Scenic Hudson Pushes for Improved Kingston Waterfront Proposal

The design of the 380 proposed housing units clashes with Kingston's existing waterfront architecture.

Recently planning experts from Scenic Hudson submitted their formal comments on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for Sailor's Cove, one of two major developments totaling approximately 2,000 new housing units proposed for Kingston's Hudson River waterfront. Expressing hope that the city planning department and planning board will thoroughly examine and improve the project, the land preservation group signaled a need for changes in the proposal.

In summary, Scenic Hudson determined that the proposed 380-unit Sailor's Cove development features a design and layout that would detract from, rather than be an asset to, Kingston's Hudson River waterfront, and that as currently configured the project would have unacceptable impacts on traffic, municipal services, ecological resources and scenic views. The group suggested improvements that could create a project that would help, rather than hurt, the city's and area's quality of life and economic opportunity. Scenic Hudson officials highlighted that Kingston's waterfront must become an evermore powerful economic engine locally while enhancing a tourism industry that every year is responsible for $388 million in consumer spending, thousands of jobs and major tax revenues to Ulster County, according to Hudson Valley Tourism.

Find additional details in this news release or download Scenic Hudson's complete comments. (pdf, 700K)