Recreation
Hamilton Community Recreation Initiative
In November 2015, PCD embarked on a long-term recreation initiative with three goals in mind:
- Improve the physical conditions of the Chenango Canal Towpath Trail
- Develop a comprehensive recreation website
- Create a consistent, attractive signage system for recreational activities in the area
In the spring of 2016, PCD worked with a student team from Cornell University’s City & Regional Planning program to design possible upgrades to the Towpath Trail. The students conducted site visits to the trail and participated in two public meetings, and then compiled their recommendations for an updated, accessible trail design.
In 2021, PCD received a grant from the CNY Community Foundation to install new new signage along the Towpath Trail. PCD and the Chenango Canal Association worked together to design and install the signs, which include maps, distance markers, and information about the trail’s history and wildlife. Check them out next time you’re out on the trail!
Launched in summer 2018, GoSoMad is a new website for outdoor recreation in southern Madison County. The website’s interactive map contains information about everything from hiking to fishing to snowmobiling. Its intuitive search functions make it easy to find different activities, difficulty levels, or amenities like restrooms and parking.
GoSoMad was made possible by a grant from the CNY Community Foundation. PCD also collaborated with the Village of Hamilton, Town of Hamilton, Chenango Canal Association, the Southern Madison County Heritage Trust, the Rogers Center, Madison County Planning, and many other partners on this project.
Housing
In 2017, PCD worked with the Utica Homeownership Center to provide grants for home renovation to Hamilton homeowners. Homeowners could apply for us to $35,000 to improve the exterior of their homes.
In 2018, PCD, the Village of Hamilton, the Town of Hamilton, and Colgate University worked with czbLLC to create a highly actionable housing strategy for the Village and Town of Hamilton. The strategy examines housing affordability, housing quality, and opportunities for creating new housing. Read the final report below.
Local Food
Supporting local farmers and food producers is an essential component of PCD’s mission.
Our chalkboard project (example shown on the right) lets restaurants in downtown Hamilton showcase the local food producers they buy from.
PCD also works with local farmers and food-based businesses to improve their operations while finding new ways to source their food to others.
