Photo Illustration/Layout (of original insert): C. Waterman-Kulpa/J. Balent
Zoar Valley Gateway Concept Plan
Click on one of the areas above for details.
The Report Summary, which contains a CD-ROM full report text, is available from the Village of Gowanda (532-3353). The report can also be found on-line at:
http://www.ciwm.buffalo.edu/gowanda/pcg.htm
If you have questions or comments on the Concept Plan please contact:
Michael Hutchinson
Public Works Superintendent
Village of Gowanda
27 East Main Street
Gowanda, NY 14070-1292
Phone: (716) 532-3353
The Redevelopment Concept Plan
The report examined a number of factors that will have an impact on the eventual redevelopment of the Peter Cooper Gowanda Superfund site including: site assets and limitations; local and regional economic trends and current economic development efforts; key linkages with other properties in the vicinity; needs and wants of Gowanda area residents as expressed in an extensive Public Opinion Survey; and input from key project stakeholders such as local, county and state government organizations and the Seneca Nation of Indians. Based on examination of these factors project personnel feel that the "highest and best use" of the site would be as a multi-use recreational facility, which we call the Zoar Valley Gateway. The Zoar Valley Gateway would meet the needs of the Gowanda community and the desires of its residents, as we have been able to determine them during the course of this study.
The major elements of the Zoar Valley Gateway include the following:
* Walking, Running, and Biking Trail
* Fishing Access
* Small-Boat Launch
* Camping Facilities
* Multi-Use Lodge
* Outdoor Picnic Areas/Playground
* Interpretational Signage
* Waterfront-Related Commercial Activity
* Multi-Use Sport Fields
* Refreshment and Washroom Facility
* Skating Park/Skate Rink
The concept for the Zoar Valley Gateway evolved with two groups of users in mind. Members of the first group are those who want access to the natural beauty and natural assets of Cattaraugus Creek and the Zoar Valley and would include picnickers, fishermen, paddlers, hikers, strollers, bikers and campers. They would be both from the immediate area and visitors from outside the area. They may be interested strictly in day-use (anywhere from a few minute stroll to hours of fishing or picnicking) or in an extended stay including overnights. They also could be using the park as a final destination or they could be using it as a stopover destination on driving or paddling trips through the Western New York region. It is with this group in mind that several of the elements of the Zoar Valley Gateway are proposed such as a walking, running and biking trail; interpretive signage; fishing plafforms; boat launch; camping facilities; multi-use lodge; and picnic areas.
The second group of users that the Zoar Valley Gateway might accommodate is those seeking active recreational opportunities such as field sports and ice-skating. This group would come primarily from Gowanda and immediately surrounding communities. However, given the growing interest in emerging field sports such as soccer and lacrosse, and the area's lack of facilities for popular activities such as ice-skating and in-line skating/skateboarding, a well-organized and well-run athletic complex could attract participants and visitors from a wider area of Western New York. Facilities envisioned for this group include multi-use athletic fields, skating facilities, and supporting refreshment/washroom facilities.
A third type of use - waterfront related commercial - is also included in the Concept Plan. This is intended to be a complimentary use for the primarily recreation-oriented site; however, it is important in helping to realize the full potential of the site and in helping Gowanda meet some of its economic needs.
NOTES ON THE CONCEPT PLAN: The elements included in this Conceptual Design are based on the needs and desires of Gowanda area residents. This discussion of potential uses does not constitute a Final Design for the PCG site, as the property is currently in private ownership. Additionally, it is not certain that all of the elements will be able to be accommodated on the site. The elements are all presented, however, to assist the Village decide what the most valued features are, and which make the most sense to be combined on the site in the future. Besides future site ownership, another important factor in the future redevelopment of the site will be the remedial option and clean-up level mandated by the USEPA in its Record of Decision, and how/when that cleanup is undertaken.
