Association Conference,” Cole adds, highlighting the town’s professional development focus. HOUSING FOR A GROWING COMMUNITY Plattsburgh’s recognition as one of New York’s first 20 Pro-Housing Communities is a nod to years of strategic planning and execution. The designation, which provides priority access to $650 million in state funding, validates the town’s aggressive approach to addressing the housing crisis. “The town of Plattsburgh was identified as a pro-housing community,” Cashman explains.“We actually became the first in the county and one of the first 20 in New York State recognized by Governor Kathy Hochul.” The numbers demonstrate real progress. Over the past decade, Plattsburgh added more than 525 housing units, achieving the state’s growth benchmarks while many communities struggled. Now, a new initiative promises even more dramatic expansion. “We’re currently advancing a new law called CHAMP - Creating Housing Acceleration Measures for Plattsburgh,” Cashman says.“This new local law will provide the opportunity for 2,600 units of housing to potentially be built.” Regional studies confirm the demand exists across all price points.“If people build an 80-unit apartment building, it’s going to be occupied,” Cole states. “If people build 25 single-family homes that are 2,000 square feet, there’s a need for those right now. You probably can’t build it fast enough.”The town hosted a housing symposium bringing together developers, realtors, and planners from six counties to address the shortage comprehensively. Demographics support this growth trajectory. With a median age of 38 and 25% of residents between 20 and 34, Plattsburgh skews younger than most upstate communities. “Plattsburgh is young and poised for growth,” Cashman notes. “We’re trying to harness that and own our future. We plan the work and work the plan, this is all part of that.” TOURISM AND COMMUNITY PRIDE Plattsburgh’s identity blends serious economic development with quirky local traditions that generate genuine community pride. The town’s signature culinary creation, the Michigan hot dog, exemplifies this unique character. Dating back to 1927, this local delicacy features a natural casing hot dog topped with special meat sauce, served “buried” or “unburied” under onions. “We’ve been doing a lot of work to promote the town of Plattsburgh as the home of the Michigan hot dog,” Cashman says. “In fact, we’re working with UFirst Federal Credit Union and Dannemora Federal Credit Union to host the inaugural Michigan Fest this August at the Clinton County fairgrounds.” 56 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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