City of Dryden - Sustainable Waterfront Development Plan

The City of Dryden will devise a sustainable development plan for 38 acres of undeveloped waterfront property not serviced by municipal infrastructure. Rather than extend existing services to the property, the city will investigate opportunities to use innovative local alternatives, shrinking the ecological footprint while fostering diversified growth. A review of existing site conditions will gauge the demand for current and future water, wastewater and energy systems. The team will research the best practices of sustainable communities such as marsh filtration for local wastewater and potable water reduction strategies. These innovative approaches will be analyzed using tools such as life-cycle evaluation, environmental impact assessment and LEED guidelines. A consultant will facilitate a community engagement process to refine the plan before the steering committee selects the preferred development options. The integrated development program will reduce energy costs associated with the treatment of potable water and wastewater. On-site stormwater treatment will reduce nutrient runoff and protect surface water quality. Smart Growth and LEED principles, incorporated in all stages of the development plan, will reduce consumption of both electricity and natural gas, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.