Forestport receives state grant to support smart growth in the Adirondacks.

Forestport was awarded a $100,000 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to fund a planning consultant for zoning and land-use work; the award was one of 26 grants totaling more than $3.2 million for projects across the Adirondack Park.

The Town of Forestport received a $100,000 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The funding is intended to pay a planning consultant to help draft zoning and land-use regulations to guide future growth. The award was one of 26 grants totaling more than $3.2 million to communities and nonprofits within the Adirondack Park. Forestport adopted a comprehensive master plan last year but does not yet have a land-use plan or zoning ordinance, which town officials have identified as a priority. Key facts: - The grant amount awarded to Forestport is $100,000 from the DEC’s Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant program. - The funding is designated to pay a planning consultant to assist with zoning and land-use regulations. - This award was part of a round of 26 grants totaling over $3.2 million for projects across the Adirondack Park. - Forestport adopted a comprehensive master plan in the prior year and is the largest town in Oneida County by area but lacks a formal land-use plan or zoning ordinance. - The DEC defines smart growth as concentrating development near existing communities and balancing development with conservation. Summary: The grant will support work to align local zoning and land-use rules with Forestport’s master plan priorities, including concentrating growth around hamlets and protecting natural resources. Undetermined at this time.