The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Advisory Committee helped guide the Town’s development of a revised Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), a state program that offers local government the opportunity to participate in the State Coastal Management program.  The purpose is to guide the future of Bethlehem’s waterfront area by creating a balance between future development and the protection of the unique environment and heritage of the Hudson riverfront. The LWRP will serve as a guide for decision making when evaluating policies, programs and projects within the riverfront areas; it is recognized under state and federal law and can both influence their decisions and help attract grant and aid funds.

The Town’s intention was to build upon the work of an earlier Draft Local Waterfront Revitalization Program prepared in 2007. This work was recommended by the Comprehensive Plan Assessment Committee which provided a complete report in 2014; their report recommended that an updated version of the LWRP be created.

In December of 2017 the Town submitted a Draft LWRP to the Department of State (DOS) and received comments on additional analysis that was required.  In September 2018, the Town sent the Draft LWRP to the Department of State for their next step of internal/legal review.  The Town conducted a coordinated SEQR review in October 2018.  Throughout 2019, NYS DOS requested further additions and changes.  In February of 2020, the Town Board accepted the Draft LWRP as complete and ready for DOS to initiate final review for acceptance.  In April 2020 the Town Board passed a resolution for the SEQR negative declaration for the LWRP.  By the Spring of 2021, the DOS will be ready for the Town to adopt the Final LWRP and Local Consistency Review Law that will establish the administration for the LWRP.

View the Final LWRP February 2021 and its Appendices
Appendix A - LWRP Consistency Review Law and Waterfront Assessment Form
Appendix B - Henry Hudson Park Master Plan
Appendix C - Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats
Appendix D - Hudson River Underwater Lands
Appendix E - Maps and Other Supporting Resources