Frequently Asked Questions

Q. “Smart Growth” has largely been in response to urban sprawl and its effect on communities and the environment. In New York, however, many of our municipalities are not affected by sprawl, but are more interested in growth and economic development. How does New York respond to communities wishing to encourage growth?

A. We recognize that there is no single solution to community or regional planning issues but we also recognize that successful communities all share one commonality – a vision for the future of shared and cherished community values. Their plans and actions reflect these values. In general, the goal is to invest time, attention and resources in creating or enhancing a strong sense of community, whether the concern be sprawl, farmland protection, jobs or a reinvigorated Main Street. By applying the Smart Growth Principles, communities can grow in ways that make them the kind of places people want to call home.

A. This concept has been studied and we concluded that a bottom-up approach was more appropriate in New York State. The role of the State is to enable municipalities to achieve locally determined goals that are consistent with Smart Growth ommunities Principles.

Q. Is there any State funding dedicated exclusively to Smart Growth?

A. New York’s approach to Smart Growth has been to use and target existing resources whenever and wherever possible to achieve Smart Growth Principles. This web site is designed to enable public access to the funding programs of the State Agencies that address the issues of open space conservation, downtown redevelopment, agriculture protection, transportation and liveable neighborhoods, technology, sustainable development, partnerships and community visioning.

The New York State Smart Growth Grant Program has targeted three geographic areas – the Adirondack Park, the Central Catskills (Route 28 corridor) and the Lower Hudson Valley regions – each with its own distinct growth management challenges and opportunities. The request for applications in the Lower Hudson Valley issued by the Department of State in 2009 drew 33 applications for a total of $2,490,540.  $500,000 in awards were announced in February 2010.