City of Cohoes Remsen Streetscape Improvements

Phase I included 650 linear feet of streetscape improvements within the City’s entertainment district, running from the historic Cohoes Music Hall at Cayuga Street to the Manufacturers Bank Building and the City’s original Grist Mill at Ontario Street. Design began in 2016 and focused on the conversion of two-way to one-way traffic, with an emphasis on the pedestrian environment through strategic widening of the street and sidewalks with accommodations for cyclists and the Capital District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA) state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line.

The design for phases II and III of the project included similar improvements while focusing on revitalizing the core of the City – embracing longstanding restaurants, residences, and businesses; and attracting new investors downtown. Two-way traffic was maintained.

All three phases totaled approximately 2,300 linear feet and included many complete street elements: ADA-compliant sidewalks, decorative brick paver borders, granite curbs and curbed bump outs, milling and paving, bike racks, a new CDTA bus shelter, electric car charging stations, and numerous other site amenities. Native street trees, bioretention areas, and flexible outdoor seating contributed to a more welcoming and sustainable environment.

The City of Cohoes and LaBella worked together to create concept renderings and a successful grant application through the New York State Home and Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant program. LaBella also assisted the City with a successful funding application through National Grid’s Urban Center/Commercial District Revitalization Program. The City used CHIPs funding to cover the remaining costs. Leveraging the success of Phase I, LaBella continued to assist Cohoes with numerous successful Consolidated Funding Applications to fund the remaining two phases of Remsen Street, in addition to other revitalizing projects. Following each successful grant application, LaBella and the City of Cohoes partnered together to design, bid, and see each project through construction.