In Schoharie, a multi-purpose trail that would loop throughout the village is part of a much larger plan to revitalize the waterfront and Main Street.
And quickly moving ahead.
Consultant Nan Stolzenburg of Planning Better Places said concept design, costs estimates, and landowner permissions are all in place and they're waiting to hear on grant applications to the state's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
In addition to the trail, the plan calls for things like better signage, bike racks and parking, landscaping, pocket parks, and even a disc golf course.
But one of the first-and easiest steps-will be to change the village's zoning to allow for more waterfront uses, Ms. Stolzenburg said.
Additionally, the village, which has accepted the LWRP plan, needs to incorporate it as part of its comprehensive plan.
Ms. Stolzenburg said they should to start hearing about some of their grant applications in December; if they're successful, they can probably start work on the trail in the spring.
If that's the case, she said, the trail should be fully open by spring 2018.
"It's a painfully slow process," she said. "Part of it will depend on how much funding we get," and whether it's enough for say, paving the trail or for just a stone base.
"That will impact the timetable."
Schoharie's plan includes using its FEMA buyout parcels, enhancing Fox Creek Park, providing better sidewalk connections between locations within the village, a possible community park at the old firehouse location, and a trail system connection Fox Creek Park to Bridge Street.
It also includes plans for two boat launch sites and a "blueway" or water trail.
For a look at the project, go to the Village of Schoharie's website, Schoharievillage.org.

SALT's Schoharie Creek Trail also moves ahead; see this week's Times-Journal.