Part of the effort includes requiring developers to add recreation space and connect to the many trails and parks within the community. “We have a beautiful bike path that goes through our town. It is miles and miles long. It’s probably one of our best features as far as trails,” she notes. “In addition to that we have all of these other parcels of land that we’re developing trails on as more of a park system. Those have been a result of developers agreeing to give us park space so that we can keep as much green as possible while still having some new housing developed in the area.” The parks and trail system continues to transform, offering acres of scenic routes, and recreation amenities such as football and lacrosse fields. Lions Park, situated on the bike path, is home to the historic Niskayuna Rail Station, an attraction for history buffs and rail enthusiasts of all ages. Although the station is currently in need of some repair, Cassady-Dorion says there is an outside organization working on restoring it to its former glory. Notably, the park is also part of the scenic Erie Canal byway, and the area may be included in the proposed Harriet Tubman byway, sharing the storied history of the area. DIVERSIFYING DEVELOPMENT As the community grows, Niskayuna is working out how to accommodate new residents, looking outside of the traditional residential development. “We approved a luxury apartment complex that redeveloped a junkyard adjacent to the Mohawk River,” Cassady-Dorion portrays. “We hadn’t used that space for anything, and it now looks absolutely beautiful. The next phase of that area, if it gets passed, might be some condominiums down by the river as well.” Niskayuna has also been exploring zoning strategies like accessory dwelling units and mixed-use projects. “It’s something that’s becoming a bit of a trend, these tiny houses, adding apartments above your garage so that you have somewhere to put your kids or your parents,” acknowledges Cassady-Dorion.“We need to make sure that our policies and the rules and fees 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 NISKAYUNA, NY
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