The Historic River Towns of Westchester (HRTW), a consortium of
thirteen Westchester communities located along 49 miles of the Hudson
River, engaged Jonathan Rose Companies to assess the needs of the
organization and produce a five-year implementation plan for future
growth. HRTW, originally formed by its members to promote
tourism in the region, expanded its mission to include waterfront
renewal and downtown revitalization, in recognition that these three
areas were intricately connected.
The five-year Business Plan prepared by Jonathan Rose Companies put
forth innovative concepts to enhance tourism, waterfront renewal, and
downtown revitalization in the region. One important concept developed
specifically for the River Towns was that of “Gateway Vision
Planning,” which seeks to examine and improve each
town’s entry point, usually encompassing a commuter rail
station with close proximity to the waterfront and the main street
area, in a truly comprehensive manner. Other priorities set for the
River Towns included the preservation of an historic, walkable,
mixed-use development pattern, the maintenance of an adequate supply of
affordable housing, and a new emphasis on hi-tech education and
businesses.
The Plan also outlined the practical steps the organization will have
to undertake to accomplish the proposed work plan. Currently
an ad hoc association with no full-time staff, HRTW was encouraged to
consider a full-time director, a part-time staff, and a permanent
office. Budgets were presented for both short and long-term
organizational development. Jonathan Rose Companies also drew upon the
experience of other similar regional organizations in New York State to
provide a basis for comparison and organizational decision-making.
