Susquehanna HeritageArea Management Plan

Amendment

A regional strategy for developing aNew York State Heritage Area program

in Broome and Tioga Counties.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYDecember 2009

The Susquehanna Heritage Area Management PlanAmendment builds and expands upon previous planningefforts that have been developed and implemented sincethe Susquehanna Heritage Area (SHA) was firstrecognized by the New York State Legislature in 1982.The current planning effort has been undertaken tofurther identify, promote, and develop the historic,cultural, recreational, and natural resources of ageographically expanded Susquehanna Heritage Area,which is proposed to encompass Broome and TiogaCounties as the recommended boundary.

The Management Plan Amendment, prepared for theSusquehanna Heritage Area Commission and AdvisoryBoard, identifies a series of strategies for communities inBroome and Tioga Counties associated with thepreservation and enhancement of their unique resources.This project identifies appropriate partners andestablishes a management structure for the Heritage Areato guide the implementation of programs and projectswhich seek to foster economic revitalization and enhancequality of life throughout the region. As stated in theenabling legislation, heritage areas are intended to“reflect the cultural themes of the State’s developmentand will provide educational, inspirational, economic andrecreational benefits for present and future generations.”

The goal of the Susquehanna Heritage Area is to use thehistoric, cultural and natural resources of Broome andTioga Counties to strengthen regional identity, enhancelocal quality-of-life, support the local economy, andpromote stewardship. This goal is achieved through thepartnership and coordinated activities of a wide range oflocal and regional organizations with technical supportfrom the New York State Heritage Area Program.

The proposed project boundary has been identified as ameans to further tell the compelling stories of the regionassociated with its industrial history, cultural andindustrial heritage, rural evolution, and natural history.The SHA Management Plan Amendment documents theresources in the expanded boundary which canstrengthen visitors’ experiences in the area and also helpsupport the economic revitalization of local communities.

PROJECT PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

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The New York State Heritage Area Program,originally called the Urban Cultural ParkProgram, was created by state legislation in1982 with the goal of advancing preservation,recreation, interpretation, and economicdevelopment. Responsibility for administeringthe program was delegated to the New YorkState Office of Parks, Recreation, and HistoricPreservation. In 1994, the NYS Legislaturerecognized the benefits of the program andamended the original legislation to includeregional settings, in addition to the urbanareas as defined in the 1982 legislation.Recognizing the broader scope now permittedwith the addition of regional heritage settings,the program name was officially changedfrom the NYS Urban Cultural Park Program tothe NYS Heritage Area Program.

The Heritage Area Program is successful inNew York State because it is a locally-drivengrassroots effort administered by participatingcommunities and local partners. It is largerthan the preservation of an individualbuilding or site; it preserves livingcommunities, resulting in an improved qualityof life for local residents while also generatingoutside dollars for community revitalization.

When the New York State Heritage AreaProgram was established, it identified fouroverarching goals to provide a consistentapproach to all of the state’s heritage areas.The goals, embodied within the SusquehannaHeritage Area Management Plan Amendment,include preservation, education, recreation,and economic development.

OVERVIEW OF THE NYS HERITAGEAREA PROGRAM

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WHERE IS THE HERITAGE AREA?

First developed as part of the NYS Urban Cultural ParksProgram, the original boundary of the Susquehanna HeritageArea included specific designated historic districts within theCity of Binghamton, Village of Johnson City, and Village ofEndicott. This boundary was consistent with the conceptualframework of the original program, which focused primarilyon documenting and protecting historic sites, buildings, andresources in more urbanized areas of the state and did notintentionally promote a broader, regional framework.

The recommended expanded boundary encompasses a notablylarger area than the existing legislated boundary, as Broomeand Tioga Counties in their entirety are considered to beintegral to telling the story of the Susquehanna Heritage Area.Both counties possess significant potential with respect topreservation, education, recreation, and economicrevitalization. The expanded boundary encompasses a myriadof geographies which range from a densely populated urbancenter defined by converging rivers, to rolling hills and openspaces interspersed with farmsteads and crossroad villages.Within the proposed expanded boundary there are 25 towns,13 villages, and 1 city.

One of many rural historic homes located in the Town ofBerkshire, Tioga County.

The Cyrus Gates House in the Town of Maine, BroomeCounty is an extant example of architecture dating from1848.

BOUNDARY MAPBroome and Tioga Counties

1980

1986

1996

2003

2005

2006

2008

2009

TIMELINE OF THE HERITAGE AREA

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Feasibility study completed, which looked at making the Triple Cities (Binghamton, Johnson City, andEndicott) part of the State’s Urban Cultural Park system.

Susquehanna Urban Cultural Park Management Plan developed and approved. - Boundary encompassed historic areas bordering the north side of the Susquehanna River.

- Region was selected to demonstrate the themes of Immigration and Migration and Labor and Industry.Executive Director was appointed and given responsibility for administering, marketing, promoting,

programming, and coordinating the various activities of the Urban Cultural Park.Susquehanna Urban Cultural Park Commission established with an intermunicipal agreement.

Binghamton Visitor Center opens in November as an addition to the Roberson Museum and ScienceCenter. Operational costs are provided by the City of Binghamton with shared facility and program

responsibilities defined in a Management Agreement between the Museum and the City.Executive Director charged with oversight of the Binghamton Visitor Center.Original (1986) Management Plan was updated to modify boundaries, provide recommendations for

Visitor Centers and the region’s historic carousels, and to adopt “Heritage Area” as program name.

Endicott Visitor Center opened in Old Colonial Hall with operational and administrative costs paid bythe Village of Endicott.

Administration of Heritage Area activities transferred to Broome County through a multi-year planningservices agreement after resignation of the Executive Director.

The Binghamton Visitor Center Management Agreement between the City and Roberson Museum

begins re-negotiation.

A grant award is procured from the New York State Department of State to prepare a Susquehanna

Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment for purposes of boundary expansion.

Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment project commences with the overarching

goal to consider broadening the local heritage area, geographically and conceptually, to be in concertwith evolving national and statewide thinking and practice.

Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment produced and presented to local

communities and organizations, completing recommendations for a transition from the originalSusquehanna Urban Cultural Park to the regional Susquehanna Heritage Area Program.

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It is the purpose of the Heritage Area to assist localcommunities in bolstering local economies andenhancing quality of life through the stewardship oflocal resources and support for local projects,programs, and economic development initiatives.Through the Susquehanna Heritage Area program,communities can collaborate on a regional basiswith the NYS Heritage Area Program, Broome andTioga County government, and a range of privateand non-profit organizations to plan initiatives,leverage funding, and accomplish goals.Communities benefit from inclusion in theSusquehanna Heritage Area in four primary ways.1. Grants. Eligible applicants within the Heritage

Area may apply for funding to develop a varietyof projects and sponsored initiatives that, forexample, could address revitalization of historicvillages; creation of public trails; park andstreetscape improvements; or the rehabilitationof individual sites, buildings and monuments.

2. Technical Assistance. Support and technicalassistance is available for projects that addressthe goals and objectives of the Heritage Area.

3. Marketing. Community assets can be includedin regional marketing and promotionalinitiatives that support our local businesses,organizations, public facilities and attractions.

4. Project Consistency. Actions undertaken byNYS agencies are reviewed for compatibilitywith Heritage Area Management Plans.

BENEFITS OF HERITAGE AREA PARTICIPATION

FUNDING AND PROGRAMMATICSUCCESS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA

HERITAGE AREA

The past history of the Susquehanna Heritage Area(SHA) demonstrates how initiatives can beundertaken. Since the Susquehanna HeritageArea’s designation, over 50 successful HeritageArea grants totaling more than $4.7 million dollarshave been awarded to projects within the HeritageArea communities of Endicott, Johnson City, andBinghamton. When leveraged funding is added tothe total project cost, the investment amount isover $14 million. Listed below are a few recentexamples of successful projects that have receivedgrant funding through their Heritage Areadesignation. The amounts shown represent theHeritage Area grant award totals:

Rehabilitation funds for a Heritage Center inEndicott’s Little Italy neighborhood ($110,750)Roberson Museum Front Portico Restoration($260,000)Confluence Park & River Trail Projects inBinghamton ($440,000)Acquisition and restoration funding for theGoodwill Theatre Complex project in JohnsonCity ($950,000)

In addition to specific project grant awards, theSHA has had other positive impacts on the localeconomy. In 2003, the SHA Commission led theeffort to host the National Carousel AssociationConvention in Binghamton. The event wasestimated to have resulted in over $200,000 ofdirect investment dollars to the local economywithin a few days, based on the number of visitorsand the length of their stays. Each summer, theSHA-sponsored “Ride the Carousel Circuit”program has brought visitors from all over theregion and country to our community parks.

Roberson Museum and the Binghamton Visitor Center have benefitedfrom numerous grant applications and projects associated with theSusquehanna Heritage Area.

Heritage Area development goes beyond the traditional approach of preserving historic buildings, sites, andmonuments; it promotes a broader concept of enhancing historic communities and landscapes while encouragingeconomic development. The goals and objectives listed here provide a framework for decision making and satisfythe legislative intent of the Heritage Area Program, including the preservation of historic settings which portrayNew York’s heritage; educating the public about the history and significance of buildings and sites; providingactive and passive recreational opportunities; and using these resources to spur economic revitalization.

Preservation.Survey and identify theresources within the SHA sothat they may be recognizedand protected into the future.Actively support programs andinitiatives that protect andenhance the historic, cultural,and recreational resourceswithin the SHA.Preserve and protect historicbuildings, structures, districts,and landscapes within the SHA.Assist local government andinterest groups in developingand implementing resourcemanagement tools, identified inthe Management Plan, aimed atprotecting the character ofhistoric resources.Continue to identify and seeklocal, state, and nationaldesignation of historicresources.Restore, promote, and operatevintage carousels as animportant legacy for the region,as well as other primaryattractions that have historicsignificance.Encourage the use of designguidelines in Heritage Areacommunities to ensurecompatibility with neighboringhistoric structures and sites.

Education.Promote public awarenessthrough the thoughtfulinterpretation of the themes ofthe Susquehanna Heritage Areawhich tell the stories of thediverse people, places andevents associated with theregion.Develop a coordinated regionalsystem of gateways, wayfindingand interpretive signage to helpvisitors experience theSusquehanna Heritage Area.Interpret and share the historiesof the region’s peoples andcommunities throughguidebooks, exhibits, films,websites, and brochures.Coordinate educational goalswith local educationalinstitutions and implementprograms and materials that canbe incorporated into schoolcurriculum.Develop audio/visual programs,newsletters, and other media foruse in local schools and visitorcenters to foster publicawareness about the HeritageArea.

Recreation.Create an inventory of naturalareas, scenic landscapes, andviewsheds to ensure they areprotected.Integrate recreational resourcesand opportunities into theoverall Susquehanna HeritageArea experience.Establish and promotepedestrian, bicycle, andvehicular routes alongdesignated scenic roadways andalong corridors linking thehistoric, recreational, andcultural resources withinBroome and Tioga Counties.Create enhanced access, usage,and recreational opportunitiesalong the Susquehanna andChenango Rivers.Continue improvements andenhancements to multi-usetrails, promenades, plazas,parks, streetscapes, and otherpedestrian-oriented spaceswithin the Heritage Area.Promote and support existingrecreational opportunitiesafforded by municipal, county,and state parks within theHeritage Area.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

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Revitalization.Use heritage resources topromote and stimulate economicactivity in village centers and topromote entrepreneurial activityand small business development.Strengthen historic communitycenters through communityrevitalization initiatives, such asthe Main Street program.Identify public and privatepartnerships that will enhancelong-term economic growth andstability in Broome and TiogaCounties based upon historiccommunity character.Identify funding and investmentopportunities within the HeritageArea that help to further thevision of the Management PlanAmendment.Support local communities intheir efforts to promote culturaltourism as a powerful economiccatalyst for communityimprovement and revitalization.Support efforts aimed at thesuccessful implementation ofregional and local fairs, festivals,and special events.

Marketing.Develop an identity thatcaptures the vision of theSusquehanna Heritage Area andthat can be used consistently inmarketing and promotionalefforts.Coordinate promotionalactivities of the SusquehannaHeritage Area with local,regional, and state organizationsand marketing campaigns.Develop marketing materialsand a cohesive signage andwayfinding program specific tothe Heritage Area, including awebsite that highlights thehistoric context, interpretivethemes, and resources within theSusquehanna Heritage Area.Identify programming, such asthemed tours, that will guidevisitors through the HeritageArea in a meaningful mannerthat is both educational andentertaining.

Partnerships.Expand the existingmanagement entity to includerepresentatives from newcommunities and work toensure the continued successfulimplementation of theSusquehanna Heritage AreaManagement Plan Amendment.Promote on-going and regularcommunication, collaboration,cooperation, and commitmentamong Heritage Areacommunities to implementstrategies and programs.Form partnerships with local,regional, state, and nationalorganizations, agencies, andstakeholders to support theimplementation of ManagementPlan Amendment strategies.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVESEach of the goal areas identified here and in the Management Plan Amendment document have lists of objectivesthat are recommended in order to achieve and fulfill the vision of the overall Susquehanna Heritage Areaprogram. The Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment includes a series of Action Tables thatare tied to each goal and objective. The Action Tables also identify specific tasks associated with achieving eachof the listed objectives, and identifies possible partners and targeted timeframes for completion of the individualtasks. The Actions Tables can be used to track the “status” of recommended actions for measuring successes.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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The expanded Susquehanna Heritage Area guides residents and visitors through beautiful, changing landscapes,historic crossroad villages, and important historical event sites that helped to shape this area of New York. Theregion’s inherent qualities, including its destinations, historic resources, arts and cultural resources, naturallandscape, agritourism sites, and recreational resources, cumulatively contribute to a unique visitor experience.

Primary DestinationsPrimary destinations within the expanded Heritage Area includethose sites and areas that currently attract residents and visitors tothe region. These locations have the greatest potential to share andtell the stories of the Heritage Area. There are 11 destinations withinthe proposed Heritage Area, in addition to the 6 extant carousels,that were identified as Primary Destinations which already offer aprogrammed visitor experience. These sites are largely concentratedin the urbanized region of the Heritage Area, and include the 2Heritage Area Visitor Centers, as well as cultural destinations suchas the Historic Owego Marketplace and Artists Row in Binghamton.

Historic ResourcesHistoric resources include those districts, sites, and structures thathelp to define and explore the historic legacy of the Heritage Area.These include designated national historic districts and sites, locallydesignated or recognized historic districts, and historic buildingsand structures. Currently, there are 8 designated National RegisterHistoric Districts, 6 within Broome County and 2 within TiogaCounty. In addition, there is 1 State Registered Historic District inthe Town of Vestal, 4 local historic districts, and 1 Heritage Arearecognized historic district. While a concentration of historic sitesare located in the more urbanized areas, important historic buildingsare scattered throughout the rural landscape reflecting the rich andvaried history of the region. Within Broome and Tioga Counties,there are currently 92 buildings, structures, sites, and objectsindividually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Societies and History MuseumsA total of 17 local historical societies and history museums havebeen identified in the expanded Susquehanna Heritage Area. Eachshares a common purpose to highlight the unique heritage anddevelopment of their community and the region as a whole. Thesedestinations serve as locations for information dissemination,education, and interpretation. Locations of historical societies andmuseums stretch from the western border of the proposed boundaryin Waverly to the eastern edge in Deposit. They are located in ruraltowns, village centers, and within river corridor communities. Theyare a source of pride for communities that recognize the importanceof keeping their history and heritage alive.

Indoor exhibits, like this one at the Endicott VisitorCenter, already offer interpretive programming aboutthe Susquehanna Heritage Area.

The Post Office in the Village of Newark Valley isone of many historically-significant buildingsidentified in the proposed Heritage Area boundary.

The Deposit Historical Museum is home to the localHistorical Society and is open during much of theyear for guests and visitors.

Cultural ResourcesCultural resources are those sites that focus on the arts, music, andethnic diversity of the region. These resources include performing artsvenues, galleries, and cultural districts that have regular operatinghours or scheduled performances open to the public. TheSusquehanna Heritage Area is fortunate to have a varied tapestry ofarts and cultural venues which range from large stage productions toindependently-owned and operated art galleries. The art groupswithin the region continue to keep the spirit of the Heritage Area aliveby maintaining active calendars of events and special programsincluding monthly gallery walks and annual arts festivals. There aremore than a dozen active performing arts venues, 30 galleries, andseveral cultural districts such as Little Italy in Endicott and OwegoMarketplace, within the expanded Susquehanna Heritage Area.

Agritourism ResourcesThe rural landscapes of Broome and Tioga Counties present anopportunity for local economic development. Within the expandedSusquehanna Heritage Area boundary, there is a variety of specialtyfarms that provide exceptional opportunities for promotingagritourism in the region while also supporting the needs of localresidents. Agritourism resources, which are agribusinesses open tothe public, are prolific throughout the region and include farmersmarkets, individually operated produce markets, horse farms andspecialty markets that produce a range of goods such as honey, maplesyrup, and organic products. There are 10 farmers’ markets in theexpanded Susquehanna Heritage Area, located in urban and villagecenters. Horse farms are a notable niche market and more than 21produce farms and 13 specialty agribusinesses are currently open tothe public and found all across Broome and Tioga Counties.

Recreational ResourcesThe Susquehanna Heritage Area is defined by its natural resources,most notably the Susquehanna River which flows through the regionbefore eventually emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. TheSusquehanna River watershed includes a myriad of other rivers andstreams, hills, open fields, woodlands, and wildlife that help to definethe region, both in terms of natural resources and recreationalopportunities. A variety of recreational amenities abound within theexpanded Susquehanna Heritage Area. There are many passive andactive opportunities for recreation in the region’s abundant local,county, and state park sites. Activities range from a pleasant walk onone of the many state forest trails to kayaking along the river.

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The Goodwill Theatre Complex in Johnson City isone of many performing arts venues in theSusquehanna Heritage Area. The organizationalso supports the widespread preservation ofhistoric sites and structures related to theindustrial history of the Triple-Cities.

Jackson’s Farm, located in the Town of Owego, isone of the many agritourism businesses that couldbe further promoted as part of a regional effort tomarket the unique rural and agricultural assetsfound in the area.

Chenango Valley State Park, in the Town ofFenton, is an excellent example of a resource withnatural, recreational, and historical value.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Primary.Primary Resource Areas (shownin blue) include communitiesalong the Susquehanna River thathave historically, and continue tobe, the regional centers foremployment, culture, andhousing. Physically connected bythe river and State Routes 17 and17C, these communities haveexperienced the benefits ofgrowth and prosperity, while alsofacing the reality of urban declineand the loss of industries, jobs,and population.

Secondary.Secondary Resource Areas (shownin orange) include establishedcrossroad villages that havehistoric buildings, commercialpotential, historic character, andinteresting interpretive stories.Scenic roads and identified bikeroutes connect these locations. Anumber of natural, recreational,historic, and cultural resourcesmeet visitors as they travelidentified secondary roadways.

Tertiary.Tertiary Resource Areas (shown ingreen) are small villages and hamletsthat contribute to the Heritage Area’sthematic and interpretive structureand include individual contributingresources and attractions. Tertiaryareas tend to lack the necessaryvisitor infrastructure to supportincreased visitation. However, theseareas have the potential to be morefully developed, from an interpretiveperspective, through implementationof the SHA Management PlanAmendment.

LINKAGES: CONNECTING OUR RESOURCES

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Geography, landscape features, transportation routes, and economic opportunities have played an integral role inshaping the settlement and development patterns within the region. The historical evolution of the builtenvironment is still identifiable today, with a concentration of population, development, and activity along theSusquehanna River corridor. The Concept Plan above identifies the important linkages in the expandedSusquehanna Heritage Area (SHA), showing the nodes of activity that are imperative to the interpretation of theHeritage Area. The overall experience is not truly felt until one has also traveled along the rural roadways andbyway connections. These are locations where natural resources, rolling hills, and rural landscapes presentthemselves and where you experience the breadth and beauty of what the Susquehanna Heritage Area has to offer.

CONCEPT PLAN

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PARTNERS, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES

Partners

The Susquehanna Heritage Area (SHA) includescommunity groups, agencies, and organizationsthat continuously strive to offer a multitude ofcommunity services to Heritage Area residentsand visitors. Local business groups, governmentagencies, tourism organizations, art groups,neighborhood associations, and religiousinstitutions are some examples of the existingpartners that offer programs, events, andactivities within the region.

Programming

Specialized programming, such as historicwalking tours, are an important component ofthe overall visitor experience within theproposed and expanded SHA. Many of theidentified individual resource sites havedeveloped special programs. In addition, manymunicipalities in Broome and Tioga Countieshost and market a range of programs that cater tothe creation of a unique SHA experience. Thesespecial programs could be further promoted andmarketed regionally through implementation ofrecommendations that are proposed in the SHAManagement Plan Amendment.

Special Events

Special events are an opportunity for the SHA tohighlight its history, its present, and its future.Numerous local festivals and special activitiesare held throughout the year in communitiesboth large and small. Some special eventsrepresent traditions associated with the regionwhile others are annual programs geared toenergizing and bringing together the localcommunity. Other programs replicate historicevents and tie directly into the region’s identifiedthemes. Many of these newer activities havesuccess due to the growing cultural and artdistrict opportunities. Existing events, as well asnew ones, should seek to highlight and educatepeople about the Susquehanna Heritage Area.

Binghamton Visitor Center

The Binghamton Visitor Center opened in 1996 as an addition tothe Roberson Museum and Science Center. Annual visitation tothe Visitor Center between 2003 and 2007 averaged around45,000 visitors per year. Roberson Museum is currentlyresponsible for staffing the Visitor Center. In addition to exhibitspace, the facility offers rental space for school groups andcommunity organizations. The Visitor Center offers educationalprograms for more than 14,000 students from more than 50school districts annually. In addition, more than 175 groupsparticipate in other public programs developed within theVisitor Center galleries.

Endicott Visitor Center

The Endicott Visitor Center opened in 2003 and is located in OldColonial Hall, an historic building located within the Village.The use of the building for a Visitor Center, as well as theconstruction of an attached Community Meeting Hall weremade possible by a combination of New York State grants andthrough local donations. Annual visitation averagesapproximately 10,000 people per year. The Community MeetingHall has a large room available to rent for community events,meetings, lectures, parties, dinners, and weddings.

Tioga County Tourism

Tioga County Tourism has a storefront Visitor Center on NorthAvenue in Owego. This location has an abundance of TiogaCounty-Finger Lakes Region materials and visitor information.

Greater Binghamton Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Greater Binghamton Convention and Visitors Bureau has aninformative website as well as a physical location on CourtStreet in Binghamton. The visitors’ bureau facility offers a largeamount of information to interested visitors, with a focus onconventions and large groups.

New York State Gateway Center

The New York State Gateway Center is a prominent state border“welcome” facility that captures a significant amount of visitorstraveling north on Interstate 81 from many other areas of thecountry.

VISITOR CENTERS AND TOURISMORGANIZATIONS IN THE SHA

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Interpretive themes are the central concepts or ideas that are important about a subject and give it meaning andsignificance. The proposed thematic framework for the Susquehanna Heritage Area is broad and comprehensiveenough to tell the full story and to embrace the entire range of potential interpretive sites and resources within theregion. The themes now include the natural history of the landscape, providing the context for the importantindustrial development for which the region is so well known. The themes are relevant to the entire expandedboundary; rural areas and crossroads villages, as well as urban centers. Each recognized community andinterpretive site within the boundary should identify with a theme that is associated with their stories andresources. Every community and every site should be able to find its place in the Susquehanna Heritage Area.

Theme 3. Valley ofOpportunity

Industry has played an importantrole within the SusquehannaHeritage Area region since the mid-1800’s. Small-scale, localized earlymills and lumbering operationsgave way to concentrated, large-scale manufacturing and mass-production after the Civil War. Thejobs and prosperity brought byindustrial concerns created much ofthe built environment visible inriverfront communities today:grand public buildings, industrialcomplexes, ornate commercial andoffice buildings, streets of finemansions, immigrant enclaves, andneighborhoods created as companytowns. The twentieth century sawthe merging of companies to formlarger conglomerates and the riseof numerous innovative technologycompanies in the region.

Subthemes:

The Early Forest IndustriesRise of the Factory EconomyThe World Comes to WorkWelfare Capitalism and LaborPracticesValley of InnovationChallenges of a ChangingWorld

INTERPRETIVE THEMES

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Theme 2. Native Americansin the Upper Susquehanna

For millennia prior to non-Nativesettlement, Native Americanslived in and traveled through thisregion, leaving behind artifacts asevidence of their presence. Themost recent Native Americancivilization was the IroquoisConfederacy. Their concept ofland ownership and use ofresources were highly attuned tothe natural world and completelyforeign to European settlers.Europeans initially came asmissionaries, followed closely bytraders, who continued to inhabitthe region until well past the endof the American Revolution. Ascontact with adjacent Europeansettlers increased and the regionplunged into war, sharp conflictsarose over land ownership that ledto bloodshed on both sides.

Subthemes:

Remains of a Lost Civilization:Archaic to WoodlandPreserving a Stronghold: TheIroquois ConfederacyJoseph Brant and theRevolutionPost-Revolutionary Frontier

Theme 1. Natural Resourcesand Harnessing Nature

The natural resources of theSusquehanna Heritage Area formthe backdrop and underpinning ofhuman civilization of this region.Residents of the past two centuriesaltered and sought to tame thislandscape to support their needsand interests. A quiet agriculturalregion eventually gave way to anetwork of cities and townsconnected by roads and rail lines.Though human occupation of thepast 200 years has often been atodds with the natural features ofthe landscape, progress has beenmade in preserving and conservingareas of unspoiled forest,significant natural beauty, andvaluable habitats for native species.

Subthemes:

Hills, Valleys and Waterways:The Topographical LandscapeImpact Upon the LandThe Early AgriculturalLandscapeFrom Mixed Farming toSpecializationScenic and Natural Beauty: TheEmerging Conservation Ethic

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HOW TO TELL OUR STORIESThe Susquehanna Heritage Area (SHA) programwill coordinate, facilitate, and provide incentivesfor the implementation of an enhancedinterpretive and revitalization programpromoting the unique heritage of the region. Thisprogram will be implemented by Heritage Areapartners, dependent upon interests and initiatives,and focused upon related stories and themes. Thepurpose of the program is to enhance regionalquality-of-life by engaging residents incommunity development opportunities, attractingthe interest of visitors, and using heritage as atouchstone for ongoing economic revitalization.

Each community within the expanded SHA thatwishes to participate in the Heritage AreaProgram should be encouraged to develop aSusquehanna Heritage Area ProgramEnhancement (SHAPE) document that should beprepared in accordance with guidelinesestablished by the Susquehanna Heritage AreaCommission. The document could be preparedcooperatively by the partnering entities within thecommunity with the overall approval and supportof the municipality. Existing resources should beidentified and assessed, and a program forcommunity revitalization could be outlined.Business plans that build upon the techniques ofthe Main Street program may be incorporated thatfocus upon opportunities for mixed-usedevelopment, enhancing community characterand the adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

The special story of each community should beidentified in their SHAPE document, includingsuitable locations of proposed interpretiveexhibits, specific implementation steps, andestimated costs outlined where feasible.Interpretation should be coordinated with othercommunities that have related themes and stories.Proposed exhibits should use the SusquehannaHeritage Area’s adopted graphic identity and signtypes, unless the community has its own ongoinggraphic identity and signage standards.

One subtheme, Rise of the Factory Economy, is appropriate for Owego, asare other natural resource and Native American themes.

Newark Valley and other secondary resource communities should work todevelop and implement an interpretive program for sites that are linked bythe local byways and shared themes within the Susquehanna Heritage Area.

Maine, as well as other tertiary communities, have resources that can helpto promote local business, preserve and rehabilitate historic buildings,strengthen community character, and attract residents and visitors.

NEXT STEPS

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The recommendations and actions identified within the Susquehanna Heritage Area (SHA) Management PlanAmendment provide the framework for implementation of the expanded program and successful achievement ofthe overall vision, goals, and objectives.

Approval of the Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment

The overarching purpose of the Management Plan Amendment is to coordinate the regional activities focused inand around the Susquehanna Heritage Area designated and proposed communities. To achieve this, theManagement Plan Amendment should ideally be accepted by Broome and Tioga Counties, as well as byindividual communities within the expanded boundary. The boundary of the Susquehanna Heritage Area willultimately encompass those municipalities designated in the New York State enabling legislation and theprogram will be implemented at the local level with cooperating entities that wish to participate.

Currently, Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott are legally recognized as part of the Susquehanna HeritageArea program. Therefore, at a minimum, these three municipalities will need to approve the SHA ManagementPlan Amendment in order for the New York State Legislature to consider an expanded boundary. In addition, itis recommended that the two counties accept and endorse the Management Plan Amendment, to demonstratelocal governmental support, before requesting legislative sponsorship to amend the State legislation. It is furtherrecommended that the Susquehanna Heritage Area Commission and Advisory Board approve the ManagementPlan Amendment. The Management Plan Amendment must also be submitted to the New York State Office ofParks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for approval. OPRHP is the responsible State entity thatwill approve the plan, or provide an explanation for their denial or conditional approval. The NYS HeritageArea Advisory Council will review the Management Plan Amendment and provide recommendations toOPRHP. It is possible that OPRHP may issue some form of conditional approval of the Management PlanAmendment until such time as the NYS Legislature amends the current law to recognize the new boundary.

Once a community expresses a desire to participate and benefit from inclusion in the Susquehanna Heritage Areaprogram, they should be held to a minimum level of local participation in an effort to meet key objectives of theSHA Management Plan Amendment. Ultimately, the SHA Commission will determine what the minimumrequirements are for a community to participate in the Susquehanna Heritage Area. As part of the local inclusionprocess, communities may be requested to provide a resolution acknowledging acceptance of the SusquehannaHeritage Area Management Plan Amendment principles and goals as wellas expressing their desire to participate in its implementation. Communitiesshould agree to participate in the Susquehanna Heritage Area programobjectives and should be encouraged to undertake the following localinitiatives in support of the Heritage Area goals:

Develop a Susquehanna Heritage Area Program Enhancement (SHAPE)document for local guidance.Participate in the implementation of the SHA Management PlanAmendment program goals and objectives as deemed appropriate andwith consideration of available resources.Strive to maintain consistent support and a standard of quality withprogram implementation at the local level.

The Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment and Appendices are availablefor review at the Broome County Department of Planning or from a link on the Broome

County Planning Department web page found on-line at www.gobroomecounty.com

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NEXT STEPSManagement Options for Implementation and Administration

In order for the Management Plan Amendment to be implemented, an entity needs to be recognized or created tooversee and administer its programs and initiatives. Three options are recommended in the Management PlanAmendment, 1) Intermunicipal agreement; 2) Independent non-profit organization; or 3) County administeredprogram with partner organizations. Typically an intermunicipal agreement includes the contribution of fundingfrom participating communities. Due to current fiscal constraints and the number of municipal entities, Option 1may prove to be fiscally challenging and cumbersome. However, amending the existing intermunicipal agreementto include other communities may provide a prompt and reasonable approach for determining a longer-termadministrative solution for those interested in participating. The current agreement allows for, but does notrequire, a financial commitment to participate. Option 2 includes the creation of a Board of Directors to overseeoperations with a membership structure established to provide financial support. Subcommittees could becreated to develop specific areas of activity. The County administered Option 3 could be organized as a jointprogram between Broome and Tioga Counties. Staff members from one or both of the Counties would serve tocoordinate the program, working with partner organizations to oversee activities. These do not represent the onlyoptions, but are ones considered most feasible at this time. Further discussion is necessary with the SusquehannaHeritage Area Commission, Broome and Tioga Counties and other key partners on the viability of each option.

Preservation and Stewardship.

Encourage Completion and Updates of LocalResource InventoriesPromote the Establishment of Local HistoricCommissions and/or Design ReviewStandardsPromote Local Stewardship

Education and Interpretation.

Identify Proposed Interpretive Themes asthe Basis for InterpretationCreate a Regional Network of InterpretivePresentationsContinue to Enhance and Promote theExisting Visitor CentersEstablish a Susquehanna Heritage AreaVisitor Center in Tioga County

Community Revitalization.

Develop a Marketing Plan to Promote theSusquehanna Heritage AreaWork with Local Communities to DevelopPlans and Programs for RevitalizationSupport Efforts of Local Heritage Resources

Recreation and Natural Resources.

Complete Local Resource InventoriesUse the Binghamton MetropolitanGreenway Study as a Guide When PlanningHeritage Trails and ConnectionsDevelop and Enhance Gateways for theHeritage AreaIncrease opportunities for Waterfront Access

Strategies were developed for the Susquehanna Heritage Area (SHA) that specifically address the four primaryNYS Heritage Area Program goals of preservation, recreation, education, and community revitalization. Inaddition, the SHA Management Plan Amendment includes specific recommendations and actions under each ofthese four categories, as well as under the categories of Marketing and Partnerships. The SHA Management PlanAmendment should be referenced for a comprehensive list of strategies, recommendations, and actions.

Strategies for Implementation

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Prepared By:Bergmann Associates

John Milner Associates, Inc.

For The:Broome County Department of Planning and

Economic Development

In Association With:Susquehanna Heritage Area Commission

& Advisory Board

For additional information on the project,please visit the Broome County website at:

www.gobroomecounty.com(select Planning Department link and thenselect “publications” from menu options)

This document was prepared for the New YorkDepartment of State with funds provided under Title 11 of

the Environmental Protection Fund.

Additional matching services were provided by theBroome County Department of Planning and Economic

Development.