In the fall and winter of 2002-2003, Solvay community members participated in the creation of a Vision Plan with the assistance of the SUNY ESF Center for Community Design Research.  Adopted by the Village Board, the Vision Plan serves as a guide for community planning decisions and as the foundation for other initiatives.

During the early stages of the vision planning process, a clear concern emerged among residents and the business community about the appearance of Milton Avenue, the primary east/west route through the village.  Milton Avenue also marks the junction between the commercial and residential areas on the south side of the street, and the active industrial areas immediately to the north.  The Vision Plan set a framework of goals, one of which addresses the image concerns for this important corridor through the development of a new vision for Milton Avenue.

This capstone project is the first action strategy accomplished under the Village Vision Plan.  Through a community based participatory process, a collective vision for the Milton Avenue corridor was developed that celebrates the role of industry in the Village.  Community participants shared their ideas and concerns in a series of three workshops.  They suggested design approaches for the corridor that address Village concerns, recognize the importance of history, and celebrate the future of Milton Avenue.

For a more in depth discussion of this project, see the Milton Avenue Design Study project summary.