17-07-2025
Ogdensburg seeks state funding to update comprehensive, waterfront revitalization plans
Jul. 16—OGDENSBURG — The city is seeking funding to update its aging Comprehensive Plan as well as its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.
On Monday night, City Council passed a resolution supporting the application of a grant through the New York State Department of State's Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning Grant Program to "update its aged comprehensive plan to align with its more current goals. Through this plan, the public and community stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide guidance and feedback to ensure each future project undertaken by the City spurs economic development, creates new and improved recreational activities for residents and visitors, and protects the City's greenspaces."
Mayor Michael Tooley called it an "important first step" to find funding for the update.
Council also approved the grant application for funding through the Department of State's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.
"The St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie River waterfronts located in the City of Ogdensburg are vital assets to the City's economic, recreational, and environmental well-being. These waterfronts have long supported development, provided valued spaces for community recreation, attracted tourism, and contributed to the region's ecological health. To ensure these resources are managed efficiently, equitably, and sustainably, the City of Ogdensburg intends to submit applications for both the update of its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and for the implementation of a priority waterfront project identified in the current plan," stated the resolution.
In other City Council business:
— The city designated City Manager Fonda Chronis as the authorized official to act on behalf of the city in regards to the $1,000,000 awarded by the Northern Border Regional Commission for the Main Street Pump Station Rehabilitation Project.
— Council heard a presentation from Kobe Harrington with the St. Lawrence County Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force has the following mission statement: "To identify, investigate, and provide services for victims of human trafficking with the collaboration of task force partners all utilizing a victim-centered approach and increasing awareness within the local community."
— Recommendations made by the City Charter Commission will be presented to City Council on Monday, July 28.
— Monday's meeting began with a 40 minute executive session. The resolution stated it was called for "to discuss collective negotiations pursuant to article fourteen of civil service law."
— The meeting concluded with a second executive session to "discuss proposed, pending or current litigation."
After coming out of the executive session, City Council entered into a contract with Paul V. Nolan for legal consultation services to represent the city's interests in the upcoming re-licensing of the Ogdensburg Hydroelectric Project.
"The services to be performed by the attorney will involve representing the city's interests in the upcoming re-licensing of the Ogdensburg Hydroelectric Project by Ampersand Ogdensburg Hydro (AOH) before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and assisting the City of Ogdensburg's City Attorney with several matters that involve FERC's regulation of the Project," stated the resolution. "The city manager and city attorney contend Paul V. Nolan, Esq. is best positioned to provide the city with these services."
Nolan will charge a rate of $300 per hour with the contract term beginning July 1 through March 31, 2026.
Solve the daily Crossword
