Many of these organizations had set up educational displays on the barge (including a mounted sturgeon over a tank full of juvenile fish). There were also themed displays, such as education, food and tourism, with various facts and figures. Our Hudson had set up electronic tablets next to each display, in which people could quickly type in their ideas.
At the Scenic Hudson table, Anzevino pointed to a blown-up map of the area that showed areas targeted by the organization as potential green connectors for Kingston, such as Hussy Hill, River Road and the Kalkberg Ridge, which runs north along the river from the Kingston Business Park to Town of Ulster. The map is part of a new “connecting people in cities” initiative, which would establish and link trails to urban centers.
Two years ago, the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebration generated considerable excitement, culminating in the arrival of the Half Moon at the Kingston waterfront, which attracted thousands of people. Something of that energy was evident at the discussion meeting, and one wonders: could the Quad be the match that will ultimately light the fire of economic development for Kingston, just as the 1976 Bicentennial, with its famous regatta of tall ships, spurred the redevelopment of South Street Seaport and otherwise bolstered the New York City economy? It’s entirely possible.
(Photo of Trolley passing Rosita’s by Dan Barton)
