Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
COMMUNITY PROFILE ........................................................................................................................................... 2
REGIONAL SETTING ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
HISTORY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
POPULATION.................................................................................................................................................................. 4
HOUSING ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
ECONOMY ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
LAND USE ................................................................................................................................................................... 20
LAND MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 26
NATURAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................................................................... 32
TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 40
INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES ...................................................................................................................................... 45
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES ............................................................................................................................. 50
PARKS AND RECREATION ................................................................................................................................................ 62
ACTION PLAN ....................................................................................................................................................... 67
PLAN GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................................... 67
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX ............................................................................................................................................. 74
This Page Left Intentionally Blank
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
1 | P a g e
INTRODUCTION
New York State law grants municipalities the authority and responsibility to prepare
and adopt comprehensive plans. As defined in the state legislation, a comprehensive
plan is a document that presents goals, objectives, guidelines and policies for the
immediate and long-range protection, enhancement, growth and development of the
community. Also known as a master plan or land use plan, a comprehensive plan
provides guidance to municipal leaders and helps to ensure that the needs of the
community are met. This plan will replace the current comprehensive plan for the
Town of New Hartford that was last adopted in 2007.
The comprehensive plan is comprised of two elements. The first is a Community
Profile and the second is a comprehensive Action Plan. The Community Profile is a
snapshot of where New Hartford is today, an inventory of assets and identification of
challenges facing the community in the decade ahead. It provides a basic foundation
upon which the comprehensive plan rests.
The Action Plan outlines the goals, objectives and actions that will guide Town
decisions regarding growth, development, protection and the provision of community
services over the next 15 years. Many of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan goals continue
to be the goals for New Hartford in 2014 and have, therefore, been carried forward
in this Plan.
GOAL 1: To recognize the need to pursue avenues of both conservation and
development in the Town of New Hartford
GOAL 2: To encourage a pattern of development in New Hartford to preserve
and strengthen its neighborhoods
GOAL 3: Use public policy as a tool for directing development in the Town
GOAL 4: To preserve and enhance the ecology and natural features of the Town
of New Hartford
GOAL 5: To maintain and improve regional competitiveness through cooperative
economic development ventures and strategies
GOAL 6: To undertake and support activities which enhance the quality of life in
the Town of New Hartford
GOAL 7: Provide well-maintained modern infrastructure that meets current and
future Town needs
GOAL 8: Encourage efficiency in local government service delivery
Community Profile
2 | P a g e
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Regional Setting
The Town of New Hartford is located in Oneida County in the State of New York. The
Town is located southwest of and adjacent to the City of Utica and is approximately
15 miles southeast of the City of Rome. The Town is also bounded by the Towns of
Kirkland to the west, Paris to the south, Litchfield to the southeast, Frankfort to the
east and Whitestown to the north. The Town covers 24.7 square miles of uniquely
blended mixed use, residential, semi-rural and agricultural areas while also serving
as the area’s primary commercial retail center and supporting some of the region’s
major employers.
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History
New Hartford is a stable and prominent town in New York’s Mohawk Valley. The
largest of the suburbs of the City of Utica, it was first settled by a family named
Kellogg who arrived from Hartford, Connecticut in 1772. They named their new home
New Hartford. In 1788, Jedediah Sanger arrived and though virtually penniless and
in debt bought up 1,000 acres of New Hartford. New Hartford was then located within
the Town of Whitestown. It existed for 42 years without its own governmental
structure until 1827 when it was formally formed.
Sanger built the Town’s first mills on the Sauquoit Creek, first a sawmill and later a
grist mill. He doubled his money on 600 acres of his land, selling it for $1 an acre to
Joseph Higbee. Sanger retained 400 acres of what would later become the Village of
New Hartford. Sanger’s name has been lent to the Town’s signature shopping center,
Sangertown Square. But his legacy includes having contributed the land for the first
Presbyterian Church in the United States, founded as the First Religious Society of
Whitestown in 1791. The church building still stands at 45 Genesee Street in the
Village of New Hartford. The image of the church building is the visitor’s first sight of
the Town and Village approaching from the west and forms a picturesque image of
small town life.
Kellogg, Sanger, Higbee (or
Higby as it’s now
recognized) − these are all
names that tie New
Hartford’s past to its
present. With its high
quality of life, good schools
and a beautiful setting in the
Mohawk Valley, New
Hartford has enjoyed a high
degree of loyalty from its
residents through the ages.
Community Profile
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Population
This chapter analyzes a variety of population characteristics of the Town of New
Hartford. The information presented is based on data obtained through the U.S.
Bureau of the Census in 2010 and 2000. Analysis of the demographic data presents
a picture of the Town and how it compares to surrounding towns and the City of
Utica. The figures presented for the towns include their interior villages. Information
for Oneida County and New York State will demonstrate how these communities
compare in a larger context.
In 2010, the Town of New Hartford had a population of 22,166, which was 4.7%
greater than its 2000 population of 21,172. During that same time period, the
population in the Towns of Whitestown and Kirkland increased at a much slower rate
while the County’s population decreased by 2.5%. The State’s population increased
by 2.1%.
New Hartford’s population has remained steady over the past 40 years increasing by
3.4% after a dramatic 16% jump in population from 1960-1970. This increase is less
than New York State’s population increase of 6.2% from 1970-2010 but, in contrast,
Oneida County had its largest population in 1970 and experienced a steady decline
in population between 1970 and 2010 with a decrease in almost 27% over that
timeframe. Much of this population drop can be attributed to losses in population
within the City of Utica (32%), but the Town of Whitestown has lost nearly 13% of
its population as well.
Population Change 1970-2010
Town of New Hartford and Comparison Areas
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Percent
Change
1970 -
2010
Percent
Change
2000
2010
Town of New Hartford
21,430
21,286
21,640
21,172
22,166
3.4%
4.7%
Town of Whitestown
21,382
20,150
18,985
18,635
18,667
-12.7%
.2%
Town of Kirkland
9,688
10,334
10,153
10,138
10,315
6.5%
1.7%
City of Utica
91,611
75,632
68,637
60,651
62,235
-32.1
2.6%
Oneida County
320,355
253,466
250,836
235,469
234,878
-26.7
-2.5%
New York State
18,241,391
17,558,072
17,990,455
18,976,457
19,378,102
6.2%
2.1%
Source: 2010 US Census
In 2010, the Town of New Hartford’s population was primarily white (93.9%) and
with more females (53.6%). Among comparison areas, the Town of Kirkland had
primarily the same white population, and the Town of Whitestown slightly higher. In
contrast, the City of Utica population was more diverse (69% white) and more
reflective of New York State’s population (67.9% white). Although the Town’s
population in 2010 was predominantly white, this population accounted for a lower
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
5 | P a g e
percentage of the population in 2010 than in 2000 (95%). This trend towards
increasing diversification was observed among all comparison areas as well. It should
be noted, however, that in New York State from 2000 to 2010, the percentage of
white residents increased 5.9%. There were more females than males across all
comparison populations. In Oneida County females represented 50.2% of the
population which was more than 3% lower than New Hartford.
Population and Household Characteristics – 2010
Town of
New
Hartford
Town of
Whites-
town
Town of
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New
York
State
White
93.9%
95.7%
93.6%
69.0%
87.1%
67.9%
Male:
46.4%
49.0%
47.5%
48.1%
49.8%
48.4%
Female:
53.6%
51.0%
52.5%
51.9%
50.2%
51.6%
0 to 17
19.6%
21.1%
16.3%
24.7%
21.9%
22.3%
18 to 34
15.5%
20.3%
30.2%
25.6%
21.3%
24.0%
35 to 49
18.4%
20.6%
16.6%
17.9%
20.1%
21.0%
50 to 64
22.6%
20.8%
19.7%
17.0%
20.4%
19.2%
65 +
23.9%
17.2%
17.2%
14.8%
16.3%
13.5%
Median Age
47.6
41.8
39.1
24.8
40.8
38
Total HHs
9,552
7,845
3,722
24,905
93,028
7,317,755
Average HH Size
2.23
2.3
2.23
2.38
2.38
2.57
Source: 2010 US Census
The Town of New Hartford had the highest median age (47.6) by a considerable
margin across all comparison areas in 2010. The Town’s median age had increased
by almost 7% from 2000 when it was 44.6 years. The percentage of persons aged
65+ increased slightly from 2000-2010 and is significantly higher than all other
comparison areas. The Town’s population of those aged 50-64 is also higher. In
contrast, among comparison areas, the Town of Whitestown, City of Utica and the
County’s population over 65 all decreased, whereas the Town of Kirkland and the
State’s population over 65 all increased. The City of Utica had the largest change
with an over 4 percentage point (2,200 persons) decrease in older population. This
median age increase and jump in population aged 50+ is attributed to the
development of two new senior housing and assisted living developments in New
Hartford in the last five years.
As the number of elderly residents in the community increase, the potential for an
increased demand for transportation, health care and personal care services as well
as certain types of affordable housing may also increase. At the same time that these
demands may increase the community’s costs, there may be fewer working age
residents available to pay for those services. New Hartford is addressing the issue
of housing and health care for its senior residents by developing a variety of senior
Community Profile
6 | P a g e
housing options including new nursing home, assisted living and independent living
arrangements with additional health and personal care services directly tied to the
development.
Key Findings:
The population of the Town of New Hartford has remained relatively stable
since 1970 with modest, manageable increases. This trend is not across the
board in comparison communities and as such it is important to recognize that
New Hartford’s assets continue to retain and attract people.
More than 46% of the Town’s population is over the age of 50 and nearly 24%
is age 65 or older. The Town has a significantly higher median age than all of
the comparison communities.
Two senior housing facilities have been developed over the past five years
likely contributing to the increase in population and proportional increase in
population aged 65 an older.
The increases in senior population may increase the demand for public
transportation, health care and personal care services in close proximity to
their residences.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
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Housing
Housing conditions in the Town
of New Hartford are evaluated
through a review of total
number of housing units, total
units in each structure, median
age of the housing stock, value
of the housing, housing
occupancy and vacancy and
building permits. The goal of this
evaluation of the housing stock
of the Town is to ensure that
there is adequate housing for all
residents of the community.
Housing Availability
One factor in assessing general housing needs within a community is the availability
of housing choice. A healthy market should provide sufficient opportunities to its
residents to secure good quality units that address their particular needs in terms of
number of bedrooms, location price and other considerations.
The Town of New Hartford had 10,128 housing units in 2010 and 94.3% of them were
occupied. Almost three quarters of the occupied units were owner occupied. The
occupancy rate in the Town of New Hartford was similar to that of surrounding towns
but higher than that of the City of Utica, the County and the State. Of the Town’s
5.7% vacant units, 45.5% were for rent, 12.2% were for sale, 6.4% were sold or for
rent, but not yet occupied, and 11.5% were used seasonally. The other 24.5% of the
vacant units were being held by the property owner for some other reason. The
Town’s for-sale vacancy rate of 1% is considered a healthy housing market. The
Town’s rental vacancy rate is 9.7%, this is higher than what is considered healthy
(5% is healthy) suggesting a supply of rental units which could be related to the new
senior housing developments.
Between 2000 and 2010, the number of housing units in the Town of New Hartford
increased by 11.4% (1,040 units) while the population increased by 4.7% (994
persons). Comparison communities also had increases in the number of housing
units (ranging from 5% to 10%) as their populations have also increased. Only the
City of Utica had a decrease in the number of housing units (-3.4%).
Community Profile
8 | P a g e
Housing Characteristics – 2010
New
Hartford
Whites-
town
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New
York
State
Total Housing Units
10,128
8,334
3,960
28,166
104,180
8,108,103
Total Occupied Units
94.3%
94.1%
94.0%
88.4%
89.3%
90.3%
Owner occupied
73.3%
71.9%
63.8%
47.5%
66.7%
53.3%
Renter occupied
26.7%
28.1%
36.2%
52.5%
33.3%
46.7%
Vacant
5.7%
5.9%
6.0%
11.6%
10.7%
9.7%
For rent
45.5%
27.6%
33.2%
36.2%
24.0%
25.3%
For sale only
12.2%
11.0%
13.0%
9.6%
9.0%
9.8%
Rented or sold, not occupied
6.4%
8.2%
8.0%
5.2%
4.9%
4.3%
For seasonal, recreational, or
occasional use
11.5%
10.4%
13.0%
3.7%
30.7%
36.7%
Other vacant
24.5%
42.7%
32.8%
45.3%
31.4%
24.0%
Source: 2010 US Census
As indicated in the table below, the majority of housing units (63%) in the Town were
single-family detached homes and an additional 3.4% were single-family attached
units in 2010. The most prevalent multi-unit structures were two-family homes (7%).
Manufactured homes (mobile homes) accounted for 9% of the units. The percentage
of single-family units in the Town was similar to that of surrounding towns and the
County but significantly higher than that of the City of Utica and the State. Between
2000 and 2010, mobile homes were the fastest growing housing types.
Housing Unit Type and Tenure – 2011
Town of New Hartford and Comparison Areas
New
Hartford
Whites-
town
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New York
State
Total Housing Units
9,813
8,237
3,992
28,448
104,186
8,081,303
1-Unit Detached
62.8%
71.6%
62.0%
40.7%
61.3%
42.1%
1-Unit Attached
3.4%
0.4%
4.0%
1.8%
1.8%
4.9%
2 Units
6.9%
11.7%
8.8%
30.2%
13.9%
10.8%
3 or 4 Units
5.4%
8.1%
6.3%
10.9%
6.9%
7.4%
5 to 9 Units
4.8%
2.6%
3.6%
5.9%
3.5%
5.3%
10 to 19 Units
3.9%
1.3%
4.9%
2.1%
1.9%
4.1%
20 or More Units
3.9%
3.6%
6.7%
8.7%
4.7%
22.9%
Mobile Home or Trailer
8.9%
0.8%
3.7%
0.5%
6.1%
2.5%
Median year structure built
1962
1956
1954
Before
1939
1954
1955
Source: US Census 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
9 | P a g e
In 2012, the Town of New Hartford issued 270 residential building permits with an
estimated cost of construction of $10,834,205 and 134 commercial building permits
with an estimated cost of construction of $8,644,099 for a total of 404 permits with
estimated construction costs of $19,478,304. In comparison in 2008 there were 178
residential building permits issued, an increase of 51% and 178 commercial building
permits issued, a decrease of 29%.
In addition, two senior living facilities have expanded their living facilities significantly
in the last five years. Preswick Glen now includes a 242 bed nursing home, 96 bed
assisted living facility and 148 independent living units. Sitrin Home has also
developed an assisted living and nursing home facility.
Home Values and Rents
In 2010, the median value of a home in the Town of New Hartford was $144,500. As
was true in 2000, the median value of homes in the Town of New Hartford was
significantly higher than in the County. The Town’s median home value was 16%
lower in 2000 than in 2011 (when the 2000 value was adjusted to reflect the value
of a dollar in 2011).
Housing Value and Median Rent – 2011
Town of New Hartford and Comparison Areas
New
Hartford
Whites-
town
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New York
State
Less than $49,999
10.1%
2.2%
6.1%
15.5%
10.9%
5.2%
$50,000 to $99,999
21.0%
35.6%
15.7%
48.6%
35.6%
12.7%
$100,000 to $149,999
21.1%
30.5%
20.0%
20.6%
23.9%
11.0%
$150,000 to $199,999
17.9%
14.5%
25.5%
8.7%
14.0%
8.9%
$200,000 to $299,999
16.9%
10.5%
20.5%
3.0%
9.3%
12.1%
$300,000 to $499,999
9.8%
4.7%
9.8%
2.2%
4.2%
24.4%
$500,000 to $999,999
2.9%
1.1%
2.3%
1.1%
1.6%
20.8%
$1,000,000 or More
0.2%
1.1%
0.0%
0.3%
0.5%
5.0%
Median Home Value
$144,500
$117,400
$161,700
$87,200
$106,200
$301,000
Median Contract Rent
$797
$687
$806
$623
$658
$1,025
Renters who Spent Over
30% of Household
Income on Housing in
2011
36.4%
53.7%
44.0%
54.4%
48.3%
52.3%
Home Owners who
Spent over 30% of
Household Income on
Housing in 2011
22.5%
22.6%
18.8%
24.5%
22.2%
34.6%
Source: US Census 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate
Community Profile
10 | P a g e
Renters continued to spend more of their income on housing than homeowners in
2010. The median contract rent was $797, which was higher than all comparison
areas except the Town of Kirkland ($806) and the State ($1,025). The median rent
within the Town increased by 31%, from $609 in 2000 (the 2000 value adjusted to
reflect the value of a dollar in 2011) to $797. During the same time period most
comparison areas also had an increase in median rent. Increases ranged from 14%
in the City of Utica to 34% in the County.
Housing is generally
considered affordable if
monthly costs are not more
than one-third of household
annual income. In 2011,
36.4% of renters in the Town
of New Hartford spent 30%
or more of their income on
housing but in the County as
a whole that percentage was
even higher (48.3%).
Between 1999 and 2011 the
percentage of Town
residents who spent 30% or
more of their income on
housing remained about the same. While 36% of renters spending more than a third
of their income is a high percentage (ideally it should be below 20%), New Hartford’s
percentage is much lower than the comparison communities. As such, it may be
unrealistic to expect that number to decrease without significant shifts in the regional
economy.
Home Sales data obtained from a local realtor indicate that although there has not
been a marked change in number of units sold since the real estate market has taken
a downward turn nationwide, the average sale price has decreased significantly. In
2012, 181 units were sold at an average sale price of $168,579. Year to date 2013,
44 units have been sold for an average sale price of $160,847. In 2007, 183 units
were sold at an average sale price of $184,782.
Key Findings:
Single family detached homes remain the dominant type of housing in the
Town.
The Town’s for sale housing market is very healthy while the rental market is
somewhat weak given the high rental vacancy rate.
The Town’s median home value in 2010 remained significantly higher than
that of the County.
Renters spent a higher percentage of their income on housing than
homeowners in the Town and all comparison areas, however, New Hartford
percentage at 36.4%, was the lowest of all comparison areas.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
11 | P a g e
Median home values were up 16% from 1999 to 2011, when adjusting for
2011 dollars.
Community Profile
12 | P a g e
Economy
Employment characteristics influence the community’s ability to generate income and
are also important to know when targeting commercial activity within a community.
The income characteristics of residents are an indicator of the financial stability of a
community and influence a community’s ability to pay for municipal services. It is
important to examine a variety of income characteristics because no one statistic can
accurately demonstrate the economic character of a community.
Labor Force
The labor force consists of individuals over age 16, who are willing and able to work
and is affected by the number of retirees, the number of single families and those that
have dropped out of the workforce. Labor Force participation is an indicator of the
availability of workers in the community. In 2010, the Town had a labor force of
10,711, which represented 59% of its residents that were 16 years or older. 4.3% of
its residents in the labor force were unemployed, making New Hartford’s
unemployment level the second lowest within the comparison areas. When comparing
unemployment rates from 2000 to 2010, the Town of New Hartford’s rate went up
one percentage point, as did New York State as a whole.
Labor Force Characteristics
Town of New Hartford and Comparison Areas
New
Hartford
Whites-
town
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New York
State
Population 16 years and older
18,133
15,131
8,872
47,904
189,360
15,494,360
In labor force:
10,711
9,599
5,064
27,929
113,060
9,881,672
In Armed Forces
0
17
20
84
278
26,568
Civilian:
10,711
9582
5,044
27,845
112,782
9,855,104
Employed
10,251
9,096
4,926
24,478
104,674
9,051,668
Unemployed
460
486
118
3,367
8,108
803,436
Not in labor force
7,422
5,532
3,808
19,975
76,300
5,612,688
% In Labor Force
59%
63.4%
57%
58.3%
59.7%
63.8%
% Unemployed in Labor Force
4.3%
5.1%
2.3%
12.1%
7.2%
8.1%
Source: US Census 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate
Income
Per capita and median household incomes are two measures used to determine a
community’s wealth. Per capita income is an indicator of the wealth of the community
while median household income shows the distribution of income within the
community. Per capita income is determined by dividing the total income of residents
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
13 | P a g e
by the population. The median household income is the level at which the number of
households with higher incomes is equal to those with less.
In 2011, the Town of New Hartford had a per capita income of $35,754 and a median
income of $57,183. The Town had a higher per capita income than all comparison
areas in 2011 as well as in 1999 and second highest, only behind Kirkland in median
household income in 2011. Between 1999 and 2011 (when 1999 value was converted
into the value of a dollar in 2011) per capita income decreased by .2% and median
household income decreased by 8% in the Town of New Hartford, indicating that
residents have less disposable income compared to years past. This trend is
reflective of the State’s trend but some of the comparison communities have
experience stable or sight increases in income.
Income Characteristics (2011)
Town of New Hartford and Comparison Areas
New
Hartford
Whites-
town
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New York
State
Less than $10,000
4.2%
5.9%
3.2%
13.6%
7.4%
7.9%
$10,00 to $14,999
4.1%
5.8%
3.2%
8.7%
5.8%
5.2%
$15,000 to $24,999
10.1%
9.6%
11.7%
17.6%
12.5%
9.9%
$25,000 to $34,999
9.4%
11.4%
5.3%
13.4%
11.2%
9.3%
$35,000 to $49,999
16.6%
13.9%
15.2%
13.3%
14.6%
12.2%
$50,000 to $74,999
16.8%
22.6%
20.5%
16.2%
19.7%
17.1%
$75,000 to $99,999
14.1%
10.0%
13.5%
9%
12.2%
12.1%
$100,000 to 149,999
13.4%
13.2%
16.3%
6.1%
11.4%
13.9%
$150,000 to 199,999
5.4%
5.0%
5.6%
1.2%
3.1%
5.8%
$200,000 or more
6.0%
2.7%
5.5%
1.0%
2.1%
6.5%
Median Household Income
$57,183
$53,113
$62,401
$32,050
$48,382
$45,695
Per Capita Income
$35,754
$28,573
$30,853
$18,152
$24,459
$31,796
% Below Poverty Level
3.9%
7.5%
3.6%
23.5%
10.7%
11.0%
Source: US Census 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate
The Town of New Hartford had a 3.9% poverty rate in 2011 which is significantly
lower than the State or County average. The poverty rate for the County was 10.7%,
the State 11% and the City of Utica 23.5%.
Employment
Industry of employment and occupation are indicators of the quality of jobs residents
hold and their buying power as certain industries and occupations tend to offer higher
wages than others. In 2000, most Town residents (36%) were employed by the
education, health and social services industry. It was also the most significant
industry of employment for Oneida County. The other two most significant industries
Community Profile
14 | P a g e
of employment for the Town of New Hartford were retail trade (11.2%) and finance,
insurance, real estate and rental and leasing (9.8%). When comparing the Town with
the County, retail trade (11.8%) and manufacturing (10.6%) were the other two
most significant industries if employment.
New Hartford Industries of Employment (2011)
New
Hartford
Oneida
County
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and
Mining
0.0%
1.0%
Construction
3.1%
5%
Manufacturing
8.5%
10.6%
Wholesale Trade
1.9%
2%
Retail Trade
11.2%
11.8%
Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities
3.5%
3.9%
Information
1.1%
1.6%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Rental Leasing
9.8%
7.5%
Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative,
and Waste Management Services
9.4%
7.4%
Educational, Health and Social Services
36.4
28.6
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation and
Food Services
6.4%
8.9%
Other Services (Except Public Administration)
3.6%
4.2%
Public Administration
5.0%
7.3%
Source: US Census 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate
Within these industries, over half (51.2%) of the Town’s residents and over one third
of the County’s residents (35.1%) were employed in management, business science
and arts occupations in 2010. Town residents also held many sales and office
occupations (27%). This was also the second major occupation grouping of residents
the County, leaving very small percentages of residents in New Hartford and the
County with occupations in natural resources, construction and maintenance
occupations and production, transportation and materials, and moving occupations.
Three quarters of the City of Utica’s residents were employed by three occupations
groupings, each with a quarter of the residents (management, business science and
arts; service; sales and office occupations). Mean travel time to work was
approximately 15 minutes for New Hartford residents, just under 18 minutes for Utica
residents and just under 20 minutes for the County as a whole.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
15 | P a g e
New Hartford Resident Occupations (2011)
New Hartford
City of Utica
Oneida County
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Management,
Business Science and
Arts Occupations
5,251
51.2
6,715
27.4
36,758
35.1
Services Occupations
1,268
12.4
6,247
25.5
20,614
19.7
Sales and Office
Occupations
2,767
27
6,394
26.1
26,451
25.3
Natural Resources,
Construction,
Maintenance
Occupations
541
5.3
1,541
6.3
8,311
7.9
Production,
Transportation and
material, Moving
Occupations
424
4.1
3,581
14.6
12,540
12
Total
10,251
100%
24,478
100%
104,674
100%
Source: US Census 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate
Businesses where residents are employed are not necessarily located within the
communities in which they live, however, the average commuting distance of 15
minutes suggests that many residents do live and work within the Town. This is a
positive indicator for quality of life and the environment.
To get an understand of the types of businesses that were located in the Town of
New Hartford, the US Census Bureau’s Economic Census was used. In 2007, the
most recent year for which information was available from this source, the Town of
New Hartford, including the Village of New Hartford but not the Village of New York
Mills, had 614 business establishments with a total of 14,648 employees. These
figures had increased from 2002 when there were 599 businesses with 12,178
employees. While a small increase in the total number of businesses, it is a 20%
increase in employees.
In addition to changes in the total number of businesses there was also shifts in the
types and sizes of businesses. In 2002, the retail trade (204), health care and social
assistance (105) and accommodation and food services (66) industries had the largest
number of establishments in the Town. These industries were also the largest
employers. In 2007, the same three industries dominated in terms of numbers of
establishments but there was some change in number of employees in these sectors,
in that manufacturing in 2007 had the third largest number of employees, jumping
907 employees (71%). The information sector had the largest percentage increase
in employees with almost a 300% increase from 2002 to 2007, yet there were only 2
new establishments during the same time period. Between 2002 and 2007 significant
growth was also seen in the number of establishments in the accommodation and food
services sector, yet the number of employees decreased. The professional, scientific
and technical services sector saw increases as well. Wholesale trade, administrative
Community Profile
16 | P a g e
and support and waste management and remediation services all saw a decrease in
the number of establishments.
Business Patterns 2002-2007
Town of New Hartford
Industry
Number of
Establishments
Shipments, Sales,
Receipts or
Revenue ($1,000)
Annual Payroll
($1,000)
Number of
Employees
2002
2007
2002
2007
2002
2007
2002
2007
Total
599
614
1,272,155
N
262,701
434,652
12,178
14,648
Manufacturing
14
19
191,793
N
30,364
96,900
1,275
2,182
Wholesale trade
25
17
119,935
N
7,372
8,536
211
205
Retail trade
204
204
547,532
N
56,627
69,758
3,598
3.913
Information
10
12
N
N
3,057
8,881
120
477
Real estate & rental &
leasing
35
36
19,692
N
3,052
4,497
133
160
Professional, scientific, &
technical services
52
60
23,383
N
8,053
21,728
287
460
Administrative & support
& waste management &
remediation service
30
20
19,944
N
10,183
20,366
907
1,113
Educational services
6
6
D
N
D
D
b
B
Health care & social
assistance
105
105
272,365
N
120,247
180,615
3,746
4,516
Arts, entertainment, &
recreation
10
16
8,487
N
2,936
D
198
A
Accommodation & food
services
66
83
45,376
N
13,906
17,274
1,400
1,340
Other services (except
public administration)
42
36
23,648
N
6,904
6,097
303
282
Source: 2002 and 2007 Economic Census
D: Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual companies; data are included in higher-level totals.
N: Not available or not comparable, a: 0-19 employees, b: 20-99 employees
There are several large employers in the Town of New Hartford, including several
healthcare providers. The following table presents the largest employers within the
Town reported by Oneida County.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
17 | P a g e
Major Employers of the Town of New Hartford (2012)
Employer
Type of Products or Services
Number of
Employees
Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare
Geriatric Health and Residential Services
2,494
Sangertown Mall
Retail
1,347
Con Med
Industrial
703
Utica National Insurance Group
Insurance
687
Hartford Insurance
Insurance
600
Sitrin Home
Geriatric Health and Residential Services
550
Slocum Dickson Medical Group
Geriatric Health and Residential Services
547
Presbyterian Home
Geriatric Health and Residential Services
485
Wal Mart
Retail
447
New Hartford Central School District
Education
409
Special Metals
Industrial
355
Hannaford
Food Center
318
Par Technology
Manufacturing Electronics
267
National Grid
Utility
210
Price Chopper
Food Center
186
Home Depot
Retail
156
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Retail
140
Remet
Industrial
24
Source: Town of New Hartford
Economic Development Projects
The Town of New Hartford continues to attract commercial development,
especially in the areas of medical offices, nursing home and physical rehabilitation
expansions. Proposed, current and recently completed projects within the
community include, but are not limited to the following:
The Town Planning Board has approved a 20,000 square foot expansion of
Consumer Square on Commercial Drive.
Development of Hampton Inn along with the existing Hartford Insurance
at the former Business Park.
The expansion of St. Elizabeth’s hospital in the former Hartford building on
Middle Settlement Road.
Former 91,500 square foot Nichols Plaza at the intersection of Seneca
Turnpike and Middle Settlement Road has been redeveloped into a mixed
use plaza featuring retail, medical and medical distribution.
Expansion of St Luke’s hospital with an additional 37,000 square feet of
Community Profile
18 | P a g e
nursing home space.
Renovation of former
Ellinwood Office Park
into medical offices.
Development of Lowes
and Twin Orchards at
the intersection of
Clinton Street and
Middle Settlement
Road.
The former Big Apple
Plaza has been
redeveloped into a
shopping center.
Preswick Glen has been
developed into a conglomeration of living facilities including:
o Presbyterian Home for Central New York - nursing home with 242
beds,
o Presbyterian Residential Community - 96 beds, 72 adult care and 24
assisted living,
o Meadows of Settlement Road - 148 independent living units, and
o Medical and social day care, out-patient therapy, home health care,
and a wellness center with a workout area and pool that is open to
the public.
Sitrin Home has been developed into an assisted living and nursing home
with the following programs:
o Senior care including long-term care, assisted living, adult day
health care, and independent living;
o Child care including day care and summer day camp;
o Veteran care including military rehab and adaptive sports;
o Medical rehabilitation including inpatient and outpatient care and
clinics;
o Adaptive sports program for individuals with disabilities; and
o Community services including a wellness program, Camp Sitrin, and
dental services.
The facility has plans to create an on-site equine-assisted therapy center
for up to 20 horses and a large riding area for therapeutic purposes to help
children and adults reach cognitive, physical, social, emotional and
behavioral goals.
Key Findings
Unemployment rates were significantly lower in New Hartford compared to the
County and the State and rose only one percentage point between 2000-2010.
New Hartford’s per capita income dropped slightly and median income dropped
by 8% over the past decade which was reflective of State trends.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
19 | P a g e
In 2011, New Hartford had a significantly higher per capita income than all
comparison areas and a higher median household income than the County and
State.
The Town’s poverty rate is very low compared to the County and State
average.
In 2011 over one-third of the population of the Town was employed in the
education, health and social services sector.
Over half of the Town’s residents held occupations related to management,
business science and arts.
Among businesses located in the Town of New Hartford those in the retail
trade, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services
sectors had the largest number of employees in 2007.
There has been a major influx of retail, medical offices and nursing home and
physical rehabilitation facilities within the Town of New Hartford. There is a
proposed economic development project for a 20,000 square foot expansion
of Consumer Square on Commercial Drive.
Community Profile
20 | P a g e
Land Use
The existing, observable land use of each parcel in the Town of New Hartford is
important because it reveals the pattern of past growth, the location of areas that
should be preserved, and the potential locations for future development. The analysis
of existing conditions forms the basis of the future land use plan for the Town.
Settlement Patterns
The Town is comprised of
commercial, residential and
agricultural areas that are
interspersed throughout the
Town at varying levels of
intensity and density.
However, in general,
commercial areas are
primarily located in the
northwest region of the Town
with Agricultural areas
located primarily in the
southern half of the Town and
residential areas scattered throughout. Traditional commercial areas and corridors
are located primarily in the vicinity of Commercial Drive, Middle Settlement Road, the
Seneca Turnpike, and some sections of Genesee Street and Oneida Street.
Within the Town there are two incorporated Villages and two hamlets each accounting
for the most densely settled residential areas of the Town.
Village of New Hartford - located in the middle of the Town dissected by
Genesee Street and Oxford Road. The Village is comprised of community
services (New Hartford High School, parks, athletic fields, Village Hall, etc),
and commercial, residential and some industrial uses.
Village of New York Mills – located in the northern most edge of the Town, the
Village also extends into the Town of Whitestown. The Village is a densely
populated area that is comprised primarily of residential uses, mixed with
community services, including the New York Mills School, parks, commercial,
and industrial uses.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
21 | P a g e
Community Profile
22 | P a g e
Existing Land Use
There are 22.4 square miles or 17,504 acres of land area within the Town of New
Hartford’s borders. With a few exceptions, land use information included in this
discussion is based on the New York State land use code of the real property
database. Mobile home parks were taken out of the commercial category and listed
as high density residential. Recreational land uses were divided into commercial,
community service and open space categories depending on the use. The land use
classifications are described in subsequent sections. Land Use totals that are
presented below do not include the area of road rights-of-ways. It should be noted
that there are several parcels with missing data and unknown acreages and land use
classifications, therefore, those acres are not included in the table below. The
following table represents the distribution of land uses within the Town of New
Hartford:
Summary of Land Use
Town of New Hartford
Land Use
Acres
Percent
Agriculture
3,108
17.8%
Low Density Residential
4,101
23.4%
High Density Residential
2,717
15.5%
Commercial
1,446
8.3%
Recreation and Entertainment
509
2.9%
Industrial
224
1.3%
Community Service
950
5.4%
Public Service
357
2.0%
Wild, Forested, Conservation
Lands and Public Parks
7.25
0.04%
Vacant
4,085
23.3%
Source: Oneida County 2012 Real Property Database and
River Street Planning & Development
Agriculture
Agriculture land uses include land devoted to the growing of crops, orchards and
livestock. Almost 18% of the land in New Hartford is dedicated to these uses. The
majority of agricultural land use is located in the southern half of the Town with the
largest areas found along Tibbitts and Snowden Hill Roads and the southeast corner.
The Town of New Hartford lies within Oneida County Agricultural District Number 5.
The district is presently under its eight year review as required by the State of New
York’s Agriculture and Markets Law which stipulates that agricultural districts be
revised on a rolling eight-year basis. The district was last updated in 2006. Properties
have been added since then through the annual
“open enrollment” process. It is anticipated that additional properties will be added
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
23 | P a g e
as part of the 2014 renewal. The districts are designed to promote preservation of
agriculture and are administered by a County-level committee. The map below
depicts the New Hartford District. The increasing acreage is an indication that
agriculture continues to play an important role in the southern portion of the Town.
Residential
Residential land uses occupy nearly 40% of the Town’s area. In the villages, there
is a mix of single and two family properties with a few apartment buildings. There
is also a mix of single family and two family houses along Oneida Street in the
Hamlet of Chadwicks and on New Hartford and Elm Streets in the Hamlet of New
York Mills. Outside the villages, there are several single family neighborhoods
concentrated around Paris Road, Clinton Road, Higby Road, Tilden Road and
Pleasant Street. In the southern half of the Town, there are several estates and
large lot single-family properties that occupy a significant amount of land area.
High-density residential properties in the Town include residential neighborhoods
in the villages, manufactured (mobile) home parks in several locations throughout
the Town, new retirement community/assisted living developments and apartment
complexes.
Commercial
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24 | P a g e
Generally, there
are two types of
uses that are
classified as
commercial
property: retail
sales and services
and offices.
Overall, just over
8% of the Town’s
land is classified as
commercial. Most
of the commercial
property is
dedicated to retail sales. The bulk of commercial property in the Town is located
along Commercial Drive. This is a regional commercial destination centered
around the Sangertown Mall and Consumer Square. Smaller commercial nodes
exist in the Villages of New Hartford and New York Mills and the Hamlets of
Washington Mills and Chadwicks. Commercial uses are also located along Seneca
Turnpike, Middle Settlement Road, Burrstone Road and French Road.
Industrial
Industrial uses include manufacturing operations and make up only 1.3% of the
Town’s area. Special Metals on Middle Settlement Road is the largest industrial
property. Con Med at French Road and Chenango Street and Par Technology on
Seneca Turnpike are other industrial complexes. Smaller, older industrial
facilities still exist in the Village of New Hartford and in the Hamlet of Chadwicks.
Community Service
Community Services include government agencies, police and emergency
services, schools, places of worship and cemeteries. Community services are
scattered throughout the Town accounting for 5.4% of the area. The largest areas
used for community services are the St. Luke’s Hospital and the cemetery on
Oneida Street. Several schools, including the B.O.C.E.S. Complex also make up a
significant share of the community service area. Places of worship, nursing homes,
and Town facilities account for the remainder of the community service area.
Public Service
Parcels designated as public service are used for utility infrastructure such as sub-
stations, water towers and communication towers. Railroad corridors are also
classified as public service. Public service uses account for 2.0% of the Town’s land
area. The majority of this area is occupied by the reservoir on Valley View Road.
There is also a railroad corridor that runs parallel to the Sauquoit Arterial. Other
utility facilities are scattered throughout the Town.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
25 | P a g e
Park and Open Space
Park and open space areas make up 3% of the Town. The largest of these areas
are the Town’s Sherrillbrook Park and the Yahnundasis Golf Club. However, the
Yahnundasis Golf Club is a privately operated facility. The Washington Mills Athletic
Fields and Donovan Memorial Park are other sizeable recreation facilities.
Vacant
Vacant land differs from open space in that it is not dedicated to recreation or
preservation. These parcels have either not been developed yet, have been
abandoned or are undevelopable. Nearly a quarter of the land in the Town of New
Hartford is vacant. There are large parcels of vacant land in the southern half of
the Town. Another largely undeveloped area is located around Woods Highway. It
appears that some of the vacant land is the result of unfinished subdivisions. These
unfinished subdivisions vary in age and size.
Land Use Findings
Residential use of land comprises the largest land use in the Town of New
Hartford.
Seventeen percent of land is still classified as agriculture which provides
a natural protection for the Town’s rural landscapes and scenic vistas. The
Agricultural District within the Town is expanding indicating that
agriculture continues to play an important role in the southern portion of
the Town.
The Town has a considerable amount of vacant land (23%). Much of this
land is in the southern half of the Town and requires the extension of
infrastructure for significant development.
Community Profile
26 | P a g e
Land Management
The Town’s land use
regulations are codified
within the Town’s Code and
include regulations related
to the planning board
(Chapter 23), building
construction and fire
prevention (Chapter 65),
flood damage prevention
(Chapter 67), stormwater
management (101),
subdivision of land
(Chapter 104), natural gas
extraction (Chapter 83),
telecommunications
facilities (Chapter 107B)
and zoning (Chapter 118).
Zoning regulations are directly tied to the Comprehensive Plan. Along with the Town’s
power to budget, tax and condemn property, zoning is a key tool for guiding planning
policy and critical to effectively carrying out the Town’s long range land use
objectives. Zoning governs the way land in a municipality is used and developed
and, according to State statute, must be adopted in accordance with a
Comprehensive Plan. Some modern zoning codes recognize the inter-relatedness
between zoning and subdivision regulations and other development and all codes are
combined into one unified land use code.
The villages each have their own zoning laws that are exclusively enforced and
governed by the villages. However, while land is managed separately by each
governing municipal entity within the Town, clearly the development impacts, both
negative and positive, are felt beyond their boundary lines and should be considered
in terms of the broader scope of land management in the Town.
In addition to land use regulations, there are Generic Environmental Impact Studies
for the Seneca Turnpike/Commercial Drive/Middlesettlement Road area and French
Road/Burrstone Road/Champlin Avenue. Both Generic Environmental Impact Studies
included direction that they be re-evaluated in 2012 and 2013, respectively, in light
of past, present and future development in these areas.
Town Zoning
The Town of New Hartford current Zoning and Zoning Map was adopted in 1999 (Local
Law No.2 of 1999) with amendments to the chapter and zoning map since then.
The Town of New Hartford is currently divided into 21 different zoning districts. There
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
27 | P a g e
are three agricultural districts, three residential districts, four commercial districts,
seven planned development districts, one industrial district, one institutional district,
one professional office district and one park district. The uses allowed and bulk
requirements are established for each district in the form of a schedule of uses, area,
and bulk regulation charts. However, there is very little control over site and structure
design of certain uses and developments other than site plan review and within the
Planned Development Park.
Agricultural Districts - There are three agricultural zoning districts in the
Town. These zones are located in the southern half of the Town away from the
Oneida Street corridor. Two of the districts (RA1, RA2) are designed to be
transitional zones between a more committed agricultural district and
residential districts. The uses allowed in all three districts are similar but there
are modest differences in the lot size for dwelling units. The minimum acreage
for these “residential-agricultural” districts is only 1.38 acres for a single family
home in the most rural “agriculture” district and less than acre in the RA1.
These minimum lot sizes are far smaller than typical lots sizes for a rural zoning
district such as the A District except in a clustered subdivision where such lot
sizes may be encouraged in order to leave more land for open space. Neither
the Town’s zoning, nor subdivision regulations provide an incentive for
clustering or conservation design subdivisions which are often utilized land
management tools to preserve open space and prevent sprawling housing
subdivisions. Currently, with such small lot size provisions in these more rural
areas, there is no incentive to cluster through use of density bonuses.
Residential Districts - Residential districts make up approximately one
third of the land in the Town of New Hartford. The Low Density Residential
District (LDR) is dedicated to single-family residential units with minimum lot
sizes of 18,000 square feet but allows some community services. The LDR
District covers the middle of the Town, just south of the City of Utica and the
Village of New Hartford. Other LDR Districts are located in the northwest and
northeast corners of the Town. It appears that perhaps some areas of the
Town are currently zoned LDR yet the small lot characteristics suggest that
zoning for a higher density may be more appropriate to avoid unintended
consequences such as constraining the use of land for existing property
owners and excessive area variance requests. The Medium Density District
allows for smaller lot sizes than the LDR and permits two-family dwellings.
These districts are located in the Oneida Street/Oxford Road corridor and
along Clinton Road. The High Density Residential District (HDR) allows for
even smaller lots for single and two-family dwellings. The district also allows
multi-family dwellings. The HDR Districts are generally smaller and located
on existing multi-family developments. There is a large HDR District located
on Clinton Road that has not been developed.
Community Profile
28 | P a g e
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
29 | P a g e
Commercial Districts – There are
four commercial districts in the Town’s
zoning. Two of the districts (RB1 and
RB2) are geared towards “retail
business.” These districts allow the
same uses except that the RB1 allows
larger establishments without site plan
review. These districts are concentrated
along Commercial Drive and in the
Hamlet of Washington Mills. The RB3
District is designed for office
developments. The district is located
where current office developments
exist or are planned. Much of the
district is located on Middle Settlement
Road. The RB4 district is designed for
small-scale retail to serve the
surrounding neighborhoods. Individual
RB4 Districts can be found on Clinton
Road and in the Hamlets of Washington Mills and Chadwicks. The commercial
zones generally control the size of developments and types of uses, but lack
design controls.
Professional Office District - The Professional Office District was created
to accommodate large single-family dwellings that were converted into offices.
The single small district accounts for less than 1% of the Town’s land area and
is located on Genesee Street just west of the Village of New Hartford.
Industrial, Institutional and Park Districts - The Industrial, Institutional,
and Park Districts were created to accommodate their respective uses. These
zones are located around existing facilities.
Planned Development Districts - While named “planned development
districts” this title is misleading as these districts function like traditional zoning
districts and not as the planned development tool with which the term “planned
development district” is generally associated. These districts are mapped
districts on the Zoning Map with identified permitted uses and area and bulk
standards like all the other zoning districts. Seven types of Planned
Development Districts were created for different types of developments.
Generally speaking, the planned development district tool is typically available
to create flexibility for specific projects that may not meet the underlying
zoning. Communities create types of PDDs (commercial, residential, mixed-
use) with goals and objectives and some general standards which may include
zoning districts in which they are permitted, but the specific uses permitted
and site development standards are dictated by the specific project and
negotiated between Town Board and the developer. The zoning (as amended)
Community Profile
30 | P a g e
then becomes the proposed project as approved by the Town Board.
New Hartford’s zoning does contain language for the types of PDDs described
above and includes common ”model” language requiring a minimum number
of acres, the conservation of land through open space set asides and other
general standards for site development. However, it is difficult to understand
how new PDDs would be created within the context of the expansive existing
PDDs that generally function like traditional zoning districts. This aspect of the
zoning is undoubtedly confusing to the development community and could be
modified to provide a more straightforward land management structure for the
existing planned development districts while maintaining the PDD tool as it is
commonly considered in zoning.
Overlay Districts. There are five overlay districts for the protection of
sensitive environmental areas and important natural resources, including:
Stream Corridor Overlay District (SCOD), Wetlands Overlay District (WOD),
Aquifer Overlay District (AOD), Steep Slope Overlay District (SSOD) and
Natural Resource Protection District (NRPD). New development and expansions
exceeding a certain size within these overlays requires review by the Planning
Board and adherence to additional use and site development standards and
considerations.
Key Findings
The Town’s zoning has an unnecessarily large number of zoning districts with
little distinction between them creating a complex zoning map and framework
that is difficult to interpret and administer.
There are Generic Environmental Impact Studies for the Seneca
Turnpike/Commercial Drive/Middlesettlement Road area and French
Road/Burrstone Road/Champlin Avenue which should be re-evaluated to
determine whether they should be revised or updated in light of past, present
and future development in these areas.
The current zoning districts function to concentrate commercial development
to the northern portion of Town and some existing specific nodes and hamlets;
limiting commercial development in the southern half of the Town.
The established Planned Development Districts are not representative of the
typical use of the PDD tool which is typically more flexible and project specific.
Instead most of these PDDs are in name only and are characteristic of typical
zoning district elements. This may be confusing for the development
community and Boards administering the Zoning regulations.
The zoning in some residential districts may not adequately reflect the built
environment resulting in undersized lots and setback constraints.
The agriculture district minimum lot size for housing is “suburban” in nature
and not rural, providing no protection for rural character.
The zoning code lacks defined design standards with the exception of the
Planned Development Park (PDP).
Neither the Town’s Zoning nor Subdivision regulations have tools for
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
31 | P a g e
encouraging clustering or conservation design subdivision which would allow
for more efficient use of land for new subdivision.
Community Profile
32 | P a g e
Natural Resources
Environmental resources cross
political boundaries and affect
land uses, development and
quality of life. As the backdrop in
front of which the activities of life
are enacted, their presence,
absence or degradation can have
a significant impact on the quality
of life of residents. The careful
documentation and consideration
of these valuable resources will
allow the Town of New Hartford to
determine what type and scale of
development should be pursued
and where it should be located.
Physical Geography
Landforms within the Town of New Hartford have been influenced by glacial changes
as well as the Mohawk River. The Mohawk River carved the east-west valley, which
encompasses the northern portion of the Town. The southern portion marks the
transition between the Mohawk Valley and the Appalachian Upland. The Town is
characterized by steep hills to the south and more level ground to the north.
The Sauquoit Creek corridor bisects the Town from south to north and there are areas
of steep relief along its banks. The Mud Creek basin bisects the northwestern section
of the Town from west to east. This area is not as steep as the southern part of Town
and has few significant topographical changes. Generally, there is greater steepness
east of the Sauquoit Creek than to the west. There are relatively level plateaus on
the tops of some hills in southern New Hartford that provide excellent views to the
north.
Slope is an indicator of the steepness of the land. Approximately 61% (9,995 acres)
of the land area in the Town is relatively level with slopes of 0%-5%. Slopes of 6%-
10% are found in 23% (3,837 acres) of the Town’s land area. These are found
throughout the Town but primarily along the central corridor of the Town adjacent to
the Sauquoit Creek. Slopes of 11%-20% are found in 12% (2,029 acres) of the
Town’s land area. These are generally located along the southwestern edge of
Sauquoit Creek. Other pockets are located east of Sauquoit Creek and a significant
section is found in the northeastern portion of Town.
Slopes greater than 20% are deemed very steep and considered to be unsuitable for
development due to economic and environmental constraints. Developments on
steep sites require careful site planning and attention to erosion and landslide
potentials. Three percent (516 acres) of the Town’s land area falls into this category.
These areas are located on both side of Sauquoit Creek and around some of its
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tributaries (Harris Brook, The Glen and an unnamed brook just south of Mud Creek).
There are also pockets of steep slopes in the northeastern section of the Town.
Soils
Soils are naturally occurring bodies on the surface of the earth that are dependent
on the local geology, landforms, relief, climate and natural vegetation. Characteristics
such as depth to bedrock and ground water, permeability, fertility and drainage
determine whether or not soils are appropriate for agriculture, physical development
or natural open space uses.
Large portions of the soils in New Hartford are formed in glacial till sediments
derived from limestone (Honeoye, Lima, Lansing, Pittsfield, Nellis etc.). The
remaining glacial till soils were formed in sediments derived from acid shale or
sandstone (Manlius, Lordstown, Arnot, Cazenovia etc.). Pockets of sandy or gravelly
soil formed in glacial outwash sediments are also scattered throughout the Town.
Large deposits of alluvial soils exist adjacent to Mud Creek, Sauquoit Creek, Palmers
Creek, Brown Creek and their tributaries.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS), classifies soils relative to their agricultural productivity. The two most highly
productive soils are national prime farmland and farmland of statewide significance.
National prime farmland is defined as land that is well suited for the production of
food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, with the soil quality, growing season, and
moisture supply needed to produce economically sustained high yields of crops when
properly treated and managed. Farmland of statewide importance includes land in
addition to national prime farmland that is of statewide importance for the production
of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. Within the Town of New Hartford,
approximately 52% is classified as prime farmland and 13% of the land area is
classified as farmland of statewide significance. These soils are found throughout the
Town.
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Hydrology
Streams
Two significant water bodies are located in the Town: Sauquoit Creek and Mud Creek.
Sauquoit Creek, which is 21 miles in length, originates in the Town of Paris and flows
in a northerly direction through the Town of New Hartford and seven other
municipalities before emptying into the Mohawk River. Mud Creek flows west to east
and is a tributary of Sauquoit Creek. Several other small streams are also tributaries
to Sauquoit Creek.
Drainage patterns generally flow towards the center of New Hartford into the
Sauquoit Creek basin. In the northwest, Mud Creek is the low point and drainage
tends to flow into this creek and then to Sauquoit Creek.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) classify Sauquoit Creek and
Mud Creek as C(T). The best use for Class C(T) surface water is fishing, particularly
trout fishing. The water quality should be suitable for trout propagation and survival
and primary and secondary contact recreation such as swimming. However, other
factors may limit its use for contact recreation purposes.
Watersheds
The Sauquoit Creek Watershed consists of 63 square miles of land area, most of
which is located within Oneida County but a small portion lies within Herkimer County.
The watershed encompasses portions of 14 municipalities. The upper (southern
portion) of the watershed is primarily agricultural and residential in nature and the
lower watershed is highly urbanized, containing dense residential and commercial
development. The Sauquoit Creek Watershed includes the Towns of Paris (43% of
the basin’s land area), New Hartford (31%), Kirkland (11%), Whitestown (5%) and
Litchfield (3%), and the Village of New York Mills (2%). The remaining 5% of the
watershed is comprised of portions of the Towns of Bridgewater, Marshall and
Frankfort, the City of Utica, and the Villages of New Hartford, Clayville, Whitesboro
and Yorkville.
The Sauquoit Creek basin has a history of localized and generalized flooding. In 2001,
the Sauquoit Creek Basin Steering Committee was formed to identify engineering and
planning initiatives, best management practices, and potential revenue streams as
well as to provide stewardship for future generations. One of the goals and objectives
of the Sauquoit Creek Basin Steering Committee was to become a legal entity. This
was accomplished in 2004, when the Sauquoit Creek Intermunicipal Commission was
established through the signing of intermunicipal agreements between the Towns of
New Hartford and Whitestown and the Villages of New Hartford, New York Mills,
Whitesboro and Yorkville. As a legal entity, the Commission will be able to implement
initiatives to better manage the watershed.
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Wetlands
Water in the form of precipitation reaches the ground and collects in natural basins
where it is stored. These sites create special habitats called wetlands. Many plant
and animal species are dependent on wetland environments to survive. Wetlands
can also reduce flooding, play a role in stormwater management and provide
recreational and open space uses. Several New York State recognized wetlands
and federally regulated wetlands are located in the Town of New Hartford.
The DEC classify wetland in descending order from greatest to least value as Class I,
II, III or IV. The value is based on characteristics such as cover type, ecological
associations, habitat functions, hydrologic functions and special features. All the State
recognized wetlands are Class II wetlands and they are located in northwest sections
of the Town near the Whitestown border. Wetlands account for approximately 1.5%
of the land area within the Town of New Hartford.
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Groundwater
While most of the developed areas are serviced by municipal water and sewage
disposal some properties still rely on septic tanks for sewage disposal and private
wells for their water supply. The rural, southern section of the Town in particular
relies on groundwater for water supply. On-going protection of aquifer and recharge
areas is required to ensure that ground water supplies are protected from
contamination.
The Town of New Hartford does not have a designated primary aquifer but
productive areas of groundwater supply are found along Mud and Sauquoit Creeks.
Groundwater wells in the Town obtain water from consolidated and unconsolidated
deposits. Local well drillers have not obtained consistent well results. Generally,
well yields are sufficient for single-family use when obtained from shale bedrock at
depths of 100 feet to 125 feet. There are also some artesian wells (wells under
pressure which flow at the ground surface). Wells in shale bedrock that exceed 125
feet will encounter saltwater from the Syracuse salt beds and will not be suitable
for potable supply. Hydrogen sulfide may also be an issue when wells are drilled in
New Hartford’s shale bedrock. Unconsolidated deposits of sand and gravel in the
Town are also a potential source of potable water. These are located around
Sauquoit Creek and other areas in the Town.
Flooding
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inventories areas where
flooding is likely to occur. The 100-year flood zone designates areas that have a 1%
chance of flooding in any given year. FEMA requires flood insurance be obtained for
buildings constructed within this zone. Within the Town of New Hartford the flood
zone generally follows Sauquoit and Mud Creeks and their tributaries.
Approximately 2.5% of the land area in the Town of New Hartford falls within the
flood zone.
Localized flooding is also an issue at several culvert locations throughout the Town
due to increased stormwater runoff and is further addressed in the Infrastructure
section.
Key Findings
Areas of the Town of New Hartford have slopes over 15% and will require
careful site planning and attention to erosion and landslide potentials if
development occurs.
The Sauquoit Creek Intermunicpal Commission has been established to
better manage the Sauquoit Creek watershed
There are several state and federally regulated wetlands in the Town of
New Hartford
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39 | P a g e
Areas of the Town of New Hartford receive drinking water from private
wells
The FEMA designated flood zone in the Town of New Hartford generally
follows Sauquoit and Mud Creeks and their tributaries
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Transportation
Roads and Traffic
A community’s transportation network determines how easily people and goods are
able to move into, out of and around its boundaries and also helps to define its
character. This is especially true for the Town of New Hartford whose development
has been closely linked to the presence of major roadways that move large numbers
of people and goods. While the Town’s proximity to major travel routes such as the
Seneca Turnpike has brought economic benefits, it has also resulted in traffic
congestion, especially in
the Town’s commercial
core. The following
assessment of the
Town’s existing
transportation network
examines roads, public
transportation resources
and pedestrian and
bicycle circulation to
ensure that all modes of
transportation are able
to coexist in a safe and
functional manner.
Road Classification
The Town of New Hartford’s road system played a significant role in its creation and
continues to impact its development. There are approximately 125 miles of roadway
in the Town; of which 82 miles (65%) are within the Town’s jurisdiction, 21 miles
within the County’s (17%) and 23 miles (18%) are within the State’s. Since 2007,
1.2 new miles of roadway has been developed by the Town.
Roadways are also defined by their functional classification - the level of mobility
and access they provide. The Town of New Hartford has the following types of
roads: arterial, collector and local.
Arterials include interstates, other freeways and expressways, and are
designed for higher speed and traffic volumes. These roads serve as
connections between municipalities or to the interstate system.
Expressway - The Sauquoit Valley Arterial (Route 8)
Principal Arterials - Burrstone Road, Clinton Road (Route 12), Commercial
Drive (Route 5A), Genesee Street and Seneca Turnpike
Minor Arterials - Chapman Road, French Road, Main Street, Middle
Settlement Road, Oneida Street, and Valley View Road
Collectors are designed for lower speeds and shorter distances. They are
typically two-lane roads that collect and distribute traffic to and from the
arterial system and connect them with residential neighborhoods.
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Collectors - Clinton Street, Higby Road, Kellogg Road, Mohawk Street, Oxford
Road, Paris Road, Roberts Road, and Tibbits Road
Local roads are all roadways not included in a higher-level classification. They
provide basic access between residential and commercial properties as well as
connections to higher classification roads.
Traffic Volume and Safety
Traffic count information for state highways is collected by the New York State
Department of Transportation (DOT). Because the counts vary in the number of days
calculated and the number of highways counted each year, DOT uses a unit of
measurement known as the Average Annual Daily Traffic, or AADT, to show the
number of vehicles traveling over a designated section of highway.
The most heavily traveled roads in the Town are State roads. Traffic Counts aren’t
available for 2012, but for the most current year estimates that are available (which
varies from road to road), sections of the North-South Arterial, Seneca Turnpike and
Sauquoit Valley Arterial had the highest AADT within the Town.
Road Improvements
Infrastructure for a business park has been created since 2007, creating Arianna
Lane, Briana Road, Woods Park Drive and Hartford Park Drive. The Elm Street bridge
and culvert were totally replaced in 2011. There has also been stormwater retention
and improvements in 2011 and 2012 on Jubilee Lane, Woodberry Road and
Beechwood Road.
Traffic calming efforts
have been underway in
the Town as is evident
with the completion of
the Route 840 access
point from Woods Road
at the former Business
Park as well as a
connection to Clinton
Street and Middle
Settlement Road from
the Business Park.
Additional traffic calming
efforts have been
completed with a traffic signal at the Applewood and Cherrywood communities.
Currently a new traffic signal and coordination of all signals along Commercial
Drive in front of Consumer Square is underway to ease traffic congestion.
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Public Transit
The Long-Range Transportation Plan for Herkimer and Oneida Counties
recommend that regional transit efforts be continued. Public transit systems can
play a role in addressing road congestion and pollution issues.
Bus Service
In 2005, Centro of Oneida, a subsidiary of Central New York Regional Transportation
Authority (CNYRTA), assumed operation of the former Utica Transit Authority (UTA).
CNYRTA provides services in the Counties of Cayuga, Onondaga, and Oswego. Centro
of Oneida provides public bus service for the Oneida County cities of Utica and Rome
and the towns of Kirkland, Whitestown and New Hartford. The service in Utica
provides transportation connecting the City of Utica and outlying areas Monday-
Saturday.
Bus routes 11, 20, 22, 24, 31, 111 and 131 serve areas of the Town of New Hartford.
Bus fares range from no cost for those under 5 years of age to a regular fare of $1.50,
Seniors (60 years or older) pay a discounted fare of $.75 as well as children ages 6-9
and persons with disabilities. Riders can save money by purchasing tokens or bus
passes. In February 2013 a new Centro Transit Hub opened eliminating several bus
stops along Genesee Street in Utica.
Inter-city bus service is available through Greyhound and Trailways bus lines at Union
Railroad Station in the City of Utica.
Rail Service
Inter-city passenger rail service is available at the nearby Amtrak station at 321 Main
Street in the City of Utica. Amtrak’s Empire Service route provides daily trains
between New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Niagara Falls, the Lake Shore Limited
route provides service between Boston, New York City, Albany and Chicago and the
Maple Leaf route provides service between New York City and Toronto, Canada.
Air Service
The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is located approximately 55 miles west
of the Town of New Hartford. This facility provides commercial air service to six major
air carriers and nine smaller airlines.
The Albany International Airport, located approximately 90 miles southeast of New
Hartford, has over 20 air carriers that offer jet or commuter airline services. This
facility has recently completed a new 230,000 square foot terminal, parking garage,
Air Traffic Control Tower, and cargo facility.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation
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The bicycle and pedestrian circulation system is very limited in the Town of New
Hartford. Sidewalks are limited and some have maintenance issues. A recreation trail
is located in Sherrilbrook Park. The Philip A. Rayhill Memorial Trail is a four-mile,
handicapped accessible, paved trail that parallels the new Judd Road Connector. In
2013 there are plans to extend the trail an additional one point five miles on the
north end by crossing the Sauquoit Creek and then proceeding northwest ending in
the Village of New York Mills. This trail extension is being 80% federally funded
through the transportation enhancement act.
New Hartford and Whitestown Rail Trail connects
NYS Routes 5, 8, and 12 in the Town of New
Hartford and Whitestown. The trail begins at a
trail head parking area off New Hartford Street
in the Town of New Hartford and continues
westward to Halsey Road in the Town Of
Whitestown. Additional trail head parking is
available at Clinton Street and Clark Mills Road.
Oxford Road from the Town of Paris border to
Genesee Street and Genesee Street to Route 12
(New Paris Road) is identified as an existing NYS
Highway Bike Route. In addition, Route 12 is
identified as a NYS Highway Bike Route.
Typically, highway bike routes have shoulder
widths of four to six feet and the vehicular speed
limit is 55 mph. While this road has been
identified as a bicycle route, the speed at which
motorists will be traveling makes it
inappropriate for inexperienced bicyclists.
Adequate facilities must be put in place to
ensure that all bicyclists can travel safely along these types of highways. An
opportunity exists to develop a rails to trails project if the former Delaware,
Lackawanna & Western Railroad line should become available in the future. This
project would be ideal because of its crucial location through the center of the Town.
Key Findings
Over the past 7 years, there have been 1.2 miles of road created in the Town.
Bus service is available in the Town of New Hartford
Air services are available one hour away at the Syracuse Hancock International
Airport and one and a half hours away at the Albany International Airport
Passenger rail service is available from Utica.
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the Town are limited.
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Infrastructure and Utilities
Adequate access to water, sewage disposal and utilities is generally considered
essential to health and well-being of residents. This section presents a discussion of
infrastructure facilities that are available in the Town of New Hartford.
Water
The majority of residents in the Town of New Hartford receive their drinking water from
the Mohawk Valley Water Authority. The Mohawk Valley Water Authority is a regional
system that serves the Town of New Hartford and 13 other municipalities in Oneida
County as well as two municipalities in Herkimer County. The Water Authority will
support any expansion of the water system in the Town of New Hartford by the Town
through water districts, developers or private individuals. Any water infrastructure
that is designed and installed must meet MVWA and NYSDOH standards.
According to the Mohawk Valley Water Authority 2011 Water Quality Report, the
water produced and delivered by the system met or exceeded the water quality
standards set by New York State and the Federal government.
Areas in the Town not
serviced by the
Mohawk Valley Water
Authority receive
water from individual
wells. Identified
issues with
groundwater include
supply in times of
drought and the
presence of heavy
metals.
The Hinckley
Reservoir is the
water source used
by the Mohawk Valley Water Authority. The reservoir’s watershed encompasses
373 square miles of primarily rural and undeveloped forest land, most of which
falls within the Adirondack Park boundary.
The Hinckley reservoir is a multi-use facility that is owned by the State of New York
and has a capacity of 25 billion gallons of water. The Mohawk Valley Water Authority
is authorized to draw 48.5 MGD (million gallons per day). Its filtration plant, located
in the Town of Trenton, can process up to 32 MGD. The average daily demand for the
system is 20 MGD. The Town of New Hartford consumed approximately 1.45 MGD in
2012.
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During the 2013 fiscal year, the Town of New Hartford had an annual water
consumption of approximately 68.1 million cubic feet. For residential purposes,
consumption is measured in cubic feet and 1 cubic foot is equivalent to 7.48 gallons.
An average family of four is estimated to consume 3100 cubic feet at a cost of
$122.80 per quarter or $491.20 per year. The same rate is applied in all communities
served by the system.
Sewage Systems
Sanitary sewers are available in all developed areas of the Town. Approximately 55%
of the Town, including the villages, has access to sanitary sewers. The cost to
residents is a $20 per month fee with additional sewer credits that are charged per
household. Rural sections of the Town, the southern areas, which have not
experienced significant development do not have sanitary sewers. Where sanitary
sewers are not available, individual septic tanks are used. Property owners are
responsible for the proper maintenance of septic tanks. The Town of New Hartford
Codes Enforcement Officer must approve installation and alteration of septic tanks.
The Oneida County Department of Health performs sanitary inspections on behalf of
the Town.
No recent studies have been completed to assess the existing sanitary sewer system
and determine its ability to meet current and future needs. However, it is known that
in the spring and during periods of wet weather, capacity is exceeded at the Sauquoit
Creek Pumping Station (SCPS). When this occurs, although most of the sewer is
channeled to the county's main sewage processing plant in Utica, some untreated
waste is discharged into the Mohawk River.
Communities affected by this issue includes portions of the Town of New Hartford, all
of the Town of Whitestown and the Villages of New York Mills, Yorkville, Whitesboro,
New Hartford and Oriskany. According to the Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC), the sewer system is outdated and needs to be upgraded and
modernized. Several factors may contribute to the problem. Some homes and
businesses may channel roof-runoff or water generated from sump pumps into their
sanitary lines, there may be leaks in aging pipes that flood with groundwater, some
stormwater pipes in older systems may be connected to the sanitary pipes or the
sewer line may not have the capacity to handle the level of development that has
occurred in its service area.
The pipe leading to the SCPS, where the overflow is occurring, was classified as a
“combined sewer” and could carry both storm runoff and unsanitary waste. Most older
cities in the northeast were designed with combined sewer systems. The DEC wants
to phase out combine sewer pipes and proposes to reclassify the Sauquoit sewer line
as a “sanitary sewer” that would only carry water that is processed before being
released back into the environment.
In 2011, DEC ordered the County to eliminate the sanitary sewer overflow (SSO)
from its Sauquoit Creek Pump Station by December 2021 based on an engineering
study which concluded that upgrades are necessary to the pump station and further
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47 | P a g e
engineering evaluations are also necessary to completely understand the extent of
the upgrades needed.
Until a solution is found, new sewer connections in the municipalities that use the
SCPS will not be allowed unless they demonstrate that they have removed inflow and
infiltration exceeding the volume of the proposed new connection. Inflow is water
that is dumped into the sewer system through improper connections, such as
downspouts and groundwater sump pumps. Infiltration is groundwater that enters
the sewer system through leaks in the pipe. The ratio is normally 3 to 1 but it is
subject to negotiation.
Stormwater Management
The stormwater system in
the Town of New Hartford
is separate from the sewer
system and consists of
individual stormwater
basins. The Town is a
municipal separate small
sewer (MS4) community.
MS4s are areas with a
conveyance or system of
conveyances (including
roads with drainage
systems, municipal
streets, catch basins,
curbs, gutters, ditches,
man-made channels, and
storm drains) that are not a combined sewer or part of a publicly owned treatment
system and are owned or operated and regulated by a municipality or authorized
agency. MS4s may be small, medium or large with the medium or large MS4s being
principally determined by population size. Certain facilities of Oneida County (as
managed by the Department of Public Works) are considered to be an MS4 and are,
therefore, required to comply with the Phase II Stormwater regulations. Specifically,
the OC DPW is considered a "Traditional - Non Land Use Control" MS4. The Phase II
regulations require that a regulated MS4 must "develop, implement and enforce a
Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) designed to reduce the discharge of
pollutants from the MS4 to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP) in order to protect
water quality and to satisfy the requirements of the Clean Water Act".
A regulated MS4's Stormwater Management Program must satisfy the requirements
for each of six required program components, known as Minimum Control Measures
(MCMs). These control measures are:
Public Education and Outreach
Public Involvement and Participation
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
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Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
Post-construction Stormwater Management
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
The State's stormwater program may also require additional provisions if certain
conditions are met. For example, if a small MS4 discharges a particular pollutant of
concern (e.g. phosphorous, nitrogen, pathogens, etc) to a waterbody identified as
being impaired, the MS4 must ensure that there is no net increase in its discharge of
that particular pollutant to that waterbody. To accomplish this, the small MS4s must
assess pollutant loadings using a NYS DEC supported pollutant loading model. If
modeling indicates increased in loading of the pollutant of concern, the stormwater
program must be modified to reduce the loading to meet the no net increase
requirement
As part of the County’s new stormwater management and pollution prevention
program, the Town of New Hartford adopted model, stormwater management
regulations in 2011 (Chapter 101 of the Town Code) for all new construction
activities. The regulations address the management of stormwater to minimize water
pollution caused by run-off, reduce run-off rate and volume and impacts such as
erosion. Construction activities must also conform to the substantive requirements
of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation State Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Construction Activities.
Stormwater runoff continues to be an issue for the Town of New Hartford, specifically
in the Sherman Hills area including Taber Road, Sherman Drive, Tilden Avenue and
Westwood Lane; additionally Grange Hill Road, Lower Woods and Brantwood Lane
also require stormwater management to deal with runoff. Areas that have recently
had stormwater management projects completed including retention ponds are
Oxford Road, Beechwood Road, and Tibbits Road. Projects are currently underway
in the commercial area near Mud Creek to address stormwater issues.
Utilities
National Grid, a Syracuse based company, provides gas and electric service to
residences and businesses in the Town of New Hartford. Several service options are
available to residential and commercial customers.
Cable service in the Town of New Hartford is provided by Time Warner Cable.
Key Findings
Most of the Town of New Hartford is served by the Mohawk Valley Water
Authority, a regional water system.
Higby Road Water District has been created servicing residents in the Higby
Road, Mallory Road, Sessions Road, Roberts Road and Tilden Avenue area of
Town.
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The water produced and delivered by the Mohawk Valley Water Authority
in 2011 met or exceeded the water quality standards set by the State and
Federal governments.
Sanitary sewers are available in all developed areas of the Town of New
Hartford.
Areas without access to sanitary sewers use individual septic tanks.
The Sauquoit Creek Pumping Station has a history of sewage discharge
into Mohawk River during periods of wet weather. The County has until
the end of 2021 to eliminate the sanitary sewer overflow issue.
New Hartford is a MS4 community with model local regulations in
the Town Code for addressing stormwater management for
construction activities.
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Community Facilities and Services
The performance of emergency responders and the availability of cultural
amenities help to shape a community and make it a desirable place to live. This
section explores the services that are provided in the Town of New Hartford.
Emergency Resources
Both paid professionals and
volunteers ensure that
residents in the Town are
adequately protected during
emergencies. The Town of
New Hartford recognizes the
importance of the perception
of safety to both residential
and commercial growth and
employs an inter-municipal,
collaborative approach to
emergency response to meet
its needs.
In September 2010, the Central Dispatch Center was closed after 19 years of service
to the residents and visitors of the Town of New Hartford and the Villages of both
New York Mills and New Hartford. The Center was consolidated with Oneida County’s
911 Center which now handles all emergency calls and then dispatches the calls out
to the various police and fire departments.
Police
The New Hartford Police Department (NHPD) is the primary provider of police
protection in the Town. The NHPD is a full-time, professional force that patrols 25
square miles within the Town and Village of New Hartford. The Village of New York
Mills Police Department polices all of the Village of New York Mills including the section
that is located within the Town’s boundaries. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Department
and the New York State Police provide supplemental police services to the Town. The
NHPD is located in the Madden Justice Building at 32 Kellogg Road.
The NHPD recognizes the need to maximize community safety while operating within
available resources and continually seeks to implement innovative, cost effective
strategies. This is reflected in the NHPD’s commitment of officers to efforts such as
the Community Policing Program, an anti-drug program and Sangertown Mall and St.
Luke’s Hospital Supplemental Patrol Programs.
The NHPD also participates in the multi-jurisdictional Oneida County Drug Task Force.
Participation in the task force allows the police department to have a significantly
higher level of manpower dedicated to these types of investigations than it could not
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dedicate on its own. These are proactive measures for which statistics may not be
available but which nevertheless contribute to the safety and security of residents
and businesses in the community.
The NHPD currently has 23 full-time and six part-time employees. There are 19 full-
time and eight part-time police officers, three full-time support staff and one full-time
and two part-time animal control officers. In 2010, the population of the Town was
22,166. The Town serves as the shopping destination for the Tri-County area and
receives an additional 15,000-20,000 persons/day that must also be served.
In 1995, 20 officers responded to 17,422 calls, in 2005, 22 officers responded to
27,189 calls and in 2012, 23 officers responded to 27,492 calls. Between 1995 and
2012, the ratio of calls to officers in the Town increased from 871 calls/officer to 1,195
calls/officer. The department is currently down two full time positions, increasing the
caseload of the existing officers.
The table below summarizes New Hartford Police Department requests for service in
1995, 2005 and 2012. It should be noted that due to changes in reporting format
there is not an exact correlation between the years in all categories.
Requests for Service
Town of New Hartford Police Department
1995
2005
2012
Total Investigation
2,172
4,654
5,806
Total Motor Vehicle Accidents
958
1,304
1,328
Total Traffic/Parking Tickets
2,338
3,963
2,107
Total Arrests/Warrant Arrests
1,882
1,549
1,410
Total Alarms
839
1,337
1,146
Total Assists Other Police Departments
300
160
208
Total Assists Fire Department
244
189
197
Total Assists Highway Department
63
48
12
Supplemental Total
8,626
12,649
12,214
Administrative Functions
N/A
1,336
1,829
Total Requests for Service
17,422
27,189
27,492
Miles Traveled
214,564
249,168
258,245
Total Staff
20 Full Time
Equivalent
22 Full Time
Equivalent
23 Full Time
Equivalent
Source: Town of New Hartford Police Department
Community Profile
52 | P a g e
Fire
Three Volunteer Fire
Departments, operating
under a mutual aid
system, provide
services to the residents
of the Town of New
Hartford:
New Hartford
Fire
Department –
Located at 4
Oxford Road in
New Hartford, protects the western, eastern and central sections of the
Town.
New York Mills Fire Department – Located at 379 Main Street in New York
Mills, protects the northern section of the Town including French Road,
Burrstone Road and Consumer Square.
Willowvale Fire Company – Located at 3472 Oneida Street in Chadwicks,
protects the southern section of the Town including Chadwicks and
Washington Mills.
The New Hartford Fire Department (NHFD) provides both fire protection and emergency
medical services in the Town. In 2013, the department answered a total of 1,465 calls.
36 fire calls, 883 EMS calls, 49 hazardous condition calls, 137 service calls, 63 good
intent calls, 2 over-pressure rupture calls, 139 severe weather related calls, and 156
false alarms. The alarms and other department activities amounts to 17,847 hours
volunteered. The NHFD has 98 members serving with a fleet of three engine pumpers,
a ladder tower, two light rescue EMS vehicles, a medium duty rescue, a heavy
rescue/command vehicle, and two utility vehicles
The New York Mills Volunteer Fire Department (NYMFD) provides fire and rescue
services to 11,500 residents in a 47-square-mile area that includes the Village of New
York Mills and parts of the Town of New Hartford and Whitestown. The NYMFD
currently has a fleet of two engines, two rescue trucks, a ladder truck, an EMS SUV,
a squad truck and 1950 Ward LaFrance.
The Willowvale Fire Company is a volunteer company that provides services to 3,000
people in 15 square mile radius and has a fleet of three engines, two rescue trucks,
a squad truck, a salvage truck and a tanker truck. In 2010, the Willowvale Fire
Company responded to 222 calls and approximately 69% of those were emergency
medical service calls.
Ambulance
Two privately owned companies and one volunteer ambulance corps provide service
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
53 | P a g e
to the Town of New Hartford. Kunkel Ambulance Service in Utica and Edwards
Ambulance Service in Chadwicks are the private providers. The Central Oneida County
Volunteer Ambulance Corps is located in Clark Mills. There appears to be an adequate
supply of ambulance services.
Health Services
Health care facilities within the Town of New Hartford include the Faxton-St. Luke's
Healthcare, Middle Settlement Family Practice, Slocum-Dickson Medical Group P.C
and Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center. Residents also have access to medical and
dental practitioners with offices within the community.
Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare
and Middle Settlement Family
Practice are part of the
Mohawk Valley Network
(MVN), an integrated
healthcare system that
provides care to residents of
Oneida and Herkimer
Counties. This affiliation of
medical service providers
includes long-term care
facilities, inpatient and
community-based
rehabilitation centers, cancer
centers, addiction recovery
services, imaging centers, a
regional clinical laboratory, a network of primary care centers and home care
providers. Member facilities provide 432 acute care beds and 279 active medical staff
members. The St. Luke's Campus is located at 1656 Champlin Avenue and the Middle
Settlement Family Practice is located at 4301 Middle Settlement Road in the Town of
New Hartford.
The Slocum-Dickson Medical Group P.C has its central location at 1729 Burrstone
Road in the Town of New Hartford. Facilities are also located in Herkimer, Ilion, Rome
and Utica. The practice employs over 60 physicians and approximately 375 staff
members in 24 specialty areas. There are plans to add approximately 40,000 square
feet to the existing building and incorporate the former Med Scan Building at 615
French Road into its campus. Additional staff will include 25 physicians and about 150
support staff. The new building will have the latest in Electronic Medical Records
technology for use by physicians and staff.
The Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center at 2050 Tilden Avenue provides long-term
care for 133 skilled nursing patients, 40 medical rehabilitation inpatients, as well as
a comprehensive array of rehabilitative services, including physical, occupational,
speech and aquatic therapies for persons of all ages.
Community Profile
54 | P a g e
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
55 | P a g e
Educational Resources
Schools are important not
only for the education
service they provide but also
for their contribution to
defining the character of a
community. School districts
and municipal governments
are independent entities but
they are inextricably linked
by the economic climate in
which they must operate and
the individuals that they
serve. Often, the decisions
made by one entity have a
great impact on the other
and it is generally in the
public interest that the two entities establish and maintain ongoing communication
and cooperation.
Residents of the Town of New Hartford are fortunate to have access to high quality
schools as evidenced by the availability of number of Advanced Placement college-
level courses for high school students and the high percentage of students that plan
to attend college.
Four school districts serve residents in the Town of New Hartford: New Hartford
Central, Sauquoit Valley Central and New York Mills School District and Clinton School
District. Most of New Hartford’s population is served by the New Hartford Central
School District. Small portions of the Town are served by the other school districts.
During the 2010-2011 school year the New Hartford Central School District had a
significantly higher percentage of graduates (92%) that pursued a college education
and no dropouts (0.0%). In comparison, 78% of the State’s graduates pursued a
college education and the dropout rate was 2.7%. The other school districts serving
the residents of New Hartford had very similar percentage of graduates pursuing a
college education and dropout rates, with New York Mills at 92% and 2% respectively,
Clinton School Districts at 92% and 1% respectively and the Sauquoit School District
with 91% and 1% respectively.
The New Hartford School District had a total enrollment of 2,633 students during the
2010-2011 school year while the Sauquoit Valley School District had 1,064 students,
the New York Mills School District had 575 students and the Clinton Central School
District had 1,400 students. Enrollment figures in all school districts serving the Town
were relatively stable between 2008 and 2011.
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56 | P a g e
School Districts Facilities 2010-2011
Town of New Hartford
School
Address
Grades
Enrollment
2010-2011
New Hartford Central School District
Hughes Elementary School
340 Higby Rd
K-6
503
Myles Elementary School
100 Clinton Rd
K-6
340
Robert L Bradley Elementary School
33 Oxford Rd
K-6
504
Perry Junior High School
9499 Weston Rd
7-9
661
New Hartford High School
33 Oxford Rd
10-12
625
Sauquoit Valley Central School District
Sauquoit Valley Elementary
2601 Oneida St
K-5
460
Sauquoit Valley Middle School
2601 Oneida St
6-8
234
Sauquoit Valley Senior High School
2601 Oneida St
9-12
370
New York Mills Union Free School District
New York Mills Elementary
1 Marauder Blvd
K-6
322
New York Mills Junior-Senior High
School
1 Marauder Blvd
7-12
253
Clinton Central School District
Clinton Elementary School
75 Chenango Ave.
K-5
589
Clinton Middle School
75 Chenango Ave.
6-8
322
Clinton Senior High School
75 Chenango Ave.
9-12
489
Source: NYS Education Department
The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, located at 4747 Middle Settlement Road, is
another public educational facility. It offers pre-kindergarten services as well as a
GED program and over 20 career and technical courses for adults.
Private educational facilities in the Town include Maranatha Christian Academy,
located at 4431 Middle Settlement Road and serving approximately 85 students in
grades K-12.
In 2011, 67% of New Hartford residents, who were 25 years or older, had obtained
some level of college education. New Hartford had a higher percentage (40.6%) of
residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher than the City of Utica (15.5%), the
County (21.8%), the Town of Whitestown (28.7%) and the State (32.5%). Only the
Town of Kirkland was higher (41.8%).
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
57 | P a g e
Educational Attainment, Persons 25+ (2007-2011)
Town of New Hartford and Comparison Areas
Town of
New
Hartford
Town of
Whites-
town
Town of
Kirkland
City of
Utica
Oneida
County
New
York
State
Less than 9
th
Grade
3.8%
2.5%
3.7%
9.1%
5.0%
7.0%
9th to 12
th
Grade (No
diploma)
5.8%
5.7%
3.1%
11.6%
8.5%
8.4%
High School Graduate
(Includes Equivalency)
23.4%
30.4%
24.1%
33.1%
33.5%
27.8%
Some College (No Degree)
15.7%
21.1%
13.8%
19.6%
19.7%
16.1%
Associates Degree
10.7%
11.6%
13.4%
11.0%
11.4%
8.2%
Bachelors Degree
20.7%
19.0%
20.4%
9.8%
13.1%
18.5%
Master’s, Professional or
Doctorate Degree
19.9%
9.7%
21.4%
5.7%
8.7%
14.0%
Source: US Census – American Community Survey5 Year Estimate 2007-2011
Community and Civic Organizations
A variety of community and civic organizations exist to address the social needs
of Town of New Hartford residents including the following:
American Legion Post 1000
American Legion Post 1376
Amicable Lodge No. 664 F&AM
Clinton Road Senior Group
Country Club Court Seniors
Friends of the New Hartford Public Library
New Hartford Adult Center
New Hartford Chamber of Commerce
New Hartford Community Enrichment Foundation
New Hartford Kiwanis
New Hartford Lioness Club
New Hartford Lions Club
New Hartford Rotary
New Hartford Senior Citizens, Inc.
New York Mills Seniors
The Meadows Senior Club
Village Elders Senior Group
Historic and Cultural Resources
Access to historic and cultural resources contributes to the quality of life of
residents. Town of New Hartford resident have access to the many cultural
resources that are available in the Greater Utica Area.
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58 | P a g e
Historic Resources
The Town of New Hartford
has one nationally
designated historic
structure. St. Stephen’s
Church, at 22-27 Oxford
Road, is privately owned
and has been listed on the
National and State
Registers of Historic Places
since 1996. The table that
follows lists structures that
have been identified as
having historic significance.
The list is not comprehensive and may include structures that may no longer be
qualified due to structural changes. A complete inventory of locally significant
structures should be established and maintained to ensure that these valuable
resources are preserved.
Cultural Resources
New Hartford Historical Society
The New Hartford Historical Society, located in Butler Hall at 48 Genesee Street,
houses all held artifacts and records for the Town. The Society was organized in
1908 to provide information to citizens interested in the history of the Town and
its Villages and to collect and preserve any materials that help to establish the
history of the area. The Historical Society holds monthly meetings and each
meeting includes a short program on some aspect of regional history. The Society
is the designated historian for the Town and receives support from the Town as
well as through individual memberships.
Historical and cultural structures of significance located in the Town of
New Hartford are highlighted on the next page.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
59 | P a g e
Significant Local Structures
Town of New Hartford
Building Name
Location
Building Name
Location
Town of New Hartford
Worker's House
73 Burrstone Avenue
Apartments
Oneida Street
Worker's House
75 Burrstone Avenue
Butler Hall
Genesee Street
Worker's House
76 Burrstone Avenue
Chadwicks Depot
Elm Street
Worker's House
77 Burrstone Avenue
Davis Zigbee House
Mohawk Street
Worker's House
78 Burrstone Avenue
Ellis Residence
Oxford Road
Yahnundasis Golf Club
15 New York Rt 5
Hart Residence
Kellogg Road
Zientek Residence
43 Wilbur Road
Krol Residence
35 Wilbur Road
Village of New Hartford
Lees Radio & TV
Oneida Street
Butler-Hoffman House
116 Hoffman Road
Marima Corporation -
Willowvale Bleacher
Bleachery Avenue
Eames Mansion
76 Oxford Road
Messiah United Church
of Christ
Oneida Street
Friends Meeting House
96 Oxford Road
Needham-Maynard Farm
Middle Settlement Road
George French Home
113 Genesee Street
Needham-Maynard
House
23 Middle Settlement Road
Legro Residence
46 Hillside Avenue
Olive Collins Farm
Clinton Road
Lester House
South Street (Oxford
Road)
Palmer's Inn
Middle Settlement Road
Mclean House
Genesee And South
Streets
Private Farm
Tibbets Road
Partlow Corporation
2 Campion Road
Private Residence
71 Main Street
Presbyterian Church
Genesee Street
Private Residence
66 New Hartford Street
Presbyterian Church
On The Village Green
Private Residence
67 New Hartford Street
Private Residence
5 Oxford Road
Private Residence
68 New Hartford Street
Private Residence
14 Oxford Road
Private Residence
69 New Hartford Street
Private Residence
25 Pearl Street
Private Residence
Oneida Street
Private Residence
45 Sanger Avenue
Private Residence
208 Oneida Street
Samuel Hicks House
18 Oxford Road
Private Residence
Oxford Road
Souter Residence
3 Oxford Road
Private Residence
Route 5
St. Stephens Episcopal Church
25 Oxford Road
Private Residence
107 Seneca Turnpike
Washington Mills Passenger
Station
Kellogg Road
Remet Corporation -
Willowvale Bleaching Co.
Bleachery Avenue
Butler-Hoffman House
116 Hoffman Road
Ruth Residence
46 Slusser Avenue
Eames Mansion
76 Oxford Road
St. Margaret's Convent
Jordan Road
Friends Meeting House
96 Oxford Road
Worker's House
72 Burrstone Avenue
George French Home
113 Genesee Street
Source: Source: Town of New Hartford Planning Department, 2007 Comprehensive Plan.
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60 | P a g e
New Hartford Public Library
The New Hartford Public Library, located at 2 Library Lane, was originally established
in 1976 as a volunteer library. In 1988, it was granted a permanent charter and
became a member of the Mid-York Library System. The need for expansion was
identified in the early 1990s and in 1999 a newly constructed 10,000 square foot
building was opened to the public.
The library provides access to
the Mid-York electronic
catalog, the Internet and
document publishing
applications, such as Word,
Excel, PowerPoint and Access
through 15 computer terminals
and six e-macs for use by
children and their parents,
printers and wireless access for
personal devices and
computers. In addition to
books, on-loan materials
include: e-Books DVD’s,
cassettes, CD’s, records, magazines, books on CD and videotapes. Current magazines
and newspapers do not circulate but are available for review in the library. Programs
for language development and reading as well as special events are provided for
youths. The library is open six days a week (closed on Wednesdays) for varying
hours, except from July 1 through Labor Day when the library is closed on Sundays.
Cultural resources that are located within the region include:
Beck’s Grove Dinner Theater (Rome)
Children's Museum of History, Natural History, Science &
Technology (Utica)
Earlville Opera House (Earlville)
Kirkland Art Center (Clinton)
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Museum of Art (Utica)
Oneida County Historical Society Museum (Utica)
Players of Utica (Utica)
Rome Community Theater (Rome)
Sculpture Space (Utica)
Stanley Performing Arts Center (Utica)
Utica Symphony Orchestra (Utica)
Key Findings
Several health care facilities are located in the Town of New
Hartford.
Enrollment figures in the school districts that serve the Town of
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
61 | P a g e
New Hartford were relatively stable between 2008 and 2011
During the 2010-2011 school year, the New Hartford Central School
District had a higher percentage of graduates who pursued a
college education and a lower dropout rate than both the County
and the State.
The Town of New Hartford has one nationally designated historic
structure and several structures that are locally significant.
Community Profile
62 | P a g e
Parks and Recreation
Parks provide a
community with
recreation space as
well a place to go for
relaxation and
scenery. The amount
and quality of the
parks within a
community has an
influence on the
quality of life. Parks
can be a draw for
residential
development and raise
the property values of
existing residential
areas. A park with a regional draw can also promote commercial development. The
following is an inventory of the parks and recreation facilities in the Town of New
Hartford.
There are five town maintained parks in the Town of New Hartford that provide over
250 acres of developed parkland.
Sherrillbrook Park
Sherrillbrook Park, the Town’s largest park, is a 201-acre major community park
located on Route 12 that provides opportunities for passive and active recreation.
Amenities include: two softball fields, two football fields, two tennis courts, one
basketball court, one soccer field, picnic grills and sites, pavilions, a gazebo, modular
playground, ski warming room, nature exhibits, three handicapped accessible
restrooms and a network of woodland trails for hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
In addition to large expanses of open rolling lawn, this park also has approximately
120 acres of natural woodland. Sherrillbrook Park is open during the winter months
and is used by hikers, skiers and dog walkers, including several cross country skiing
trails. The park also offers a dog park/run, entrance by permit only. The
administrative offices of the New Hartford Parks Department are located within the
park.
Washington Mills Athletic Park
Washington Mills Athletic Park is a community playfield that is located in the hamlet
of Washington Mills at 3695 Oneida Street. This sports park is approximately 21 acres
in size and provides three multi-use fields (softball/soccer fields), a batting cage, one
pavilion, four picnic sites with grills, a hiking trail, playground, handicapped
accessible restrooms and a 60-foot handicapped accessible fishing boardwalk. The
southwest portion of the park is undeveloped woodland while the northern portion of
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
63 | P a g e
the park is jurisdictional wetland. The park is open every day, from 8 a.m. to dusk,
from May 1
st
to October 31
st
.
Donovan Memorial (Chadwicks) Park
Donovan Memorial Park is located on
Elm Street in the Hamlet of
Chadwicks. This 17-acre facility is
classified as a community playfield. An
active railroad track runs along its
west edge and a residential area is
situated along its south and east
boundaries. Park amenities include
one small picnic shelter, one group use
pavilion, nine picnic sites, one baseball
field, two tennis courts, one basketball
court, a modular playground system,
a splash pad and handicapped
accessible restrooms.
Sanger Building (Highway Department)
The Sanger Building is located on Campion Road and it is classified as a community
playfield and occupies a five-acre land area. Amenities at the site consist of two
soccer fields with limited use by permit only.
Veterans Memorial Park
Located on seven acres at the intersection of Route 12 and Genesee Street, this
passive park was officially opened in 2008 and consists of a large Veterans Memorial
and viewing pond with two fountains. A 14 car parking lot and retaining wall style
gateway sign was added in 2012. The park includes a sidewalk cutting through it
with viewing benches. Sidewalks extending to the pond with viewing benched and
additional flower beds are planned for the future.
Town-Owned Recreation Facilities
New Hartford Recreation Center
The New Hartford Recreation Center is situated on approximately eight acres at 1 Mill
Street in the Village of New Hartford. The facility is handicapped accessible and has
been expanded several times since its construction in 1980. The indoor ice-skating
complex houses a full-sized ice rink, seating for 1,400 spectators, concession area,
pro shop, several locker rooms, a second lobby with concessions, offices and
restrooms. There is a nominal fee to use the facility.
The ice-skating facility hosts a variety of recreational skating activities including,
Community Profile
64 | P a g e
sports leagues (hockey and figure skating) and public ice-skating between the
months of September and April. During the summer months, the ice is removed and
the facility hosts a variety of activities including major concerts, trade shows, and
dances.
A partially lighted soccer field and children’s play area are also located at the
Recreation Center. The play area is shared with an adjacent school and two village-
owned tennis courts are also connected to the facility.
Other Recreational Facilities
In addition to the Town-owned facilities, residents and organizations in New Hartford
also utilize the school districts’ facilities. These facilities include athletic fields,
basketball courts, gymnasiums and an indoor pool.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Recreation
The Philip A. Rayhill Memorial Trail is a four-mile,
handicapped accessible, paved trail that parallels
the new Judd Road Connector. In 2013 there are
plans to extend the trail an additional one point five
miles on the north end by crossing the Sauquoit
Creek and then proceeding northwest ending in the
Village of New York Mills. This trail extension is
being 80% federally funded through the
transportation enhancement act.
New Hartford and Whitestown Rail Trail connects
NYS Routes 5, 8, and 12 in the Town of New
Hartford and Whitestown. The trail begins at a trail
head parking area off New Hartford Street in the
Town of New Hartford and continues westward to
Halsey Road in the Town of Whitestown. Additional trail head parking is available at
Clinton Street and Clark Mills Road.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
65 | P a g e
Community Profile
66 | P a g e
2001 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
A Parks and Recreation plan was completed in 2001 that is now dated. The 2007
Comprehensive Plan pointed out that the National Recreation and Parks Association
(NRPA) guidelines, often used as guidance by communities, have been revised since
the 2001 Park and Recreation Master Plan and therefore do not necessarily reflect
the NRPS’ current guidelines. The Master Plan had noted that the Town of New
Hartford appeared to be well within the NRPA guidelines for parks and recreation
facilities but recommended some additional specific facilities and a comprehensive
trail network.
The 2007 Comprehensive Plan analyzed the Town’s recreational resources based on
the NRPS current guidelines and found that there was potential excess of facilities for
some recreation uses and a shortage for others. As such, a careful analysis of actual
needs may be warranted to best serve residents and improve efficient use of
resources, based on current Town and Villages facilities and programming, shared
facilities with the school districts and other available facilities through club
organizations.
Key Findings
There are five town maintained parks in the Town of New Hartford providing a
wide range of amenities and facilities.
The Town is continuing to develop a trails system.
The Town has an adequate supply of park acreage that is dispersed throughout
the Town.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan completed in 2001 is now dated with
significant changes
Town of Hew Hartford Comprehensive Plan
67 | P a g e
ACTION PLAN
Plan Goals, Objectives and Implementation
The Town’s Comprehensive Plan identifies a set of goals for the Town to guide policy
and decision making related to development, protecting community assets, new
investment and quality of life. Many of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan goals continue
to be the goals for New Hartford in 2013 and have, therefore, been carried forward
in this Plan. The Goals are followed by a set of objectives that will assist the Town in
meeting the eight Goals. The Goals and Objectives are followed by an
Implementation Matrix of some specific actions that are necessary for the Town to
undertake, sometimes in cooperation with other municipalities and organizations, to
achieve the Goals and Objectives.
GOAL 1 - To recognize the need to pursue avenues of both conservation
and development in the Town of New Hartford
Objective 1.1: Support population growth at a level that can be comfortably
accommodated by Town infrastructure and services in order to
assure the health and safety of all residents while contributing to
growth in the tax base.
Objective 1.2: Encourage continued diversification in terms of race, culture
socio-economic status and age among the Town’s residents.
Objective 1.3: Concentrate development around existing settled areas, where
infrastructure already exists; on infill sites and underutilized
properties which can be put back into productive use.
Objective 1.4: Locate commercial development in areas of the Town where
existing character and development patterns will comfortably
accommodate it and where there is appropriate transportation
access for the targeted market or industry.
Objective 1.5: Address conflicts among land uses to minimize threats to quality
of life, economic sustainability and the environment through the
Town’s zoning and site development regulations.
Objective 1.6: Address continuing needs for open space and conservation areas
through the Town’s zoning regulations and other programs.
Objective 1.7: Protect historic, cultural and natural resources from
development and activities that threaten their sustainability.
Action Plan
68 | P a g e
GOAL 2 - To encourage a pattern of development in New Hartford to
preserve and strengthen its neighborhoods
Objective 2.1: Ensure that
new housing
development
does not
detract from
the value or
ability of
current
residents to
enjoy their
homes and
property.
Objective 2.2: Link
neighborhoods
together in order to create better traffic and circulation patterns;
and healthier, walkable neighborhoods.
Objective 2.3: Maintain the character of the Town’s mixed use neighborhoods and
nodes by encouraging development that is a compatible mix of uses
at an appropriate density and scale.
Objective 2.4: Encourage infill development and reuse of vacant and underutilize
parcels and buildings by ensuring that the Town’s zoning and site
development regulations allow for and encourage such
development.
Objective 2.5: Recognize and preserve the important contribution of historical and
cultural resources to neighborhood character and development.
GOAL 3 - Use public policy as a tool for directing development in the
Town
Objective 3.1: Update Town zoning and other land management tools to be
consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Objective 3.2: Re-evaluate the Seneca Turnpike/Commercial
Drive/Middlesettlement Road and French Road/Burrstone
Road/Champlin Avenue GEIS studies. The Town should determine
whether it should revise or update them in light of past, present
and future development in these areas.
Objective 3.3: Base development decisions on assessment of Town-wide and
regional needs, identify areas of population growth and
Town of Hew Hartford Comprehensive Plan
69 | P a g e
opportunities for revitalization.
Objective 3.4: Work with regional partners to address transportation and access
issues and impacts.
Objective 3.5: Work with regional partners to address environmental issues,
including the impacts of development, air and water quality.
Objective 3.6: Continue to develop a formal avenue to address the on- and off-site
mitigation of the adverse impacts of development.
Objective 3.7: Develop additional transportation and circulation corridors with
respect to natural resource and environmental protection.
Objective 3.8: Utilize appropriate land use regulations and design standards to
encourage high quality development and enhance the aesthetic
character of the Town’s commercial corridors and mixed use
neighborhoods.
Objective 3.9: Incentivize green building and site development practices through
low impact development, energy conservation, alternative energy
systems and building systems that minimize energy consumption.
GOAL 4 - To preserve and enhance the ecology and natural features of
the Town of New Hartford
Objective 4.1: Site future development to avoid and mitigate potential adverse on-
and off-site impacts.
Objective 4.2: Recognize and preserve the water quality and resources.
Objective 4.3: Develop and link greenways throughout the Town as the mainstay
of New Hartford’s community design.
Objective 4.4: Concentrate development away from the flood plains and flood
areas, steep slopes, wetlands, habitats and other critical natural
areas.
Objective 4.5: Protect the Town’s scenic vistas and viewsheds through land
management regulations, Site Plan Review and SEQRA.
Objective 4.6: Support continued agricultural production and agribusiness on the
Town’s land with prime agricultural soils.
Objective 4.7: Consider developing tools for open space protection and acquisition.
Objective 4.8: Protect and revitalize the Sauquoit Creek corridor.
Action Plan
70 | P a g e
GOAL 5 - To maintain and improve regional competitiveness through
cooperative economic development ventures and strategies
Objective 5.1: Attract and retain high-quality jobs.
Objective 5.2: Plan for economic development, embracing a regional approach to
industry development.
Objective 5.3: Diversify the
local economy
by identifying
growing market
groups and
clusters not
currently
represented in
the Town or
region.
Objective 5.4: Encourage the
development of
housing choi ces
for all income levels.
Objective 5.5: Encourage the development of mixed-use neighborhoods with
residential uses and compatible small retail establishments serving
local needs.
Objective 5.6: Encourage the adoption of land use regulations encouraging mixed-
use, “green” and live/work residential choices.
GOAL 6 - To undertake and support activities which enhance the quality
of life in the Town of New Hartford
Objective 6.1: Encourage healthy active lifestyles for New Hartford’s residents
through maintenance of the Town’s recreational facilities and
community programs for all ages.
Objective 6.2: Encourage the growth of businesses, health and community
services and amenities serving the Town’s growing senior
population near senior residential developments.
Objective 6.3: Support high quality professional public safety organizations
including police, fire and emergency services.
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Objective 6.4: Evaluate and address public safety
impacts of proposed new
development during project
review.
Objective 6.5: Support the training of volunteer
and auxiliary organizations
providing public safety.
Objective 6.6: The development of a safe and
convenient network of pedestrian
and bicycle paths and greenways
linking public transportation,
employment centers, parks,
recreation areas and residential
areas should be a priority;
including incorporating rail road
lines as they become available.
Objective 6.7: Develop, communicate and
celebrate the identity of the Town
of New Hartford as a unique destination in the Mohawk Valley.
Objective 6.8: Maintain and enhance New Hartford’s reputation as a center for
superior education in its public and private schools.
Objective 6.9: Develop and maintain connections with communities throughout the
region, including physical, social and cultural connections.
Objective 6.10: Support volunteer and civic-minded efforts of social and cultural
organizations to improve community quality of life.
GOAL 7 – Provide well-maintained modern infrastructure that meets
current and future Town needs
Objective 7.1: Promote a variety of transportation options and amenities for
drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians as public transit users through State,
regional and local road improvement projects and new
development.
Objective 7.2: Encourage developers to make necessary road improvements that
will accommodate projected increases in traffic and/or provide
appropriate mitigation strategies and funding.
Objective 7.3: Coordinate with the public transit system to ensure that areas with
high density and mixed uses are served by public transportation.
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72 | P a g e
Objective 7.4: Encourage shared parking among businesses to improve
appearance, circulation and organization while decreasing
impervious surface coverage through development incentives.
Objective 7.5: Pedestrian circulation should be promoted as an organizing element
of future development proposals.
Objective 7.6: Sidewalks should be provided and appropriately maintained to
ensure pedestrian access to schools, parks, recreation areas, retail
and employment centers as well as along major roadways.
Objective 7.7: Traffic calming techniques, flexible design standards and context
sensitive design standards should be promoted on high volume
streets throughout the Town to manage traffic flow.
Objective 7.8: Pursue opportunities to connect the recently developed Route 840
to the New York State Thruway and other roadways to the south to
enhance north-south circulation in the Town.
Objective 7.9: Coordinate with utility providers to ensure that service scope and
levels are sufficient to meet the needs of residents.
Objective 7.10: Improve homeowner understanding of care and maintenance for
individual sewage disposal systems.
GOAL 8 - Encourage efficiency in local government service delivery
Objective 8.1: Assign responsibility and authority to appropriate levels of
government.
Objective 8.2: Promote cooperation, coordination and collaboration among local
and regional levels of government.
Objective 8.3: Streamline development regulations and provide a development
framework that is simple, predictable, fair and cost efficient for
developers.
Objective 8.4: Distribute the adopted Comprehensive Plan to regional
governments and planning agencies to encourage consistency in
future planning efforts.
Objective 8.5: Coordinate the evaluation and maintenance of existing roadways
and access management strategies with regional and state
transportation agencies.
Objective 8.6: Permit development only where adequate roadways, utilities and
Town of Hew Hartford Comprehensive Plan
73 | P a g e
other public services and infrastructure are available.
Objective 8.7: Avoid duplication of effort, services and facilities within and among
jurisdictions where possible.
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74 | P a g e
Implementation Matrix
An Implementation Matrix provides recommended actions for the Town of New Hartford to take in order to
implement the Comprehensive Plan. These actions are grouped by Comprehensive Plan Goal. A timeframe for
action is provided which is either immediate, ongoing or within seven years. The Matrix also identifies who has lead
responsibility for implementing each action.
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Goal: To recognize the need to pursue avenues of both conservation and development in the Town of New Hartford
Support population growth at a level that can be comfortably
accommodated by Town infrastructure and services in order to
assure the health and safety of all residents while contributing
to growth in the tax base.
On-going
Town Board, Code Enforcement Staff, Planning
Board, residents
Encourage continued diversification in terms of race, culture
socio-economic status and age among the Town’s residents.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Residents
Concentrate development around existing settled areas, where
infrastructure already exists; on infill sites and underutilized
properties which can be put back into productive use.
On-going
Town board, planning board, Code Enforcement
Staff, residents
Locate commercial development in areas of the Town where
existing character and development patterns will comfortably
accommodate it and where there is appropriate transportation
access for the targeted market or industry.
On-going
Town board, planning board, Code Enforcement
Staff, real estate developers
Address conflicts among land uses to minimize threats to
quality of life, economic sustainability and the environment
through the Town’s zoning and site development regulations.
On-going
Town board, planning board
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Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Address continuing needs for open space and conservation
areas through the Town’s zoning regulations and other
programs.
On-going
Town board, planning board
Protect historic, cultural and natural resources from
development and activities that threaten their sustainability
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff, real estate developers
Goal: To encourage a pattern of development in New Hartford to preserve and strengthen its Neighborhoods
Ensure that new housing development does not detract from
the value or ability of current residents to enjoy their homes
and property.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, residents, residential
real estate industry, real estate developers
Link neighborhoods together in order to create better traffic
and circulation patterns; and healthier, walkable
neighborhoods.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, residents
Maintain the character of the Town’s mixed use neighborhoods
and nodes by encouraging development that is a compatible
mix of uses at an appropriate density and scale.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, real estate developers
Encourage infill development and reuse of vacant and
underutilize parcels and buildings by ensuring that the Town’s
zoning and site development regulations allow for and
encourage such development
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff
Recognize and preserve the important contribution of historical
and cultural resources to neighborhood character and
development.
Immediate/on-going
Town Board, Planning Board, residents, developers
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Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Goal: Use public policy as a tool for directing development in the Town
Update Town zoning and other land management tools to be
consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Review annually,
make amendments
as needed, revise
following a
Comprehensive Plan
Update
Town Board, Code Enforcement Staff, Planning
Board
Re-evaluate the Seneca Turnpike/Commercial
Drive/Middlesettlement Road and French Road/Burrstone
Road/Champlin Avenue GEIS studies.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board
Base development decisions on assessment of Town-wide and
regional needs, identify areas of population growth and
opportunities for revitalization.
On-going
Town Board, Code Enforcement Staff, Planning
Board, developers, residents
Work with regional partners to address transportation and
access issues and impacts.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, Oneida County, NYS
DOT
Work with regional partners to address environmental issues,
including the impacts of development, air and water quality.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, Oneida County
Continue to develop a formal avenue to address the on- and
off-site mitigation of the adverse impacts of development.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, developers
Develop additional transportation and circulation corridors with
respect to natural resource and environmental protection.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, NYS DOT, Oneida
County
Utilize appropriate land use regulations and design standards
to encourage high quality development and enhance the
aesthetic character of the Town’s commercial corridors and
mixed use neighborhoods.
On-going
Town Board, Code Enforcement Staff, Planning
Board, developers
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Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Incentivize green building and site development practices
through low impact development, energy conservation,
alternative energy systems and building systems that minimize
energy consumption.
Immediate
Town Board, Code Enforcement Staff, Planning
Board, developers
Goal: To Preserve and enhance the ecology and natural features of the Town of New Hartford
Site future development to avoid and mitigate potential
adverse on- and off-site impacts.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff
Recognize and preserve the water quality and resources.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, Sauquoit Creek
Intermunicipal Commission, NYS
Develop and link greenways throughout the Town as the
mainstay of New Hartford’s community design.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board,
Concentrate development away from the flood plains and flood
areas, steep slopes, wetlands, habitats and other critical
natural areas.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, residential real estate
industry, real estate developers
Protect the Town’s scenic vistas and viewsheds through land
management regulations, Site Plan Review and SEQRA.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, residents
Support continued agricultural production and agribusiness on
the Town’s land with prime agricultural soils.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, residents,
Consider developing tools for open space protection and
acquisition.
1-3 years
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff
Protect and revitalize the Sauquoit Creek corridor.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Sauquoit Creek
Intermunicipal Commission, NYS
Goal: To maintain and improve regional competitiveness through cooperative economic development ventures and
strategies
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78 | P a g e
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Attract and retain high-quality jobs.
On-going
Town Board, Oneida County, Mohawk Valley EDGE,
Oneida County IDA
Plan for economic development, embracing a regional
approach to industry development.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, developers, residents
Diversify the local economy by identifying growing market
groups and clusters not currently represented in the Town or
region.
On-going
Town board, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Oneida County
IDA
Encourage the development of housing choices for all income
levels.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff, developers
Encourage the development of mixed-use neighborhoods with
residential uses and compatible small retail establishments
serving local needs.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff, developers
Encourage the adoption of land use regulations encouraging
mixed-use, “green” and live/work residential choices.
Immediate
Town Board, Planning Board, Code Enforcement
Staff
Goal: To undertake and support activities which enhance the quality of life in the Town of New Hartford
Encourage healthy active lifestyles for New Hartford’s residents
through maintenance of the Town’s recreational facilities and
community programs for all ages.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town parks and
Recreation Department, Town Highway Department,
NYS DOT, Trail users
Encourage the growth of businesses, health and community
services and amenities serving the Town’s growing senior
population near senior residential developments.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, developers,
Support high quality professional public safety organizations
including police, fire and emergency services.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, New Hartford Police ,
fire companies, ambulance services
Evaluate and address public safety impacts of proposed new
development during project review.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, New Hartford Police ,
fire companies, ambulance services
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Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Support the training of volunteer and auxiliary organizations
providing public safety.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, New Hartford Police ,
fire companies, ambulance services
The development of a safe and convenient network of
pedestrian and bicycle paths and greenways linking public
transportation, employment centers, parks, recreation areas
and residential areas should be a priority; including
incorporating rail road lines as they become available.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town parks and
Recreation Department, Town Highway Department,
NYS DOT, Trail users
Develop, communicate and celebrate the identity of the Town
of New Hartford as a unique destination in the Mohawk Valley.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, New Hartford Historical
Society, private sector,
Maintain and enhance New Hartford’s reputation as a center for
superior education in its public and private schools.
On-going
Area School Districts
Develop and maintain connections with communities
throughout the region, including physical, social and cultural
connections.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Oneida County,
Mohawk Valley EDGE, Oneida County IDA
Support volunteer and civic-minded efforts of social and
cultural organizations to improve community quality of life.
On-going
New Hartford Historical Society, private sector,
Goal: Provide well-maintained modern infrastructure that meets current and future Town needs
Promote a variety of transportation options and amenities for
drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians as public transit users through
State, regional and local road improvement projects and new
development.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Department
of Public Works
Encourage developers to make necessary road improvements
that will accommodate projected increases in traffic and/or
provide appropriate mitigation strategies and funding.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Department
of Public Works, developers
Coordinate with the public transit system to ensure that areas
with high density and mixed uses are served by public
transportation.
5-7 years
Town Board, Planning Board, Oneida County,
CENTRO
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80 | P a g e
Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Encourage shared parking among businesses to improve
appearance, circulation and organization while decreasing
impervious surface coverage through development incentives.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town Highway
Department, developers
Pedestrian circulation should be promoted as an organizing
element of future development proposals.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Developers
Sidewalks should be provided and appropriately maintained to
ensure pedestrian access to schools, parks, recreation areas,
retail and employment centers as well as along major
roadways.
On-going
Town board, planning board, developers
Traffic calming techniques, flexible design standards and
context sensitive design standards should be promoted on high
volume streets throughout the Town to manage traffic flow.
On-going
Town board, planning board Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Developers
Pursue opportunities to connect the recently developed Route
840 to the New York State Thruway and other roadways to the
south to enhance north-south circulation in the Town.
On-going
Town board, planning board Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Developers
Coordinate with utility providers to ensure that service scope
and levels are sufficient to meet the needs of residents.
On-going
Town Board, Town staff, Oneida County, National
Grid, OCWA, Sauquoit Creek Intermunicipal
Commission
Improve homeowner understanding of care and maintenance
for individual sewage disposal systems.
On-going
Town board, Town staff, Oneida County Public
Health
Goal: Encourage efficiency in local government service delivery
Assign responsibility and authority to appropriate levels of
government.
On-going
Town Board, Town Supervisor, Oneida County, area
towns
Promote cooperation, coordination and collaboration among
local and regional levels of government.
On-going
Town Board, Town Supervisor, Oneida County, area
towns
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Town of New Hartford Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action
Time Frame
Responsibility
Streamline development regulations and provide a
development framework that is simple, predictable, fair and
cost efficient for developers.
On-going
Town Board, Planning board, Code Enforcement
Staff, developers
Distribute the adopted Comprehensive Plan to regional
governments and planning agencies to encourage consistency
in future planning efforts.
Immediate
Town Boar, Planning Board, developers
Coordinate the evaluation and maintenance of existing
roadways and access management strategies with regional and
state transportation agencies.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Department
of Public Works,
Permit development only where adequate roadways, utilities
and other public services and infrastructure are available.
On-going
Town Board, Planning Board, Town Highway
Department, NYS DOT, Oneida County Department
of Public Works, developers, National Grid
Avoid duplication of effort, services and facilities within and
among jurisdictions where possible.
On-going
Town Board, Town Supervisor, Oneida County, area
towns
