New Master Plan for Cortlandt Adopted by Town Board
The fourth Master Plan in the town’s history was adopted by the Cortlandt Town Board last week.
Called “Envision Cortlandt,” the lengthy document with 205 policies and 29 goals has already garnered the town a Planning Federation award as one of only two municipalities in the state to be recognized for its thorough planning, an effort that started in August 2013.
It is the third Master Plan that Supervisor Linda Puglisi has been part of during her 29 years on the Town Board (25 as supervisor). The previous two were adopted in 1991 and 2003.
“The things we have been able to accomplish over the years emanates from these guides and plans,” Puglisi said. “Now we’re going on to the next phase. This one is terrific.”
Cortlandt received a $175,000 grant from the state to help kickoff the process for the Master Plan. A committee was formed with a mission to complete a blueprint for the town to “embrace and enhance its historical roots and the Hudson River.”
Four key planning strategies were centered around four areas in Cortlandt: Waterfront Sustainability District; Cortlandt Boulevard (Route 6) area; Medical-Oriented District (near New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital); and Transit-Oriented District.
The town also received input from residents through an online survey that was conducted from September 2014 to February 2015 with 28 specific questions. The survey was answered by 725 respondents.
“What an assembly of brainpower and dedication of people who have a vision for the town,” Councilman Frank Farrell said of those who played a role in the development of the Master Plan.
In the 2003 Master Plan, 86% of the policies recommended were eventually implemented by the town.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
