Planning for Greene County's Future
The Planning section of Greene County Planning and Economic Development performs vital work in the areas of planning, transportation and housing. The section also supports the work of the department's economic development and community development sections and provides staff services to various county-level boards, including the Greene County Planning Board and Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.
In recent years, in cooperation with the department’s economic and community development sections, we completed a Comprehensive Economic Development Plan that creates a clear roadmap for fostering balanced economic growth in Greene County for the next 10 to 20 years. We also have spearheaded a Hudson River Corridor Study to create a shared regional vision for our seven historic river towns and villages.
We are also taking a proactive approach to developing affordable workforce housing with the development of a Housing Action Plan. In addition, we administer the Greene County rental assistance program, known officially as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Our section also runs the Greene County Transit System to provide safe, affordable, reliable public transportation services throughout Greene County. Our new Rip Van Winkle Express provides bus service between the Village of Catskill and outlying areas of the county.
planning: programs & services
Greene County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
Greene County Planning and Economic Development, in cooperation with the Greene Business Partnership, recently completed work on a countywide Comprehensive Economic Development Plan providing a comprehensive assessment of the Greene County economy, and a set of prioritized strategic directions and actions that the county will use to improve the livability and quality of life for its residents, facilitate the creation of high-quality jobs, generate new investment in our communities and ensure the county's long-term fiscal health.
Quick Links
- Plan Brochure
- Executive Summary
- Executive Summary Presentation
- Economic Development Plan Appendix - Marketing Profile
Comprehensive Economic Development Plan Chapters
- Cover and Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Executive Summary
- Chapter One - Introduction
- Chapter Two - Resource Assessment and Stakeholder Feedback
- Chapter Three - Target Industry and Resource Analysis
- Chapter Four - Workforce Development
- Chapter Five - Small Business Development Programs
- Chapter Six - Incentives Assessment
- Chapter Seven - Industrial Sites and Facilities
- Chapter Eight - Land Use Planning Analysis
- Chapter Nine - Telecommunications Assessment
- Chapter Ten - Tourism Industry Analysis
- Chapter Eleven - Vision Statement and Goals
- Chapter Twelve - Action/Implementation Plan
- Appendix - Marketing Profile
GIS Maps
- Map 1: Greene County Base Map
- Map 2: Greene County Empire Zones
- Map 3: Empire Zone 1 - New Baltimore / Coxsackie
- Map 4: Empire Zone 2 - Coxsackie
- Map 5: Empire Zone 3 - Athens
- Map 6: Empire Zone 4 - Catskill
- Map 7: Greene County Environmental Features Map
- Map 8: Greene County Existing Land Use Map
- Map 9: Existing Land Use - Historic River Towns
- Map 10: Existing Land Use - Valley Towns
- Map 11: Existing Land Use - Mountaintop Towns
- Map 12: Greene County Resource Map
- Map 13: Resource Map - Historic River Towns
- Map 14: Resource Map - Valley Towns
- Map 15: Resource Map - Mountaintop Towns
- Map 16: Greene County Sewer and Water Districts
- Map 17: Central Office Locations and DSL Availability
- Map 18: Cable TV and High-speed Internet Access
- Map 19: Future Industrial Development Sites
Village of Catskill Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan
The first phase of a "Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan" for the Village of Catskill has been completed and focuses on the most critical areas for revitalization efforts. Catskill has enormous potential to become a regional tourism destination, as well as a hub for local activity, if existing restaurants, retail shops, services, boating amenities, public spaces and entertainment activities are complemented by the creation of additional businesses, parks, public amenities and water-related activities are created in strategic locations around the village.
The plan was prepared for the Greene County Industrial Development Agency by Elan Planning & Design, a planning and site design firm based in Saratoga Springs, NY.
For the Executive Summary sheet PDF click here
For a PDF of the Complete Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Report, click here.
For a PDF of the Phase I Summary Report, click here.
Cairo Main Street Plan
As part of its Main Street Revitalization Program, the County is working with the Town of Cairo on the creation of its first Main Street Strategy. The Strategy will analyze the physical and business conditions in the Main Street study area, which is the entire Main Street from its connection with Route 23 east to its connection at Route 23 west. Dadras Architects, a nationally-recognized Main Street revitalization firm, is conducting the study with the assistance of the County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning Department.
There are almost 60 businesses and well over 100 buildings in the study area. The Town has appointed a study committee that includes public and private-sector representatives. The Main Street Strategy builds on the success of the County’s Main Street Revitalization façade program, and the Cairo-Tannersville New York Main Street grant that has provided additional funding for projects in Cairo, including the transformation of the Kaaterskill Engineering building.
For a PDF of the Main Street Strategy report, click here.
For a PDF of the information flyer, click here.
Planning FAQs
Q. How do I find information on land use and zoning for a municipality?
The best source for current information on local land use and zoning laws is the local municipality. Some municipalities have copies of their comprehensive plan and zoning laws posted on their websites. For others, contact the town or village clerk of the
municipality directly.
Information on additional permits required to start a business in New York State and online permit assistance is available at the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform website.
http://www.gorr.state.ny.us/
Q. How do I obtain training to meet New York State planning or zoning board requirements?
Greene County Planning and Economic Development partners with the NYS Department of State and nearby counties to provide training, with events held in the spring and fall. In addition, information on training requirements and training programs is available from several other sources, including the New York Planning Federation and Department of State. Online computer-based training from the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal Land Use Training and Certification School is another option.
Quick Links
- New York State Department of State
- New York Planning Federation
- New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal Land Use Training and Certification School
- NYS Association of County Planning Directors
Q. How do I place a piece of property in an Agricultural District?
Each year, there is a 30-day review period in September when landowners can request to have land included in Greene County’s Agricultural District. Contact Greene County Planning and Economic Development for more information and to obtain request for inclusion forms.