"Creating Desirable Communities" Topic at Local Government Day

MARGARETVILLE, N.Y., September 18, 2007 - "Creating Desirable Communities" will be the featured topic at Catskills Local Government Day Wednesday, Oct. 17 in Margaretville.

David Ivan, Michigan State University Extension Director and Economic Development Specialist, will give the lunchtime address at Hanah Country Inn, where the annual gathering will be sponsored by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) and the New York State Department of State (DOS).

Municipal officials and staffers, planning and zoning board members, economic development coordinators and other interested citizens are welcome to attend. For an agenda and registration materials, go to www.cwconline.org/special/gov_day, or call 845-586-1400.

David Ivan’s presentation will be a lively look at some of the 225 communities he recently surveyed in 10 Midwestern and East Coast states to determine how the most successful ones manage to fill storefronts, capitalize on art and cultural heritage, engage citizens and attract young professionals.

Ivan’s presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, "Beyond Facades: Realizing Our Main Street Potential." Speakers will include Linda Overbaugh of Heart of Catskill Chamber of Commerce explaining how the Village of Catskill has diversified its retail base; Victor Dadras of Dadras Architects of New York City and Liberty, on the topic of "Saving Historic Buildings for Commerce," and Nan Stoltzenburg, of Community Planning and Environmental Associates of Berne, NY offering advice on "Turning Vision Into Action: Tools to Help You Get There."

Several morning workshops are also scheduled for Code Enforcement Officers, financial managers and other municipal officials. Topics include Intermunicipal Cooperation in Building Code Enforcement, Enforcement of Zoning and Other Local Laws, Information Security for Municipalities, and Shared Services: Benefits, Examples, Encouragement and Funding.

Two two-hour sessions on planning issues may satisfy the new state training mandate for planning and zoning board members.

In the first, Alicia Terry, director of Schoharie County Planning, will lead a workshop on Reviewing Major Subdivisions. Jim Moore of the Gilboa Planning Board, and Alan Lord of New York Land & Lakes will accompany Terry as they examine the review process used for the Pine Island (Mayham’s Pond) development in South Gilboa.

The second planning session will feature Bill Nechamen of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation discussing Planning Considerations for Flood Plain Development Review.

Space is limited for these workshops so those interested are advised to register without delay.

For more information on the non-profit Catskill Watershed Corporation and its environmental protection, economic development and education programs, go to www.cwconline.org, or call 845-586-1400.