It's easy to be overwhelmed by the massive changes to the Hudson River's waterfront – both environmental and manmade – that are predicted to occur over the next century.

But at a gathering in Tarrytown last week, there was optimism in the ability for volunteers, and local governments, to band together to promote smart growth, sound environmental policies and waterfront business opportunities.

The group of about 50 political leaders, local and state employees, and activists gathered in the Tarrytown Senior Center for a discussion titled: Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts: Opportunities in an Era of Global Climate Change. The forum was co-organized by the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County and Scenic Hudson.

"We all live in riverfront communities," said Steve Rosenberg, Senior Vice President of Scenic Hudson. "The riverfront is in the middle of transition. This is about getting it right, from a quality perspective and an environmental perspective, to make sure we're managing the risks and impacts we're facing."

One of the primary focuses of the conference is how Rivertowns will be shaped by changes in the environment, and how that will impact homes, businesses and governments.

Part of the impetus comes from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservations's Sea Level Rise Task Force, which stated the water levels in the lower Hudson Valley could increase as much as five inches in the next decade and 23 inches by 2100. It also warns that, in the case of a scenario called rapid ice melt, in which polar ice caps recede at an alarming rate, area waters could rise by as much as five feet by century's end.

"A lot of people don't realize they live in an estuary, and that sea level will impact their communities," said Steven Levy of Federated Conservationists of Westchester County. "We need to work on how to be proactive and get ahead of it, while finding ways of saving money."

Much of the cost savings discussed would come from the promotion of green technologies that have high up-front costs, but would pay themselves off over time. Arguments were made for the adoption and integration of solar energy, broader recycling, increasing energy efficiency and reducing the use of, and reliance on, fossil fuels both by residents and governments.

"It has a lot to do with energy consumption and consumer behavior," said City of Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster. "But no individual municipality can solve all these problems on their own. We don't have the funding, the ideas, or the manpower. Municipal governments can provide the catalyst."

Governments can get involved by organizing volunteers, and banding together with other municipalities to form working arrangements and blocs that would petition for legislation that positively impacts the fate of all Hudson River communities. Other topics that could be addressed by local governments are the incorporation of green design and LEED standards into building codes and review boards; and how municipalities are preparing their waterfronts, through zoning and regulation, to combat the effects of sea-level rise.

"A key piece is planning – what are we going to do from a building standpoint, but also, what is our emergency preparedness plan,?" Levy said. "What happens if a hurricane comes? What happens if we are flooded out? What do we do for emergency power?"

Aside from the environmental impacts, another important issue is the revitalization of the riverfront from a place of industry to a place of housing, business and recreation.

Speakers noted that there were many successes in promoting access to waterfronts that had been off-limits for generations. Noted accomplishments included the continuing work on RiverWalk Park and the revitalization of the Saw Mill River in Yonkers. Also of note was the Village of Ossining's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code which incentivizes the creation of trails in the village.

Despite the optimistic tone, many noted that there is a long way to go to implement the various visions for the Hudson region. However, the consensus was that the shift in thought and views needed to make the riverfront sustainable over the next 100 years would have to begin at the local level.

"It's not going to happen all at once," Rosenberg said. "It's about the power of volunteers at the local government level. While these issues have global implications, there is a tremendous amount to do locally and that is what we have to tap into."