What is a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program?

A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is a locally developed, state-approved strategy that guides the long-term use, protection, and revitalization of a community's waterfront. Prepared in partnership with the New York State Department of State, an LWRP establishes a shared vision for balancing economic development, environmental stewardship, public access, recreation, historic preservation, and resilient waterfront management. The program provides a framework for coordinating local planning, zoning, infrastructure investments, and public and private development to ensure future projects support the community's waterfront goals.

An LWRP also serves as an important implementation tool by identifying priority projects, policy recommendations, and funding opportunities that can help communities realize their waterfront vision. Once approved by New York State, the program strengthens a municipality's ability to compete for state and federal grant funding and ensures that state agency actions within the designated waterfront area are consistent with the policies and objectives of the LWRP. By integrating land use planning with environmental and economic considerations, an LWRP helps communities protect valuable waterfront resources while promoting sustainable redevelopment, increased public access, tourism, recreation, and long-term economic vitality.

Why does the City of Lockport need an LWRP?

The City of Lockport's waterfront is one of its defining assets, encompassing the Erie Canal, Eighteenmile Creek, historic canal infrastructure, recreational destinations, industrial employment centers, and established residential neighborhoods. While these resources present significant opportunities for economic growth, tourism, recreation, environmental enhancement, and community development, they also require coordinated planning to balance redevelopment with resource protection and resilience. An LWRP provides the City with a comprehensive framework to guide future investment, improve public access to the waterfront, support strategic redevelopment of underutilized properties, strengthen connections between downtown and waterfront destinations, protect natural and historic resources, and address aging infrastructure and environmental challenges.

How is the City paying for the LWRP?

Funding for this LWRP was provided by the New York State Department of State. This funding supports the development of a comprehensive planning process that includes technical analysis, public and stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of policies, strategies, and implementation recommendations to guide future waterfront investment.

Who is responsible for creating this LWRP?

Ultimately, the City of Lockport is responsible for creating and passing an LWRP. For these purposes, the City has appointed a Waterfront Advisory Committee comprised of several engaged members from different sectors in the community. The City also hired LaBella Associates to work as this project’s planning consultant. LaBella Associates was chosen based on a competitive request for proposals.

The role of the Waterfront Advisory Committee is to provide perspectives on the information gathered and feedback on draft documents, policies, and implementation actions. The Waterfront Advisory Committee will also help plan for and publicize public engagement events. Please visit the Waterfront Advisory Committee tab at the top for a full list of committee members.