| |
For Immediate
Release: June 18, 2007
Contact:
Warren Hart, AICP, Director
Greene County Dept. of Planning and Economic Development
411 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
www.greeneeconomicdevelopment.com
business@discovergreene.com
Phone: (518) 719-3290
Fax: (518) 719-3789
|
Greene County Unveils New Economic
Development Plan
to Public
Luncheon Memorializes Adoption, Recognizes Broad-Based Community Input |
 |
CATSKILL, New York (August 10, 2007) – The Greene County Legislature unveiled the new Greene County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan to the public here today with a luncheon to memorialize its adoption and thank dozens of residents, business owners, municipal officials, community leaders and others engaged in the process.
Developed with broad-based community input and the assistance of some of America's top economic development consulting firms, the in-depth plan seeks to achieve a delicate balance between fostering the right kind of economic growth and preserving Greene County's natural beauty and small town character. Specific goals were set in seven key areas: business development and target industry attraction, land use and regional planning, tourism enhancement, workforce development, telecommunications, quality of life, and infrastructure and facilities development.
|
"Now that the Greene County Legislature has adopted this Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, the real work begins," said Wayne C. Speenburgh, Chairman of the Legislature. "We have a detailed action plan spelling out specific initiatives and priorities. It is imperative that we all start pulling together to implement this plan successfully."
Douglas J. Brewer, Country Administrator, added: "With this new roadmap for Greene County's economic future, it is very important that we translate the priorities into future budget requests to be considered by the Legislature. This must not be a plan that sits on a shelf and is never implemented. "
"What is so exciting about this new Economic Development Plan is that is serves as a blueprint for how all the different economic development organizations can best work together to achieve our long-term goals," commented Karen Deyo, Chairman of the Legislature's Government Operations Committee, adding, "I'm a firm believer in the power of collaboration."
Greene County Called 'Model' for New York State
"Greene County can really be held up as a model for New York State in terms of being proactive about charting a course for its economic future," said Senator James L. Seward, who sponsored a $50,000 legislative initiative that funneled money for development of the plan through the Empire State Development Corporation. "This was money well spent. Greene County really gets it," he asserted.
New York State Assemblyman Peter Lopez noted: "Good planning is the cornerstone of a solid future. I applaud Greene County's success in building a consensus about their future and following through with an action plan on how to achieve their goals."
New York State Assemblyman Tim Gordon on the Greene County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan: “Over the next fifty years there will be development in Greene County. The question is how we go about it. Development without planning is a step backwards. We must move forward for the benefit of future generations by embracing smart growth and planning our development, which is why the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan is so important.”
"Greene County has taken a huge step forward by planning for our economic future," said Warren Hart, AICP, Director of Greene County Planning and Economic Development. "With this plan, we can be smart about how and where growth occurs in order to create good jobs, while preserving and enhancing the quality of life we cherish here." He added that his department is already at work on a Countywide Housing Plan and an Intermunicipal Growth Plan for the Hudson River Communities that dovetails with the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan.
“This new plan reinforces the direction we have already been taking in terms of targeted industry attraction with a focus on advanced manufacturing and technology. We were pleased to provide $50,000 of IDA funding to make this plan a reality,” said Dan Frank, Chairman of the Industrial Development agency Board of Directors. “Equally important is that the plan addresses head-on the need to develop and enhance a workforce that aligns with the companies and industry sectors we are working so hard to attract.”
The luncheon celebration, which was held at Anthony's in Leeds and was attended by more than 60 people, was co-sponsored by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. "We are grateful to everyone who gave so generously of their time and talents to help bring Greene County's Economic Development Plan to fruition," said Tracy McNally, the Chamber's Executive Director.
For a free copy of a brochure that summarizes the Greene County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, or to view the entire document, including plan recommendations visit www.greeneeconomicdevelopment.com or call (518) 719-3290.
|
|
