a brief statement of their vision for downtown revitalization. As part of the NY Forward Program, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will review the initial vision from the Heuvelton NY Forward application and make modifications to best reflect the unique characteristics of Heuvelton and incorporate community feedback gathered during the immersive public engagement sessions and outreach activities.

In support of the Heuvelton's vision, goals are also established. Goals are intended to be detailed, attainable, and action-oriented, and they should support the vision.

The LPC will be evaluating projects received through the Open Call for Projects to verify whether the projects align with State and Local evaluation criteria, as well as the vision and goals.

The following draft vision and goals were submitted in the Village of Heuvelton NY Forward application. Check the project website for updates to the vision and goals as the NY Forward process proceeds. Alignment with the Village of Heuvelton's vision and goals will be a criteria that the LPC will be using to evaluate submitted projects.

DRAFT VISION

“By 2034, Heuvelton aims to be a vibrant community featuring small businesses and activities for adults, children, and families. Key spaces such as the boat launch and Pickens Hall will serve as focal points for residents of all ages. Continued robust access to municipal services-including the public library, fire department, and post office - will remain a priority. Local childcare and medical centers will operate successfully, and the downtown area will evolve into a cultural center marked by new growth and development. Vacant properties will be repurposed to benefit the broader community and provide a diverse range of services.

Heuvelton envisions becoming a recreational destination, with enhancements including a new park and sports fields at the boat launch, increased engagement along the Oswegatchie River, and expanded trails within and surrounding the Village. Efforts to improve river water quality and reduce invasive species will unlock new recreational opportunities. Heuvelton Central School will continue to offer high- quality education and extracurricular programs, anticipate higher enrollment, and secure increased funding. The Village is committed to maintaining its small-town values while embracing cultural trends, aspiring to become a premier destination within the County."

DRAFT GOALS

The Local Planning Committee will develop goals for downtown Heuvelton during this planning process. The goals will be published here after LPC Meeting #2.

NEW YORK STATE REVITALIZATION GOALS

Create an active downtown with a strong sense of place.
Attract new businesses that create a robust mix of shopping, entertainment, and service options for residents and visitors, and that provide job opportunities for a variety of skills and salaries.
Enhance public spaces for arts and cultural events that serve the existing members of the community but also draw in visitors from around the region.
Build a diverse population, with residents and workers supported by complementary diverse housing and employment opportunities.
Grow the local property tax base.
Provide amenities that support and enhance downtown living and quality of life.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support investments that are more resilient to future climate change impacts.

NORTH COUNTRY REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL GOALS

Per the North Country (REDC): "The North Country will lead the economic renaissance of New York State's small cities and rural communities, improve the fortunes of the region’s residents, cherish the region’s vast natural resources, provide access to world class outdoor amenities, and embody a vibrant, resilient spirit.” Goals of the North Country (REDC) are:

Create livable, attractive, and connected communities where people want to live, work, visit, and invest.

Support, grow, and diversify North Country’s major industries to serve domestic and global markets.

Foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that grows and attracts entrepreneurs and companies seeking to market emerging technologies and solutions by creating synergies between research, development, and commercialization.

Develop a resilient and diversified workforce through attraction, training, and retention efforts to meet the needs of our employers, our workers, and their families.

Build a regional ecosystem to support owner occupied and rental housing development and rehabilitation for the region’s workforce in the 80% - 200% Area Median Income (AMI) range to create healthy, sustainable, and diverse communities to support the region’s businesses and employers.

Prioritize the opportunities and threats unique to communities within the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, impacting its economy, communities, environment, and people.

Build the most robust transitioning soldier and spouse retention pipeline in the country.