#2008-10: April 18, 2008 Catskill Center Welcomes Smart Growth Funding for Central Catskills On April 17 Governor Paterson announced the availability of $500,000 for six communities along the Route 28 Corridor (the towns of Andes, Middletown, Olive and Shandaken, and the villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville.) The funding is targeted for capital improvement projects that apply the principles of "smart growth" within the Central Catskills. Smart growth promotes development in historic hamlets and aims to enhance the connection of residents and visitors to the area’s exceptional natural resources. Examples of projects that are eligible for funding include pedestrian and streetscape amenities -- such as sidewalks, benches, and parks - as well as façade improvements, re-use of abandoned buildings, and signage. "This is great news for these Catskill communities", said Peter Manning, Catskill Center Regional Planner. "The Route 28 Corridor is integral to the Central Catskills’ sense of place. The individual and collective development choices along the corridor are directly linked to our future economic and environmental well-being. With this program, communities can take an even greater role in enhancing the range of opportunities the Catskills offer. The State’s given the region a real boost, and it’s clear they are a key partner in helping communities preserve what makes the Catskills special while wisely accommodating land use change." On Wednesday, April 23, the NYS DEC will be holding two workshops to review this funding program. The first will be held at the Catskill Watershed Corporation in Margaretville from 2-3:30PM, and the second will be held at The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development in Arkville from 5:30-7PM. Please visit the DEC website for more information: www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/37874.html.