About the Project
The Schoharie Gateway Area is a 350-acre district situated at the pivotal I-88 Exit 23 interchange. As a primary entry point to the Schoharie Valley, this area serves a critical role in defining the Town’s identity and shaping first impressions for residents and visitors alike.
The Town is currently navigating the complexities of this corridor, seeking a path that balances potential economic development with the community's mandate to protect the district's deep-rooted rural identity. This process is dedicated to:
Protecting Scenic Views: Maintaining strict protections for views of the sweeping agricultural valleys and Terrace Mountain.
Preserving Resources: Safeguarding environmental resources and water quality.
Respecting Character: Ensuring that any growth respects the area’s defining character and prevents low-density sprawl.
Transitioning to Form-Based Code
Rather than relying on conventional zoning that only regulates land use, this planning process will develop a Form-Based Code framework. This approach emphasizes predictable physical outcomes—focusing on how buildings look and where they sit on the land—to ensure new development complements Schoharie’s historic and agrarian setting.
Smart Growth
This project is funded through a New York State Department of State Smart Growth Grant. The Smart Growth Community Planning Program is administered by the Department of State’s Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure (OPDCI) and is funded annually through the Environmental Protection Fund.
The program awards funding to communities to develop or update local and countywide comprehensive plans, area plans or zoning codes that emphasize and integrate Smart Growth principles.
Smart Growth is a forward-thinking approach to planning and development that supports and integrates four key themes: Equity, Economy, Environment and Energy/Climate.
Equity—Smart Growth champions inclusivity, equity and diversity by encouraging a variety of housing types and employment opportunities for people of all incomes, backgrounds, ages and abilities.
Economy—Smart Growth enhances community quality of life, creates livable, sustainable communities and revitalizes downtowns, which is proven to help attract and retain businesses and workers.
Environment—Environmental stewardship is woven into the fabric of Smart Growth, with green spaces and parks seamlessly integrated into community design.
Energy/Climate—Smart Growth promotes walkable, bikeable, transit-accessible neighborhoods with a compact mix of land uses, which minimizes reliance on cars and thus reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Smart Growth also encourages clean energy and climate resiliency.
Smart Growth Principles
Smart Growth promotes several land use planning principles that create livable, sustainable and equitable communities, including:
Allow for and encourage neighborhoods with a mix of uses, such as residential, commercial and community spaces.
Enable a diverse mix of housing types, providing opportunity and choice for people of all ages, abilities and incomes.
Prioritize infill and redevelopment of existing buildings to revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, including areas around public transit.
Provide well-planned, equitable, and accessible public spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Encourage compact neighborhood design and concentrated development around existing infrastructure.
Preserve open space, agricultural resources and natural resources.
Prioritize transportation options that are safe and accessible for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users.
Promote climate resiliency and adaptation, preferably through nature-based solutions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Build on unique traits to create an attractive and welcoming community with a strong sense of place.
Engage in an inclusive, collaborative public planning process that considers the needs and character of the community.