Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan
Location: Saratoga County, New York
Client: Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, Balston Spa, New York

Saratoga County, in the upper Hudson-lower Mohawk River Valley, is a distinct region of New York State rich in scenic, natural, agricultural and historic resources. The county has witnessed ongoing development pressure, in particular since the construction of the Adirondack Northway. While this change brings new opportunities, it threatens to alter the County's natural landscape, fundamental character and quality of life.

Dodson Associates worked with Behan Planning Associates to develop a "greenprint" for the County to recognize and preserve its green assets while demonstrating creative and innovative development techniques. The planning process included an extensive public participation component, resource inventories and conservation development visualizations.

To illustrate complex planning issues and the potential design solutions for each site, birds-eye view drawings were prepared that show planning ideas in both rural and urban settings. In each case, the first drawing illustrates existing conditions on the site. The second image shows what is likely to happen under current zoning and development trends. A third image illustrates a more creative approach, in many cases based on pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development.

Existing conditions for a historic town center. Click drawing for full size view.

Conventional commercial and residential development under current zoning. Click drawing for full size view.

Recommended development based on traditional village planning principles. Click drawing for full size view.