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Johnstown Planning Board issues Negative Declaration for Briggs Street Recreation Park as project is scaled to fit budget
Summary
The Johnstown Planning Board voted July 28, 2025 to issue a SEQR Negative Declaration for the Briggs Street Recreation Park, finding no significant environmental impacts; Mayor Amy Praught said the original $2.1 million plan will be scaled and phased to match current funding, with staff planning to reapply for grants next year.
The Johnstown Planning Board on July 28, 2025 voted unanimously to issue a Negative Declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for the proposed Briggs Street Recreation Park, concluding the project will not result in significant adverse environmental impacts. Board Member Chandra Cotter made the motion and Board Member Terri Easterly seconded; the motion carried 5–0.
Board members reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form and discussed environmental considerations for the park. The minutes state there is a nearby Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)-controlled remediation site—likely an old mill site—but that the site is fenced, managed by DEC, and described as posing no current risk or interference to the proposed walking path.
Mayor Amy Praught provided a project update, saying the city is working with Grant Writer Nick Zabowsky and Architect Dave D’Amore. Praught told the board the original plans, which totaled $2.1 million, will be scaled down to fit the city’s current financial capability and that the project is intended to be phased. Staff plan to reapply for additional funding next year. The minutes note some grants require a 50/50 local match and that the city’s economic classification limits the availability of grants that do not require a match.
Board members emphasized building a community playground and discussed the potential for year-round recreational use and community benefit. The Negative Declaration clears the way for project planning to proceed under the scaled, phased approach the city described.
The city clerk’s minutes record no public comments during the hearing. The board will continue planning the Briggs Street Recreation Park consistent with funding constraints and the phasing strategy described by the mayor.
