Reconnecting the Waterfront and Revitalizing Underused Land
Along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, the City of Rome has an opportunity to reconnect its downtown with surrounding neighborhoods and underutilized waterfront land. The Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan focuses on a 575-acre study area made up of former industrial sites and vacant properties, creating a path to transform these spaces into assets that support community life and future growth.
Building on the momentum of the Downtown BOA and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the plan is designed to link these efforts into a more cohesive strategy. The goal is to create stronger connections between places, improve access to the waterfront, and bring new activity to areas that have long been overlooked.
Turning Underused Sites into Community Assets
Our team supported the City by preparing the full draft plan, conducting environmental investigations, and guiding the project through the SEQR process. Working alongside project partners, we evaluated existing conditions across the study area and identified opportunities for redevelopment, improved connectivity, and expanded recreational use.
Public engagement played a key role throughout the process. Through committee meetings, ongoing communication, and visual materials including graphics, renderings, and branding, the plan was shaped by input from stakeholders and the community. This approach helped ensure the final recommendations reflect both local priorities and long-term goals.
Creating a Roadmap for Implementation
The plan includes a detailed analysis of existing infrastructure and a downtown parking study to better understand current capacity and future needs. From this foundation, a master plan is being developed to guide redevelopment of key sites, strengthen connections between neighborhoods and the waterfront, and create new spaces for recreation and gathering.