Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats & Opportunities

Weaknesses (continued):

• City’s zoning code may be detrimental to development as it is not geared toward urban planning
• Some of the building stock needs renovation and maintenance

Opportunities:

• Business district at Fourteenth and Congress is an established retail zone and could provide impetus for future commercial development along the corridor
• Possible parking areas in the empty lots along Walnut Street
• More attractive Gateway entrance to Prospect Park is possible
• Area around AAA property and Cookie Factory is likely a prime area for redevelopment to utilize as a gorge attraction
• Possibility of accessing a view of the gorge easily and safely along the south side of Congress Street
• Attractive Ascension Church recently closed) could be used for a theater, restaurant, etc. to help revitalize the neighborhood
• Opportunity for leasing parking space from the Community Church when the church is not in use
• RPI and Emma Willard campuses offer the opportunity to attract a large, young population.
• Potential for traffic calming, streetscaping and safe pedestrian crossings with the new DOT project

Threats:

• A high percentage of buildings are absentee owners, less than 25% of the buildings are owner occupied
• Potential gorge viewing area is a possible safety hazard.
• Many traditional buildings have been altered and/or have fallen into disrepair
• Lack of commercial development that serves neighborhood needs
• There are several empty lots and abandon buildings that breakup the continuity of the community