TABLE OF CONTENTS  

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INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………              2           

I           THE VISION……………………………………………………………………….          4 

II          CITY PROFILE…………………………………………………………………….          6         

III        HISTORIC PRESERVATION……………………………………………………..         10 

IV        PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE…………………………………….      13 

V         HOUSING…………………………………………………………………………..        26 

VI        CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT………………………………………………..         33 

VII       ECONOMY…………………………………………………………………………         38 

            1.      Introduction………………………………………………………………………   38
            2.      Economic Development…………………………………………………………  39
            3.      Commercial Development………………………………………………………   40
            4.      Industrial Development…………………………………………………………    46 

VIII      TRANSPORTATION……………………………………………………………….          49 

IX        LAND USE PLAN………………………………………………………………….          56 

X         PERIODIC REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN……………………………..      57
 

INTRODUCTION 

A Comprehensive Plan identifies the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, and standards for the immediate and long-term protection, enhancement, growth and development of a city.  Section 28-a of the General City Law authorizes cities to prepare and adopt a Comprehensive Plan.  The City of Johnstown’s first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1962. 

Over the past 45 years, the City has experienced major changes in its economy, population, and public facilities.  For example:   

        1)   In the 1960’s, the leather and glove industry and its associated businesses were the predominate employers in the area. Today, the leather and
            glove industry has been dramatically reduced and represents only a small portion of the local economy. Abandoned leather mills are now scattered
            throughout the City and new businesses abound. 

        2)  The Cayadutta Creek was once used as a source of water and sewer disposal for local industries. The Creek became nationally recognized as one
            of the most polluted water bodies in existence. The Gloversville-Johnstown Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant was constructed to treat industrial
            effluent in lieu of discharging the effluent into the Cayadutta. Today, the Cayadutta Creek has been reborn and currently supports fish
            propagation. This beautiful natural resource now represents an asset of the City.

       3)  The FJ & G Railroad that once served the area was closed, its rail line was abandoned and now has been converted into the popular FJ & G Rail
            Trail. 

        4)   The Johnstown Hospital closed and the building has become an adult home.

        5)   Two (2) blocks of the Central Business District have been torn down. 

        6)   Two (2) elementary schools, a high school and a Community College have been built.

        7)   Two (2) industrial parks were built in the City to provide sites for new and expanding businesses to locate.    

Today, the City is faced with new challenges such as how to deal with a declining, aging population, high property taxes, transportation problems on main arterial roads and aging infrastructure.  So much has changed since 1962.   

As a result of these changes and new challenges, the City of Johnstown Common Council appointed, in 2000, a Master Plan Committee.  This 12-member Committee was charged with developing a new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Johnstown.  The Mayor and Common Council asked City residents, with vested interest in the City, to prepare a new Comprehensive Plan.  The members of the 2000 Master Plan Committee were: 

Edward Bradley                     Earl Johnson                          Brett Preston
             Jack Coughlin                        Noel Levee                             Veronica Quinn         
       Terri Easterly                         Evamarie Mraz                        Ronald Robinson
        Robert Gould                         Jeff Niles                                Sarah Slingerland

The Master Plan Committee identified and evaluated the City's problems and needs, and assessed its strengths and weaknesses.  In 2002, a new Comprehensive Plan was prepared.  The new Plan represented a blueprint of how the City should develop and grow over the foreseeable future.  The Common Council eventually adopted this new Comprehensive Plan in November 2004. 

In May 2006, Mayor Sarah Slingerland created a Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Advisory Committee.  This Committee was charged with updating the City of Johnstown’s Zoning Ordinance.  Given the legal requirement that a Zoning Ordinance be based upon a Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Advisory Committee was also charged with first updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  The City wanted to ensure that the updated Zoning Ordinance would be based upon a current Comprehensive Plan. 

The members of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Advisory Committee were: 

                                                    Chris Foss                              Robert Gault                          Richard Vedde
                                                    David D’Amore                      Joseph Hanchar                     Ruth B. White           
                                                    April Douglass                       Bruce Heberer                       Chris Swatt
                                                    Kathy Dougherty                   Jeff Niles 

The Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Advisory Committee reviewed the 2004 Comprehensive Plan and proposed certain new initiatives to address weaknesses and promote the City’s strengths.  In 2007, the Committee drafted an update to the City’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan.  This update was presented by the Committee at two (2) public hearings and was reviewed by both the City and County Planning Boards.  The input received from the public and the two (2) Planning Boards was received by the Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Advisory Committee and changes and modifications to the updated plan were made by the Committee.  The Updated Plan was presented to the Common Council in late 2007.  The Common Council conducted its own public hearing on the proposed plan before formally adopting the Plan.
 

CHAPTER I 

“THE VISION” 

A Comprehensive Plan is a vision of how a community wants to develop.  It's a look to the future.  The Plan is an expression of where a community wants to be in 10, 15, or 20 years.  That vision can be expressed through the establishment of goals.  Goals are intended to help guide day-to-day decision making.  Day-to-day decisions made by City government should be consistent with these goals.  If this occurs, the vision expressed by these goals can be achieved.

1.      Vision:

The City of Johnstown should remain a small community featuring a high quality of life, safe neighborhoods with a vibrant community spirit.  Our rich history and heritage must be preserved for future generations to experience and enjoy.  Johnstown should be a community where people feel safe any time of day.  Our community should have a lively, distinguishable downtown or central business district featuring special shops, restaurants, boutiques and other diverse attractions.  Residents of the City should have available housing options to fit a variety of lifestyles as well as a healthy economy affording individuals of all ages an opportunity to earn a living.  Our families and children should have ample opportunities to recreate and enjoy family-oriented activities.  The City’s unique and wonderful natural resources should be protected and preserved.   

While the City was officially incorporated in 1895, the area was originally founded almost 250 years ago.  During these past 250 years, the City has been called home to many individuals and businesses.  It is the vision of this Comprehensive Plan to preserve many of the qualities and attributes that have allowed this community to persevere for so many years.  The City of Johnstown represents everything that is good about small town America.  Twenty (20) years from now, it is hoped that the attributes that brought success to this community to date will continue to exist and serve as the cornerstone of an exciting area to live and do business. 

2.      Goals: 

        A.   Preserve the City of Johnstown’s small town quality of life featuring safe residential neighborhoods and a cooperative community spirit. 
        B.   Identify, promote and strengthen the City’s Central Business District to ensure it retains its stature as the center of activity in the City of
              Johnstown. 
        C.   Develop a new Center City Park as the centerpiece of a comprehensive system of parks, open spaces and trails to meet the community’s diverse
              recreational needs and protect its natural beauty and resources. 
        D.   Protect, preserve and promote the City’s rich history and heritage. 
        E.   Promote a variety of affordable housing choices to meet the different needs that currently exist and future needs as the community’s population
              ages. 
        F.   Diversify and strengthen the City’s economy by attracting new, clean businesses to the City and providing a healthy business climate to
              encourage existing businesses to grow and expand.

CHAPTER II 

CITY PROFILE 

The City of Johnstown’s population grew from 10,130 in 1900 to 10,923 in 1950.  After 1950, the City’s population began to decline.  By the Year 2000, the City’s population declined to 8,511, a decrease of 2,412 or 22% from 1950. 

The City’s population decline is not unique to the City of Johnstown.  Similar declines during the past 50 years have been experienced in cities throughout the northeast.  With the advent of the automobile and residential and commercial development in suburban areas, many cities, in general, have experienced a steady population decline.  For example, the City of Gloversville experienced a similar trend in population to the City of Johnstown.  From 1900 to 1950, Gloversville’s population increased 27% from 18,349 to 23,634.  After peaking in 1950, the City of Gloversville’s population has declined 35% from 23,663 to 15,413 in 2000.  

In addition to experiencing a declining population, the City’s population is aging.  As shown in the following table, the average age of City residents increased from 33.1 in 1980 to 39 in 2000.  This spike is probably a result of the “baby boomer” population. The population per household decreased from 2.98 residents in 1960 to 2.4 residents in 2000, a drop of 19.5%.   

POPULATION TRENDS  

1960-2000 

 The City of Johnstown’s 65+ population has held relatively steady since 1960.  On the other hand, the 75+ population and 85+ population have shown significant growth.   

While the City of Johnstown’s 65+ population has increased slightly, its percentage of the County’s 65+ population has declined from 22.3% in 1960 to 18.2% in 2000.  An even more pronounced decline has occurred in the City of Gloversville, which dropped from 48.5% of the 65+ population to 30.6% of the 65+ population.  During that same time period, one of the reasons for this drop in the percentage of 65+ individuals living within the two (2) Cities could be the lack of suitable housing for this age group.  Typically, individuals in the 65+ age bracket are looking for maintenance-free housing.

POPULATION BY AGE 

1990-2000 

The City of Johnstown’s population, between 1990 and 2000, declined by 547 residents, or 6%.  During that timeframe, there were three (3) noticeable movements in population figures for age categories.  The age 20-24 category saw a decrease of 204 residents or 32.2%.  The 45-54 age group saw an increase of 328 residents, or 41% and the 65-74 age group saw a decrease of 253 residents, or 27.2%. 

Between 1970 and 2000, the number of housing units in the City of Johnstown increased by 286, or 7.7%. This increase can be attributed to moderate new housing growth and the conversion of some older, larger single-family homes to two-family and multi-family units.  The number of vacant housing units in the City of Johnstown increased dramatically during that timeframe from 229 units to 400 units, an increase of 74.7%. As of the 2000 Census, the Town of Johnstown had a housing vacancy rate of 10.1%. An even more dramatic increase in vacant housing has taken place in the City of Gloversville, which, as of the 2000 Census, has a 13.7% vacancy rate. One of the reasons for this sharp decrease could be the rapidly aging and deteriorating conditions of many housing units within the City. This statistic also shows that there does not appear to be a shortage of housing units in the community, but rather a shortage of acceptable, well-maintained residences for the varying demographics of the community.   

 HOUSING TRENDS 

1970-2000 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of owner-occupied housing units in the City of Johnstown reached its peak in 1980 at 2,293 units.  Since that time, the number of owner-occupied units has declined by 157 units or 6.9%.  Since 1970, the number of renter-occupied housing units in the City of Johnstown has risen 228 units or 18.8%.  However, the actual number of renter-occupied units decreased between the 1990 and 2000 Census, which probably contributed to the noticeable rise in the number of vacant housing units within the City.   

HOUSING UNITS 

1990-2000 

In terms of the breakdown of household types in the community, there has been very little change between the 1990 and 2000 Census.  The number of 1-unit detached dwellings increased slightly as did the number of 2 to 4 unit residences.  Once again, this could be attributed to the moderate growth in new residential construction and the trend by homeowners to create additional residences in older, single-family homes within the community.   

  CHAPTER III 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

A.    BACKGROUND:

The City of Johnstown has a rich history dating back to the 17^th Century.  The City’s distinguished history and heritage represents a significant asset that needs to be preserved.  The City’s colonial era and Victorian architecture is prominently on display.  Efforts must be taken to preserve and protect structures featuring this architecture.  Building new is not always better.  The City should adopt a philosophy to “preserve the past.”  

The story of Johnstown’s history is contained within the City’s numerous historically-significant buildings and sites.  Each of these buildings/sites has its own story in the City’s long history.  The existence of so many historically-significant buildings illustrates the importance of the City’s heritage.  A list of these buildings/sites follows:

1.     Johnson Hall:

        Johnson Hall was built by Sir William Johnson in 1762.  This baronial mansion is the major historic landmark and tourist attraction in the area. 

2.     Marked Historical Sites:

        -Fulton County Courthouse – N. William St.
        -Fort Johnstown – Corner E. Montgomery & S. Perry St.   
        -Drumm House – W. Green & W. State St. corner              
        -James Burke’s Inn – 200 S. William St.     
        -Sir William Johnson Grave – St. John’s Episcopal Church yard
        -Union Hall – 2 Union Place
        -Colonial Cemetery – West Green St.         
        -Johnstown Cemetery – N. Perry St.
        -Johnstown Battlefield – Johnson Ave.
        -1812 Army Encampment    - North Comrie Ave. (between Rte 29 & Prindle) 

3.     Non-Marked Historical Sites:

        -Black Horse Tavern – 805 S. Melcher St.              
        -General Edger Dudley – 14 N. William St. (home)
        -Knox Mansion – 104 W. Second Ave.
        -Elizabeth Cady Stanton – 51 W. Main St. (birthplace)        
        -Gov. Enos Throop Home    - 14 N. William St.
        -St. Johns 1^st Church – stood next to Drumm House (cemetery)
        -First School – S. William & Main St. corner
        -Judge Cady Law Office – 43 W. Main St. 
        -Wells Estate – 201 W. Madison Ave. 

4.     Privately-Owned Historical Homes:

        -Att. Gen. Matthias B. Hildreth – 10 S. William St.
        -Mrs. Henry – 9 S. William St.
        -Att. James D. McLaren – 1 E. Green St.
        -Rev. Simeon Hosack – N. Market St. (east side)
        -Dr. Benjamin Chamberlain – 100 S. Market St.       

While steps have been taken to preserve and protect some of these historical sites and buildings, additional efforts should be made by City officials, businesses, local organizations and citizens to enhance interest in and utilization of these assets. 

B.     RECOMMENDATIONS: 

1.      Johnson Hall and its grounds should be identified, maintained and promoted as the City's historical centerpiece. 

2.      The City should work with the Johnson Hall Administration to secure grants to: 
            -Maintain and improve existing buildings and grounds.
            -Develop a Visitor Center, rest area, and museum at Johnson Hall.
            -Fund archaeological excavations designed to discover the perimeters and usage of the 18^th Century buildings.
            -Install and/or replace sidewalks.
            -Remove dead trees, brush, and debris.
            -Develop landscaping consistent with 18^th Century usage.
            -Organize local volunteer groups to assist with ongoing maintenance and restoration of the Facility. 

3.     The City of Johnstown should keep the City-owned property adjacent to Johnson Hall, as well as Hall Avenue, well maintained in order to provide an
        aesthetically-appealing entranceway into Johnson Hall.   

4.      The City Common Council should adopt a Historic Preservation Law that would:
            -Create a Historic District in the Central Business District area.
            -Create other Historic Districts within the City as deemed appropriate.
            -Designate Historic sites and buildings as landmarks.
            -Encourage the preservation of all buildings to aesthetically enhance the City. 

5.      The City should participate in the New York State Office of Historic Preservation's Certified Local Government Program. 

6.     The City should work with and encourage the owners of historic homes, sites and buildings to participate in guided tours.  The City of Johnstown
        should also encourage passive self-guided tours of historic properties in the community by providing additional signage and educational displays. 

7.      The City should place appropriate signage at historic sites to acquaint and inform visitors and tourists about their historical significance. 

8.      The City should encourage the upkeep and continued restoration and enhancement of all historic properties within the community.
 

CHAPTER IV 

PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE 

1.  BACKGROUND:    

An adequate supply of outdoor recreational activities and facilities is an integral component to a vibrant community.  Today, many people seek out and participate in a multitude of outdoor recreational activities.  Outdoor recreational activities provide benefits that extend far beyond a basic walk in the park.  Participating in outdoor recreational activities can stimulate people both mentally and physically, provide a means of physical conditioning, be a means for social interaction and provide opportunities for family functions.  The importance of people participating in outdoor recreational activities is now evident in local communities, schools, the workplace and at home.   

The City of Johnstown must develop and maintain an adequate supply of parks, recreational activities and facilities and open spaces to meet the current and future needs of its citizens.  These facilities and open spaces must be appropriately distributed to service the entire community.  These outdoor recreational facilities and spaces should present a source of community pride, provide opportunities for strengthening family ties and represent an opportunity for economic enhancement by attracting visitors to the community to utilize these facilities. 

The City of Johnstown contains approximately 3,093 acres of land. At present, approximately 819 of these acres are classified by the City Assessor as being open/vacant.  This represents approximately 26% of the total land mass of the City of Johnstown.  There are 459 individual parcels of land in the City of Johnstown that are classified as open/vacant.  These open/vacant parcels of land range in size from 1.78 acres to a 133 acres of land.  These 819 acres of open/vacant land represent the opportunities for providing the outdoor recreational facilities and open space for the citizens of the City of Johnstown.  The City of Johnstown should develop, implement and enforce the appropriate land use controls to ensure that an adequate inventory of open space is maintained and made available to its citizens for utilization for outdoor recreational facilities and activities.         

The City of Johnstown has several outstanding recreational resources:  

    1.      Rail Trail 
    2.      Cayadutta Creek
    3.      Hale, Matthew and Hall Creeks

The Cayadutta Creek represents a tremendous recreational resource for the City. This Creek has a great history. Its existence was the primary reason why this area was originally settled and why this area attracted the leather and glove industry.  The creek then, for an extended period of time, became famous for all of the wrong reasons. For years, the Cayadutta Creek was the receiving waters for all of the effluent discharged by the industries that located along its banks. During the 1960’s and 70’s, the Creek became famous for its colors that varied daily due to the various effluents being discharged into it. At one point, the Cayadutta Creek was labeled as one of the most polluted streams in the State of New York.  

Today, the Creek is again famous but for a far different and better reason. Through years of hard work, the Cayadutta Creek is once again a beautiful water resource that has completely shed its image of a polluted stream. The Cayadutta Creek is now classified as a trout stream and provides excellent fishing opportunities and locations for anglers.  

Hale, Matthew and Hall Creeks also represent outstanding natural resources that can serve as vital outdoor recreational resources.    

The FJ & G Rail Trail has been constructed within the right-of-way of the former FJ & G Railroad. This Trail has been developed from Union Ave Extension north through the City of Johnstown to Dennies Crossing. The Trail is widely used by walkers, joggers and bicyclists. There are several locations within the City of Johnstown where the Trail and Cayadutta Creek are close to each other. These locations represent excellent opportunities to develop destination stops for people using the Rail Trail. 

While the City of Johnstown possesses many existing recreational resources, it does not have a centrally-located recreational resource to serve as a focal point of recreational activity in the City.  The creation of this centerpiece would serve as a focal point of activity in the City and provide a recreational resource available for everyone in the community.  

At present, the following City-owned lands in the City of Johnstown are used as public parks: 

2.  INVENTORY OF EXISTING OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:  

        1.   State of New York Facilities: 

                a.   Sir William Johnson State Park 

        2.   City of Johnstown Facilities: 

                a.   Rail Trail             
                b.   East State St. Park 
                         1.  Park