OGDENSBURG — The former Diamond International and Shade Roller sites would be dotted with housing, restaurants and stores under a plan envisioned by the Syracuse consulting team assisting the city with its waterfront revitalization.

The consultant, edr Companies, presented its latest plan during the city’s final public workshop for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan on Thursday. Included in the plan is the addition of parks and parking areas in the Augsbury district.

The planning and design firm heard concerns from lifelong residents who questioned the economic impact and sustainability of developing waterfront housing, retail and marinas along the St. Lawrence River.

“Those are valid concerns,” said Jane E. Rice, a project manager with edr Companies. “Much like a strategic or community plan, the revitalization plan is meant to serve as a guideline. Nothing is set in stone.”

Suggestions noted in the plan for land and water gateway improvements included a stone wall and flagpoles where Route 37 meets Route 68 and a welcome sign at the Ogdensburg Marina to create a more inviting entrance to the city.

Corridor renderings included more distinct parking lines and pedestrian paths. The new designs also included a bicycle network within and around the city.

The company handed out surveys asking residents to rate revitalization projects in order of importance following the presentation. Project suggestions ranged from citywide sidewalk improvements to constructing a new Maple City Park at the end of Lake Street near the Spring Street Bridge.

The data gathered from the surveys will help determine what projects the city should begin first, according to Andrea L. Smith, interim director of planning and development.

“You can begin these projects starting tomorrow. The city and the community do not need to wait for the approval of the plan,” said Ms. Smith.

The plan will go before the City Council and state Department of State for approval once it is approved by the Steering Committee, a group of business owners and residents.

Ms. Rice said edr hopes to complete the plan by fall. Another public session will be scheduled to present the finalized draft once it is completed.

Details of the plan can be found at www.ogdensburg.wikispot.org.

Thousands of readers like you have made Northern New York Newspapers the number one ranked website* for local news and sports coverage in the north country.

You can continue on to this article in a few seconds, or you can visit one of our websites:

• Watertown Daily Times
• The Ogdensburg Journal
• Daily Courier-Observer