Countryside Exchange – Beacon, NY

1999 Beacon, New York Exchange

Part of the First U.S. / Japan / U.K. Countryside Exchange

“A Trip Down Main Street is Like a Visit With a Friend”

April 27 – 29, 1999

This report summarizes the Countryside Exchange held in Beacon New York, April 27th through 29th, 1999. This Exchange was the second half of a Japan – U.S. pilot project. Background on the pilot project with Japan is included. The report then focuses on the Beacon Exchange, beginning with a description of the community and its issues. A biographical sketch of the professionals who served on the Beacon Exchange Team follows along with an annotated itinerary of their time spent in the city. Finally, the Team Report outlines observations and recommendations made by the team to assist Beacon’s residents and leaders shape the future of their community.

The U.S.-Japan Pilot Project

Why Japan? Since the arrival of the Black Ships in the 1850′s, Japan has had a very important relationship with the U.S. Despite its recent economic downturn, Japan remains one of the world’s most important economies. Moreover, as evidenced by the recent Kyoto Conference on Global Warming, Japan continues to be an influential partner in meeting global environmental challenges.

Japan and the U.S. have a great deal to learn from each other regarding the wise use of land and the creation of sustainable, livable communities. As this century comes to a close, the U.S. – the acknowledged “world leader” in settlement decentralization, auto dependence and sprawl – is gradually working to find ways to strengthen its cities and existing settlements and to direct public investment away from socially isolating, land and energy intensive development. Ironically, Japan – which has developed a highly refined civic culture in compact yet interesting, vital and safe cities, as well as one of the world’s most reliable, fast and comprehensive public transportation systems – is embarking on American style decentralization. A massive superhighway building program threatens to create sprawl in Japan’s countryside and natural areas. A gradual shift of institutions, government offices, and residential areas to suburban and ex-urban locations is also taking place. Clearly both countries can learn from each other’s experiences. Despite the challenge of different languages and cultures, both can benefit greatly by participating in the Countryside Exchange.

The 1998 Japan-U.S Exchange

In 1998 a small team of American professionals, co-sponsored by Glynwood Center and the Japan National Trust, went to Japan for the pilot Countryside Exchange program involving the two countries. The Exchange was enthusiastically supported by Trust’s Board of Directors and its Director General Michitaro Yamaoka. Spearheading the initiative for the U.S was Chester Liebs, longtime advisor to Glynwood Center and a former Fulbright Senior Fellow in Japan. The program consisted of three distinct components – a roundtable on Japan-U.S. countryside issues, a three day visit to Shirakawa, a village designated as a World Heritage site, and field research on countryside development issues in the area surrounding Nara, Japan’s ancient capital and one of its premier cultural cities. This pilot effort was considered very successful.

The 1999 Beacon Exchange

Beacon, New York presented a compelling opportunity for the second half of the Japan-U.S. Exchange. The city, located on the Hudson River about an hour’s drive north of Manhattan, was at a critical juncture. Several economic, conservation and related issues were coming to a head. Glynwood Center organized a meeting in March 1999 involving the Mayor’s office and several government, non profit, community and private organizations with an interest in Beacon’s issues. The purpose of the meeting was to explore the idea of using the Japan-U.S Countryside Exchange as a mechanism to help Beacon address those issues. There was immediate support for the idea and the Exchange went forward. The Exchange team visited Beacon from April 27th through 29th, 1999.

Description of the City of Beacon

Location

The City of Beacon, population 13,000, is located on the Hudson River in southern Dutchess County, New York. It lies sixty miles north of New York City and ninety miles south of the New York State Capital of Albany, serving as a gateway to the Hudson Highlands.

History

Originally settled in 1709, the area developed as two communities – Fishkill Landing, a thriving port on the Hudson River and Matteawan, a factory community with numerous mills to support growing industries located along Fishkill Creek. The two communities amalgamated in 1913 to form the City of Beacon, a name chosen to signify the importance of the fires lit atop Mount Beacon during the Revolutionary War to warn of potential British invasion. Beacon thrived as a manufacturing center as well as a tourist destination in the early 1900′s. Factories employed thousands, producing machinery, tools and textiles. The Beacon Incline Railway attracted visitors from surrounding areas, and the Newburgh-Beacon ferry was one of America’s best known. The backbone of Beacon’s economy was millenary. Unfortunately when hats fell out of fashion after the second world war, Beacon suffered and the millenary factories closed. As technology changed other industries also left the city. Main Street held its own until the 1960′s when better roads and the development of shopping malls resulted in empty store fronts becoming all too common a sight in the once bustling downtown.

Current Situation

Recently, the International Paper building and property in Beacon was donated to the Dia Center for the Arts, a New York based museum of contemporary art. Dia plans to convert the 292,000 square foot, sky lit factory for use as an art museum. Preliminary estimates put the potential annual visitation to the museum at fifty to sixty thousand. This spurred interest in the Countryside Exchange as a means of ensuring that the city takes full advantage of the economic and cultural benefits that could result from the development of the Dia site. In addition, a number of other issues and projects were being planned or considered which, in order to be dealt with effectively, had to be considered in conjunction with the Dia museum project.

The Issues

The Beacon Exchange Team was asked to consider a number of interconnected issues/questions:

What can be done to ensure that the development of the Dia Museum benefits downtown Beacon and does not occur in isolation?
What can be done to help revitalize Main Street?
How can the proposed development of the waterfront, hiking/biking trails and other public open spaces be factored in?
How can abandoned industrial buildings become an asset for Beacon?
What can be done to ensure that each of these individual opportunities – the Dia Museum , the waterfront, open space and trails, Main Street and the industrial buildings – are considered collectively and their development coordinated in a manner that most benefits the City of Beacon and its residents?

Partners in the Beacon Exchange

Key partners and participants in the Beacon Countryside Exchange included the following :

Beacon Business Association
Beacon City Council
Clara Lou Gould, Mayor of Beacon
Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation
Dia Center for the Arts
Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation
Dutchess County Planning Department
Empire State Development
Glynwood Center
Governor George Pataki’s Office
Howland Center
Hudson River Valley Greenway
Incline Society
The Japan National Trust
The Laura Musser Fund
Metro North
New York State Department of State
New York State Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Premier National Bank
Scenic Hudson
Springfield Baptist Church
Tallix Art Foundry

The Beacon ExchangeTeam

Glynwood Center recruited experienced professionals who volunteered their time to work with the community during the Exchange. The Countryside Exchange Team for Beacon included seven professionals, primarily from Japan as well as from the United Kingdom and the United States. Team members had experience in several fields directly related to the issues Beacon was dealing with:

Mr. Michitaro Yamaoka, Secretary General of the Japan National Trust for Culture and Conservation. The Trust owns, restores and maintains historic properties, is a steward of critical natural areas and promotes conservation and preservation throughout Japan. Mr. Yamaoka was formerly the Director of the Japan Tourist Organization office in New York City.
Prof. Masaru Maeno, Director of the Historic Preservation Program in the School of Architecture at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He has conducted numerous projects to help local communities in Japan revitalize their neighborhoods, main streets and rural villages. Prof. Maeno is also one of the leaders in the emerging field of citizen participation in Japan. Professor Maeno is familiar with the Beacon area. He was part of an exchange program in neighboring Newburgh in 1993. He also spoke at Glynwood Center in Cold Spring, New York earlier this year.
Dr. Hideo Yoshikane, Chief of the Research Section of Tokyo’s Research Institute for organizations and governments in environmental culture, environmental sociology, ecomuseums, tourism and community promotion.
Mr. Junichi Yoneyama directs research and conservation for the Japan National Trust. He was once secretary to the Premier of Japan under the Kishi administration.
Mr. Roger Saunders, Senior Countryside Officer with the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). For more than 25 years, Mr. Saunders has worked with the CCW on countryside issues including the development of a national trails system and the coordination of National Trust grant programs. He is also a member of the Steering Group for the Countryside Exchange program in the United Kingdom.
Ms. Cherilyn Widell, Compliance and Permitting Manager for development and preservation at the Presidio Trust in San Francisco. A former Fulbright Scholar and California State Historic Preservation Officer, Ms. Widell was also founder of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.
Prof. Chester Liebs, founding Director of the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Vermont. A nationally published author, former Fulbright Scholar and Professor in Japan, Mr. Liebs has advised towns and cities in the US and Japan on revitalization and conservation strategies. He was also part of a Countryside Exchange team that visited Japan in 1998.

The Exchange Week

Tuesday, April 27th, 1999

Introduction to Beacon: Challenges and Opportunities

The Exchange began with an orientation program held at Glynwood Center. The morning long workshop was designed to give the team a brief but thorough introduction to Beacon and its issues and to bring together the wide range of organizations and individuals with an interest in Beacon’s future. Presentations included the following:

A. Introduction to Beacon

Background: The Mayor of Beacon, Ms. Clara Lou Gould highlighted important information in an introductory sketch of Beacon:

Beacon’s 13,000 population is ethnically diverse
Housing patterns and needs have changed in recent decades
Beacon lacks hotel/inn accommodations
There is a need to regain the employment and age diversity Beacon had in the past
Assisted living for elders is not available – Volunteers still provide many services
The 1960′s through 1980′s saw an exodus of businesses
Urban renewal affected the west end and cleared the area from Main Street to the river
IBM and Texaco downsizing hurt Beacon
Mount Beacon Incline Railway burned
Ferry service ended after 240 years of service
Beacon-Newburgh Bridge opened but didn’t benefit downtown as the ferry had
Antique shops began to appear in the 1990′s on the east end
In 1992 Beacon became a Model Greenway Community and began considering development of trails linking the waterfront, Main Street, Fishkill Creek and Mount Beacon
Beacon has been described as a city with the feel of a village
As a third grade class put it in a brochure they produced recently: “A trip down Main Street is like a visit with a friend” Joan VanVoorhis of the Beacon Historical Society presented slides and commentary briefly summarizing the history of Beacon.

B. The Waterfront

Scenic Hudson Steve Rosenburg outlined the organization’s land holdings in Beacon and plans for their development including: Beacon Landing, Hudson River waterfront park, Mount Beacon and Madam Brett Mill Park. Scenic Hudson has stepped back from the planning process for these properties in order to factor in the Dia Museum project and ensure coordination of efforts.

Dia Museum Michael Govan outlined plans for the former Nabisco/International Paper building, a 292,000 square foot, sky-lit factory which will be converted for use as a museum of contemporary art. He stressed that for Beacon to realize optimum benefits from the development, economic initiatives must be more diverse than simply an arts and crafts spin off industry.

New York State Parks Jim Moogan described Denning’s Point State Park located at Beacon’s southern boundary where Fishkill Creek empties into the Hudson River. The property is essentially undeveloped at present. Metro Transportation Authority.

MTA Bob Rubenfeld described property at the Beacon “train station” and related issues such as bridges, parking and visitor services.

Dutchess County Planning Department John Clarke from the outlined current planning initiatives related to the waterfront and Beacon in general.

Dutchess County Tourism Promotion Agency Karen Wood provided an overview of tourism promotion in the region.

C. Revitalizing Main Street

Beacon Business Association Sheila Wicklow summed up the history, present situation and aspirations of Beacon’s Main Street centered businesses . Once a thriving shopping destination, Main Street suffered as businesses left and shopping malls eroded traditional markets. Main Street has actually evolved into three distinct components: West End where restoration of old buildings is just beginning. There is strain between and among these three sections and the challenge is to unify Main Street. Another challenge is that while the Dia Museum and the development of the waterfront are exciting projects, without easy access from Metro North Trains, those projects may be of little benefit to Main Street. Main Street Business Association is working with a marketing consultant to help position it as a destination in itself.

Dutchess County Economic Development Gordon Rutherford outlined economic development plans that effect Beacon, in particular the reuse of vacant buildings in the city and attempts to attract new businesses.

Empire State Development Corporation Charles Radier explained the Corporation’s role, its holdings in Beacon and efforts to reestablish the properties to viable economic uses.

D. Mount Beacon and Tallix Art Foundry

After the morning workshop, the team toured the Tallix Art Foundry which produces works for clients and locales world wide. The site also offers public tours twice a week and is considering establishing a visitor center. Mount Beacon rises some one thousand feet above the city and has played a prominent role in the history of the area. Public access to the mountain, now owned by Scenic Hudson, is currently limited. The Team ascended the mountain using four wheel drive vehicles. Only a few remnants of the past can still be seen at the summit including the ruins of part of the Incline Railroad. The trip gave the Team and many of the Exchange partners an incredible, panoramic view of Beacon and the surrounding region. The dramatic vista underlined the area’s natural beauty and drove home the idea that Beacon is a very compact community with issues that are interconnected. After a reception sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric at the Howland Center, the team toured the historic Madam Brett Homestead.

Wednesday, April 28th, 1999

The Waterfront

The team visited the waterfront area to examine it in detail and discuss relevant issues with representatives from the organizations involved. Sites included Beacon Landing, Riverfront Park, Madam Brett Mill Park, Beacon Train Station, Denning’s Point State Park, the Dia Museum site and the Hudson River Estuary Shoreline Fishing and Biking Trail.

The Structure of Main Street

Mayor Gould, along with representatives from the Beacon Business Association, Dutchess County Planning Department and other interest groups, led the team on a walking tour of the entire length of Main Street. The group had a first hand look at some of the restoration work being carried out . The tour also provided an opportunity for discussion of the city’s architectural resources, zoning, retailing and preservation. Team members were able to talk with several shop owners, employees and residents along the way.

Thursday, April 29th, 1999

Industrial Redevelopment & Tourism

The morning began with a walking tour along Fishkill Creek, its waterfalls and rapids and the historic bridge which passes over it. Team members also had a close look at the Beacon Terminal building and the adjacent trail. The Dutchess County trolley took the team to a number of other abandoned industrial sites including the Round House building and Grover Mill where options for adaptive reuse were discussed. The morning concluded at the Beacon Public Library with a presentation by Karen Wood of the Dutchess County Tourism Promotion Agency who outlined tourism and tourism marketing in Dutchess County.

Team Presentation

Dinner for the team was held at the Springfield Baptist Church, sponsored by Premier National Bank. That evening the team presented its observations and recommendations at a public forum held at and sponsored by Tallix Art Foundry. Attendance was close to one hundred and included residents, business owners, interest groups ad media. The Team Report which follows is based on that presentation.

The Team Report

Introduction: Beacon’s Strengths are Interconnected

The City of Beacon has three distinct yet interconnected strengths on which it can build and shape its future. One of those strengths is thenatural environment in and around the city. This includes the waterfront and the Hudson River itself. The Hudson offers its own unique scenic beauty as well as opportunities for varied and improved forms of transportation and recreation. The river not only provides a physical link with other places but is also an important connection with the past, having served as a backdrop to the history of the city, the surrounding region and the entire Hudson River Valley. Fishkill Creek, with its waterfalls, rapids and beautiful old buildings offers a type of scenic beauty that is distinctly different from that of the Hudson River. Its potential for recreation and for adding to the quality of life of residents and visitors has barely been tapped.

Mount Beacon rises some 1000 feet above the city and is an integral part of the region’s history. It offers an awe-inspiring vista that visually connects all of the city’s features with the surrounding countryside. Many cities would envy Beacon’s numerous historic buildings. From protected historic sites such as the Madam Brett Homestead and the Howland Center to the abandoned industrial structures along Fishkill Creek and the beautiful old buildings along Main Street, the architecture of Beacon is an attraction in itself. It is, however, an attraction that could easily disappear without active protection measures and its potential won’t be realized without some immediate action and thoughtful planning.

Art is already an integral part of the fabric of Beacon. Like the city’s natural features and historic buildings it has even greater potential. The Howland Center connects local artists with their community. The development of the Dia Museum dramatically expands the potential for new “art based” connections within the city and between Beacon and other communities, especially perhaps, New York City. Tallix Art Foundry has ties with places and artists world wide.

Beacon has a fourth and overriding strength, one that must be considered even more important than historic buildings, art and natural features – the citizens of Beacon. If care is taken to ensure that all the people who live in Beacon – all ages, all races and all interests – can be actively and meaningfully involved in shaping its future, Beacon wonÕt just be a great city to visit , it will also be an even greater community in which to live.

Community Vision: What Kind of City Do We Want
The need for Beaon to develop a community vision resounded through the presentations of all seven team members on the final night of the Exchange. Beacon needs a clear, unique vision which reflects the community’s own view of itself and which celebrates its untapped potential. Visioning requires community involvement at all levels – not just from government, non profit organizations and the business community but from all members of the community. This includes young and old, professionals and retirees as well as the diverse ethnic groups that make up the city’s population. A forum must be created through which everyone in the community can offer ideas, help decide priorities and the order in which projects will be undertaken. In coming together to create this vision the citizens of Beacon must answer a very basic question: “What kind of city do we want Beacon to be?”

A Sense of Place

Beacon as Home and Destination

It is important to create a “sense of place” within Beacon, both for residents and visitors. Sense of place and pride in the community don’t just happen. They can only come about through opportunities for community – wide participation. Residents must enjoy Beacon, not as a tourist destination, but as their home town. Certain elements are essential. If a city is safe and clean residents will enjoy living there and it will attract visitors.

Beacon’s landscape, historic buildings and cultural features have tremendous potential for further development but it is vital not to exceed the capacity of the individual features or the capacity of the city as a whole in order to retain a “comfort level” for residents and visitors alike.

Beacon’s sense of place can also be developed in part, through a greater appreciation of its past. Heritage education programs which tell the history of the city and the stories of its early inhabitants, such as the program already initiated at the high school, should be encouraged and expanded to other parts of the community. Community education must also help connect residents with and develop pride in their environment.

The natural environment in and around Beacon is diverse and important far beyond the city limits. Beacon’s waterfront is part of the Hudson River which has been designated a National Heritage River, a National Heritage Area and Scenic Corridor. Few cities possess natural resources within their boundaries that are as scenic as Fishkill Creek and Mount Beacon.

Sense of place can also be enhanced through appropriate signs, graphic images and displays in public spaces. Signage and sculptures outside Tallix and Dia and along the riverfront could also be considered. Sketching workshops, street furniture, public art and guided walks can also be used to reinforce Beacon’s identity. Beacon’s identity could be strengthened significantly by developing an attractive, distinctive logo. The term “beacon” itself is very appropriate and provides a very strong graphic image to work with, especially considering its association with the history and naming of the city.

Links: Connecting People, Places and Cultures

Links, both within Beacon as well as those which connect the city with other communities need to be closely re-examined. Links have played an important role in the history of the city, from the chaining of the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War to the “human chain” that was once formed to move books to the new library. Today, a riverboat links Beacon to other cities along the Hudson and a bridge links Beacon to Newburgh.

Physical Links

There is a tremendous need to reconfigure key links within Beacon. A concerted effort must be made to explore ways to connect Main Street, the riverfront, Mount Beacon, Dia and recreation trails in a logical, easy to understand manner. This could include physical reconfiguration of some roads along with attractive, effective signage.

Human Links

Most important are the human links. There is a need for intergenerational links that bring together residents of all ages. Beacon’s history needs to be passed on by members of the older generation who know about and can tell interesting stories of Beacon’s past – from the industries and mills that once thrived in Beacon, to the people who made history happen. It is just as important to recount the stories that wouldnÕt normally make it into history books – stories unique to Beacon’s past that the younger generation should know about. Programs such as one now underway at the high school, in which elders tell students their stories about Beacon, should be encouraged. Consider teaming-up long time residents with newcomers in order that new residents can be made welcome and can appreciate the city’s history.

Cultural Links

There is also a need to link the different cultures of Beacon. One way would be for shops and restaurants to establish “little museums” by creating small displays that explain ethnic traditions, the history of the establishment or aspects of the city’s industrial history such as millenary.

Entry Points: Creating a First Impression

First impressions are vitally important. Beacon must strive to create appealing entrances to the city.

Signage. There is a need for improved, attractive signage at the entrances to Beacon as well as throughout the city. Such signs can tell visitors that they have arrived in a special place, creating a feeling and an identity for the town and its inhabitants. Large and small signs can be used to provide visual information for the visitor. Signs should be established at all points of entry and for all modes of transportation including automobiles, trains, ferry and pedestrian trails. Consider making signs bilingual.

Information Centers. The Metro North railway provides an important point of entry to Beacon. Though commonly referred to as the “train station” there is only a platform to serve visitors. Consider establishing a tourist information center or kiosk at or very close to the station. Such an information center can provide maps, directions and detailed information on the city’s points of interest, restaurants, lodging and shopping opportunities. Such a facility is basic yet essential. It would provide an important information link, connecting the train station with Main Street and other parts of the city. A large, interactive map board could be incorporated on which visitors could comment and make suggestions regarding the city, its attractions and business establishments. Reasonably priced accommodations and restaurants within the vicinity of the tourist information center would be very beneficial. Other very basic visitor amenities such as coin-operated lockers should be considered. A resident based volunteer program to help staff the information center would be very desirable. Public transportation connecting the train station/visitor center with various sites within the city must be made available. Dia and Tallix Art Foundry should consider assisting in the establishment of the visitor center by providing appropriate art work. Sculptures, for example, could be placed near the visitor center. Also consider using art as a “connection” that links the train station, Main Street, the river front and other key city locales including all entry points.

Beacon Terminal: Redefining Community Assets

Beacon Terminal is a old mill site that combines economic, historic, and environmental elements. While many residents remember it as a functioning mill and see it now as only an empty building, it must be considered a resource with diverse potential. The bridge is a real asset and should be preserved. Built in the 1870′s by Phoenix Iron Works, it is one of only two such bridges in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places Beacon Terminal shouldn’t be looked upon as a burden but rather as a site that can be rehabilitated to bring new life and income to the city.

One possible appropriate use could combine residential and business functions. It could provide an excellent setting for the new generation of “telecommuters” who work from their home. Ultimately, the people of Beacon should decide what reuse is most appropriate. There is an immediate need to establish a stabilization “SWAT Team” until the future of the Beacon Terminal can be decided. This team would be mobilized to board up the windows, cover the roof and generally prevent any further deterioration of the building. This approach should also be considered for other old industrial buildings in the city.

A number of economic measures should be considered as tools to help protect and reuse the Terminal. Foreclosure for back taxes should be seriously considered by the city. The buildings could then be sold for re-development. The city should also look into the 20% investment tax credit as means of increasing interest from the private sector in rehabilitating the building. Equity partners could also be sought out, as wast he case with Dia and International Paper. A task force should be established to examinethese issues and to determine community interest and
encourage public input regarding the future of the terminal.

Bold Steps: Send a Message to the World -A Summary of The Exchange Team’s Recommendations

The following is a summary of all recommendations from the Countryside Exchange Team. It includes the ideas they put forward at the public presentation at Tallix on Thursday, April 29th, 1999 as well as suggestions from their notes and their thoughts after returning home. Recommendations are presented under the following headings:

Community Involvement
Visioning
Developing Beacon’s Sense of Place
Links
Entry Points
Education
Transportation
Marketing
Economic Development
Restoration/Renovation
Celebrations & Events
Thinking Beyond Beacon

Preface

The City of Beacon has many assets. Its great potential as well as the many projects that are being planned or already under way, put Beacon in a strong position to move forward. Beacon should seize this opportunity, not just to “catch-up” to other communities, but to go above and beyond, setting new standards that will not only improve Beacon but will also challenge surrounding communities to take action.

The following ideas were presented by the Exchange Team for consideration, but in the end the community itself must drive the process to decide which recommendations to pursue, what the priorities are and in what order specific programs and projects should be initiated.

Recommendations

1. Community Involvement

Create a steering group that is representative of the entire community – residents, organizations, business, government agencies etc., to decide next steps and to encourage greater community involvement in shaping Beacon’s future. Give it a more creative name than Steering Committee!
Create a forum through which everyone in the community can offer ideas and help decide priorities and timing for new projects.

2. Visioning

Create a clear and unique vision for Beacon which answers the question “What kind of city do we want Beacon to be”? Be sure that the visioning process involves the entire community.

3. Developing Beacon’s Sense of Place

Develop three identities for Main Street rather than one.
View its diversity as a strength.
Create interesting names for each section of the street which are rooted in Beacon’s history. Hold distinctive festivals in each of the three areas. Developing these events can also develop strong leadership for each area.
Develop an attractive, distinctive logo for Beacon.
Develop appropriate graphic images, murals, signage and exhibitss in public places to illustrate Beacon’s unique character. As part of this effort consider coordinated signage and sculpture outside Tallix, Dia and along the waterfront.
Develop sketching workshops, street furniture, public art and guided walks as a means of reinforcing Beacon’s identity.

4. Links

Make a concerted effort to explore options for linking Main Street, the riverfront, Mount Beacon, Dia, the train station and the recreation trails. Consider putting in a new road that directly links Main Street to the waterfront. Develop effective signage to make it easier for visitors to find their way around Beacon. Consider using art from Tallix and Dia as a “connection” that links BeaconÕs key locales.
Create links between young and old by developing programs which encourage older generations to pass on stories of Beacon’s past to younger residents.
Consider developing a program that links newcomers with long time residents.
Create “little museums” in ethnic shops, restaurants and businesses using small exhibits that explain Beacon’s cultural and industrial heritage.

5. Entry Points

Create attractive signage at all entry points to Beacon, telling visitors and reminding residents that they have arrived at a special place.
Establish an information center or kiosk at or very close to the train station. Include an interactive map board which encourages visitors’ to comment on the sites they have visited in Beacon.
Develop a volunteer program to help staff the visitor center.
Establish basic visitor amenities such as coin operated lockers in key locations.

6. Education

In addition to the program initiated at the high school, develop new programs in the community which tell the stories of Beacon’s early history and inhabitants.

7. Transportation

Scenic Hudson should consider developing a car-free waterfront and challenge Dia to do the same. Both sites could be served by remote parking with some form of shuttle service. This would encourage people to enter Beacon and discover more of the city, rather than visiting only the museum before returning home or moving on to other communities for entertainment or shopping. Fewer cars would also promote the “safe and clean” elements important to any city.
Look at the Getty Museum as a model for using mass transportation to prevent the use of cars at Dia and elsewhere in Beacon. The museum is free but you must make a reservation and pay for parking. A small “people mover” is used to transport people to the museum from the parking area.
Explore the use of electric bicycles as a mode of transportation in Beacon. They are like a regular bicycle but have a small motor to assist on uphill grades such as from the train station to Main Street. They are being used on a trial basis at the Presidio and are quite popular. For more information contact the Zap Company on the internet.
Establish a continuous loop public bus service to many of Beacon’s sites. This type of program is successfully operated at historic Williamsburg and Stanford University, using vehicles powered by natural gas.
Offer multiple transportation options at the entrances to Beacon.
Be creative when it comes to transportation. Form a “hitch hikers club”. Visitors could buy an inexpensive membership when they arrive, along with a suitable form of identification. Resident volunteers give visitors a ride to various Beacon locales. Visitors could connect with these volunteers either through a registry system or through some form of vehicle identification.

8. Marketing

Beacon should consider conducting a tourism promotion campaign that would supplement the work done by Dutchess County and the State of New York. Find someone who is passionate about promoting Beacon and build on such themes as the Revolutionary War and the city’s nineteenth century mill heritage.

9. Economic Development

Develop the infrastructure needed to encourage art and high tech industries.
Seek Federal Transportation or State funding to install a fiber optic loop in Beacon in order to encourage “telecommuters” – people who would move to Beacon to work out of their homes electronically. High speed phone lines would appeal to sophisticated computer users.
Actively seek development of a reasonably priced hotel or inn in Beacon, ideally near the train station.
Consider listing the mill area on the National Register to attract investors and to become eligible for the rehabilitation tax credit.
Avoid the artists’ loft concept. It is already being done in Peekskill.
The city should seriously consider foreclosure for back taxes on abandoned industrial buildings. The buildings can then be resold for redevelopment.
The city should look into the 20% investment tax credit and use of equity partnerships as a means of increasing private sector interest in rehabilitating older buildings.
A task force should be formed to encourage public input regarding the reuse of Beacon’s abandoned industrial buildings.

10. Restoration/Renovation

Renovate the public library, including its faade, to better reflect the cityÕs architectural heritage. – Restore the Incline Railway.
Protect and preserve the bridge over Fishkill Creek. It is a unique asset.
In order to avoid further deterioration of abandoned industrial buildings such as the Beacon Terminal, establish a stabilization “SWAT Team” to make temporary repairs to roof tops, windows, etc. These actions will at least preserve the sites until their future is determined.

11. Celebrations/Events

Hold an annual festival centered on the Hudson River waterfront.
Hold an annual “lighting of the signal fire” atop Mount Beacon.

12. Thinking Beyond Beacon

Host a symposium for artists from around the world.
Explore the idea of twinning Beacon with Bilboa, Spain. A city once known for its abandoned industrial buildings, Bilboa has transformed itself into an art center.
Promote the creation of a New York City to Poughkeepsie hiking and biking trail.

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