New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez visited Rockland County Thursday to see what has been done and what is planned next as Nyack revitalizes its waterfront.

"It all comes together to make Nyack what it is, a model waterfront community, one of the most idyllic ones that we have, and it's one of the things we are proud to have been working on for so long," Rodriguez said.

The Department of State has given about $1 million to Nyack for various projects since the mid-1990s, including a footbridge Rodriguez got to walk over for the first time since it was completed a few years ago.

Nyack Mayor Don Hammond led the way.

"It really was fun to show him and realize all the partnerships that we've had, public, private, state, local, that have all come together to make this village what it is," Hammond, said.

Village leaders are looking next to make their waterfront more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and set up a restaurant down by the river.

Rodriguez also heard other ideas from more than a dozen local stakeholders and businesses, such as BlackParakeetz Paint Swig & Sing, an art-based entertainment spot on Main Street.

"He seems to be interested in helping grow this gem, I believe here in the Hudson Valley, and I really hope that we get whatever moneys that are available, whatever grants are available, anything to make this a reality," said Black Parakeetz's Terry Clarke.

The mission of New York's Department of State is to reinvigorate the economy and make communities more livable.