Historic cycles of development and decline have left a legacy of industrial contamination, sprawl as well as charming villages and towns with a general decline in infrastructure serving their needs.

These historic communities face a great challenge to redevelop formerly industrial sites and allow for residential and commercial development while maintaining community character and preserving the ecological integrity of the Hudson Valley's resources.

From Battery to Troy we witness the proliferation of large scale waterfront development and suburban sprawl along with the growth of awareness and effective advocacy for limits to development and sensitive design.