Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

69 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 of that transformation involves a cleanup and beautification of the Aqueduct parkland, including repurposing remnants of the former Erie Canal. According to Robertson, “There’s probably at least 1,000 aqueduct stones that had just been sitting there in disrepair with vines and invasive species growing all over them and nobody could really see them. Most people didn’t know what they were, it was pretty unsightly. This developer has offered to essentially reassemble some of the Erie Canal, so they’re installing retaining walls and things that are made of the Erie Canal stone. They’re putting in patios and things that kids can climb on, all made of these Erie Canal stones, so people can touch them and see that history.” To help with any habitat lost from the development, the developers will be planting hundreds of trees in the area. Robertson adds, “It’s all going to be native species, flowering species, perennials… so that not only are humans benefitting from this revitalization of this park, but it will be a really good habitat for all the things that live along the river. We are really excited for how it’s going to look when we are done.” The $26-million project will also connect Niskayuna with the Hudson Bike Trail which goes into downtown Schenectady. Syed recounts, “It’s overlooking the Mohawk River and connects all the way into the downtown district; into a casino and all the great shopping and great restaurants. It’s going to be a neat place for our residents because they are essentially going to be right down the street from all that, but they are still going to be in beautiful Niskayuna where it’s quiet.” As the town moves into the future, Niskayuna will prioritize keeping their residential character, with a renewed focus on walkable and bikeable spaces for residents to enjoy. Above all, this is a community with much to be proud of – now and for generations to come. Residential & Commercial Property Management 857 1st St. Watervliet, NY 12183 (518) 482-8954 www.luizzibros.com APARTMENT & TOWNHOMES COMMERC I AL OFF I CES & WAREHOUSES Committed to providing Capital District residents with an exceptional maintenance free rental experience. We have built most of and professionally manage our own residential and commercial properties. Our tenants appreciate the level of care and pride we take in all of our properties. NI SKAYUNA , NEW YORK The Town of Niskayuna hosts a bike rodeo to encourage residents to learn the rules of the road, bike safely, and get out and enjoy their neighborhoods.