Capital Region
Capital Region
Lake George
The Town and Village of Lake George DRI application focuses on improving the quality of life and sense of place of the Canada Street corridor and adjacent waterfront to create a more vibrant and prosperous downtown. The DRI will help develop accommodations for a growing population and enhance the “visitor experience. DRI strategies and projects build upon previous public and private investments to catalyze further cultural, recreational and community development opportunities and accelerate the redevelopment of underutilized properties, while also supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce to strengthen the year-round economy for future generations.
Central New York
Central New York
Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs
Last year, all three villages applied individually for NY Forward, and with the help of the Cayuga County Planning Department put forward strong applications. While the applications were strong individually, they proved exceptional when combined to create a tourism corridor along the east side of Cayuga Lake. With 44 potential projects identified, totaling more than $22 million in investments, this award has the potential to create a catalytic transformation in each community. We believe strongly that our region needs to continue to collaborate at all levels to be successful, and this application demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together. We are excited to nominate this unique and exciting application.
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes
Waterloo
The Village of Waterloo put forward a very strong application for DRI demonstrating thoughtful planning and ample administrative capacity with a variety of projects being put forth from engaged private investors and proactive municipal leadership. The Village of Waterloo’s application and presentation illustrated that this investment would help to catalyze the transformation currently underway in this community while aligning with feedback from the public engagement activities.
Long Island
Long Island
Smithtown-Kings Park
The Town of Smithtown has made significant effort towards revitalizing Kings Park and this DRI investment will help catalyze the transformation currently underway. The Town has commenced zoning changes in the DRI designated area that will allow for 300 housing units and enable future development and the Town has applied for a Pro-Housing Community designation from the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal. Importantly, the County has started construction on a sewer expansion project in the DRI area of Kings Park which received $25M of state funding. The installation of this sewer expansion will support the Town’s vision for their downtown area to create a walkable, mixed-use business district centered around the LIRR station with access to restaurants, commercial and community space along with new diverse housing opportunities.
Mid-Hudson
Mid-Hudson
White Plains
The City of White Plains’ application was strong and clearly demonstrated an effective plan to improve the vitality of its downtown. Projects are slated to include a state-of-the-art, affordable housing project that transforms vacant office space into historic opportunities for low to moderate income families to access housing in the Heart of White Plains. Their stakeholder engagement revealed that initiatives focused on addressing the housing crisis were a top priority. Their projects will also leverage additional funds from local, state, and federal resources and will integrate “green building” principles that result in net zero carbon footprint.
Mohawk Valley
Mohawk Valley
Herkimer
The Village of Herkimer's application this year proved that there are vast benefits in municipalities applying for this program and using that application as a roadmap for improvement. Since their first submittal they have completed a strategic Master Plan, secured funding to develop a Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan, revised their zoning code, refined their proposed projects, secured commitments for private investment, and enhanced community engagement. They also worked collaboratively with Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) and the Herkimer County IDA to assist with administrative capacity to move DRI projects forward. As they stated many times in their presentation to the selection committee, “Herkimer is a diamond with multiple facets!”
New York City
New York City
Long Island City
The Long Island City DRI application was formally submitted by the Office of the Queens Borough President in partnership with the Long Island City Partnership. Long Island City, located at a geographic and transportation center of New York City, is an important economic generator for the region with a diverse set of industries and good paying jobs. It is uniquely defined as a mixed-used district with an expanded Business Improvement District, large and highly productive Industrial Business Zones, growing residential populations, and a lively cultural and arts community. While Long Island City is witnessing growth and private investment in certain geographic areas and sectors, other areas and sectors lie fallow. This uneven growth threatens the mixed-use character and economic wellbeing of the entire community and larger region. To meet these challenges, the DRI grant would be used to maximize Long Island City’s burgeoning community assets and steer private investment so the neighborhood may become a livable, inclusive, mixed-use community with abundant connectivity among its residents and workers.
North Country
North Country
Lowville
Lowville demonstrated readiness and the capacity to transform its downtown into a more vibrant neighborhood with the support of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The community presented a well-rounded list of private and public sector project opportunities that will advance their revitalization goals. As the “intersection corridor of the Thousand Islands, the Tug Hill Plateau, and the Adirondack Mountains,” Lowville’s investments will build on their efforts of making downtown a regional center for business and culture. Through projects that redevelop blighted buildings, improve public spaces and grow business opportunities, Lowville will leverage outside investment, foster new partnerships, and strengthen the core of Lewis County.
Southern Tier
Southern Tier
Roxbury and Grand Gorge
The Town of Roxbury/Grand Gorge’s dual application and presentation effectively illustrated how a DRI investment would significantly enhance efforts to attract new investment in affordable housing, business development in hospitality and tourism, and infrastructure improvements necessary to position these two merging downtowns as a growing regional tourism destination. The application is identified as one unified community with a shared vision. The proposed projects identified show a $ 26M+ impact. The community leadership is committed and has the administrative capacity to manage a program of this scope.
Western New York
Western New York
Tonawanda
The City of Tonawanda holds immense potential for revitalization, supported by its strategic location and over a decade’s worth of state and local investment into community resources and its most valuable waterfront assets. By creating a more inviting environment, the project plan concentrates on bringing public and private investments to its downtown and unique waterfront to draw more residents, visitors, and economic activity to these areas. This endeavor aligns with Tonawanda’s vision of a thriving and distinctive destination community. The City of Tonawanda’s proposed DRI projects are a diverse mix of public and private projects including mixed-use redevelopment of vacant buildings/sites with housing and commercial space, waterfront development and access, trail improvements, streetscape improvements, event space, and tourism.