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Show Choosing our future- a commitment to making it happen Our region is presented with the opportunity for high quality growth, prosperity with good paying jobs and economic vitality. The choice is before us. Do we want to pursue prosperity in a way that allows our children to meet their needs in the future? Are we, as a region, willing to protect our walkable communities and quality spaces while creating new ones? Can we commit to making the entire Capital District a vibrant place to live and work for all its residents? Is there a commitment to making the kind of transportation investment that has not been seen in over a generation? The New Visions Plan has been distilled from more than a decade of discussion, analysis and real world experience. It represents a practical framework for experiencing sustainable growth while maintaining a high quality of life. The region has come to agreement on the framework. The challenge now is to make it a reality. On the cover: The colorized composite satellite image depicts the Capital Region of New York. -2002 Landsat™ satellite data courtesy of Capital District Regional Planning Commission. Planning for tomorrow, today A message from the Chairman The Capital District is at a crossroads of growth and development and the choices we make now will affect our future. Ten years ago, CDTC issued its first New Visions Plan and presented a regional consensus about the future of the Capital District. That Plan was developed in consultation with residents, businesses, transportation providers and state and local government leaders. New Visions 2030 is the next step in shaping transportation policy and investment in the coming years. We have prepared this summary of New Visions to provide an overview of the Plan for the region and the opportunity to participate in its continued development. New Visions 2030 represents the collective position of the Capital Region and will have important impacts on regional planning and development. It is a framework that describes how to meet the region's transportation needs in a cost-effective manner while promoting safety, enhancing the environment, building strong communities and improving the overall quality of life. The New Visions Plan advocates urban investment, concentrated development patterns and smart growth-elements that contribute to economic, educational, social, cultural and recreational opportunities, and that provide safe neighborhood environments and housing choices for all. Building a quality region requires a sustained commitment from a well-informed and enthusiastic public. We invite you to share your ideas: write a note, attend a meeting, request a presentation on New Visions 2030 for your organization. We look forward to continuing this important collaboration as we choose the future of the Capital Region. John T. McDonald, III Mayor, City of Cohoes Chairman message from the chair> 2 |
