Capital Region
Scotia
Centered along the historic Mohawk Avenue corridor and scenic waterfront, the Village of Scotia blends small-village charm with regional opportunity. The community stands at a pivotal moment, building on years of thoughtful planning, public engagement and visible reinvestment to shape a vibrant future. Strategic initiatives such as the Envision Scotia Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan and Downtown Connections Plan have laid the groundwork for revitalization that honors the Village’s heritage while embracing inclusive, sustainable growth. Recent park and trail enhancements, private redevelopment, and targeted small-business support demonstrate a momentum that residents can see and feel. Scotia’s walkable streets, historic architecture and cultural opportunities foster a strong sense of place, while its proximity to major employment centers positions the Village to capture regional housing demand and economic expansion. Scotia is poised to transform underutilized properties, strengthen its downtown and waterfront, and create a thriving, connected community that balances progress with preservation.
Watervliet
Situated along the Hudson River in the heart of the Capital Region, the City of Watervliet is reimagining its future as a vibrant, inclusive riverfront community. Centered on the historic 19th Street corridor, the City’s compact downtown serves as a walkable hub of neighborhood businesses, civic spaces and daily services that anchor community life. Strategic investments will enhance streetscapes, strengthen small business vitality and create safer, more accessible connections between homes, schools, parks and the waterfront. Watervliet’s proud industrial heritage, shaped by the legacy of the Watervliet Arsenal and generations of working families, continues to inform its identity while new housing and infrastructure investments support a modern, resilient future. The City will build on the tradition of collaboration and civic pride to create a welcoming downtown where historic character, waterfront access and community-driven growth come together to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Central New York
Marcellus
Embodying the magic of a storybook small town, the 0.64 square-mile Village of Marcellus embraces its timeless traditions (like Olde Home Days) while also welcoming new residents and visitors with open arms. Located off the Seneca Turnpike, this idyllic Onondaga County village features a central downtown filled with thriving small businesses, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and second-to-none trout fishing known throughout the state. Without walking more than a mile, residents and visitors have access to a library, bookstore, daycare, bank, multiple hair salons, a physical therapist, a dentist and a wide variety of specialty restaurants, cafes and bars. The Village’s story of revitalization and adaptation to change began in the 1990s and will continue with the NY Forward funds, which will continue to improve walkability, preserve its historic character, expand green spaces and further support local businesses. This will create a domino effect and transform Marcellus into a hub of economic and population growth in Central New York.
Mexico
Situated along the banks of the Little Salmon River in Oswego County, the Village of Mexico’s downtown is a walkable, historically rich and community-focused hub poised for economic growth. From the iconic brick façade of Beck’s Hotel to the restored Starr Clark Tin Shop and the seasonal vibrancy of the downtown park, the downtown district tells a story of resilience and promise. Leveraging the NY Forward funding, the Village is strategically positioning itself as an attractive residential community for professionals and families drawn to the region by Micron’s major semiconductor investment. The Village aims to transform itself into a vibrant, dynamic area that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern vibrancy, marrying the charm of its historic architecture with the energy of its bustling streets lined with thriving local businesses, where every corner invites you to explore, connect and experience the essence of community.
Finger Lakes
Victor
Located in the heart of Ontario County, the Village of Victor is a compact, connected community anchored by a lively downtown that serves more than 20,000 residents. Centered along East and West Main Streets, this half-mile corridor forms a walkable spine that links civic assets, small businesses, and surrounding neighborhoods within a vibrant and accessible setting. Victor’s NY Forward boundary builds on this strong foundation, connecting three key pedestrian pathways to Main Street and integrating the widely used Auburn Trail and regional trail systems, which draw more than 40,000 users annually. Anchor institutions, including the library campus, a centralized park and emerging mixed-use housing opportunities, position the downtown for continued reinvestment. Supported by the Victor Local Development Corporation and Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, the Village is advancing implementable projects that encourage small business growth, adaptive reuse and catalytic private investment. With a proven track record of planning, public-private collaboration and more than $1.3 million in Main Street funding already leveraged, Victor is poised to transform its downtown into a more connected, vibrant center of daily life that strengthens economic opportunity, enhances quality of life and reinforces its identity as a welcoming, walkable community.
Irondequoit
The Town of Irondequoit – or where the land meets the water, as coined by the Iroquois – unfolds between the City of Rochester and the shores of Lake Ontario, offering a unique blend of suburban comfort and regional connectivity. Tree-lined neighborhoods, walkable streets and a diverse, welcoming community define a place where longtime residents and newcomers alike feel at home. At its center, the Titus-Cooper-Hudson commercial district serves as the Town’s historic economic heartbeat, drawing visitors with local landmarks, small businesses and a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants and gathering spaces. Anchored by the iconic House of Guitars and energized by the I-Square development, the district has seen significant investment that brings together music, arts, dining and community events. While long shaped by auto-oriented development, the area now presents a clear opportunity to evolve into a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly town square, supported by a growing residential base and a new regional transit hub. Continued housing growth, strong local industries and an influx of young families have created momentum for thoughtful reinvestment. With strategic improvements to its streetscapes, connectivity and underutilized sites, Irondequoit is poised to transform this central corridor into a vibrant, multigenerational community core – one that builds on its character, embraces its diversity and creates a strong sense of place for the future.
Long Island
Patchogue
Founded in 1812 along the shores of the Great South Bay, the Village of Patchogue has evolved from an historic maritime hub into one of Long Island’s most dynamic and walkable downtown communities. Once known as “Mill Town” for its thriving shipbuilding and industrial past, Patchogue’s modern renaissance has been defined by strategic reinvestment, beginning with the transformation of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts into a cultural anchor that now draws more than 100,000 visitors each year. Building on this momentum, decades of public and private investment have introduced new housing, arts spaces and small businesses, creating a lively Main Street and a growing reputation as a regional destination for culture, dining and events. Today, Patchogue stands as a model for smart growth, where a compact downtown supports a diverse mix of housing, jobs and recreation within a connected, accessible environment. With this investment from NY Forward, Patchogue will be able to extend its revitalization beyond Main Street, strengthening connections to the waterfront, enhancing public spaces and ensuring its future as a bustling, resilient and welcoming community for generations to come.
Mid-Hudson
Ellenville
Tucked into the scenic upper Rondout Valley between the Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Ridge, the Village of Ellenville continues to be shaped by both industry and tourism. Its early prosperity was tied to the Delaware and Hudson Canal, while later generations welcomed visitors during the famed Borscht Belt era. Today, the Village is channeling that legacy into a revitalized downtown centered on Canal, Center and Market streets, an area rich in historic architecture, cultural institutions and walkable small-town character. Shadowland Stages and the emerging Borscht Belt Museum highlight the Village’s growing arts and cultural scene. NY Forward investments will help activate vacant properties, expand mixed-use housing, improve public spaces and strengthen connections to regional trails and outdoor recreation. With new economic momentum from healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and nearby redevelopment projects, Ellenville is positioning its downtown as the commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding tri-county region. Guided by community input and a commitment to preserving affordability and diversity, the Village is working to ensure that its next chapter builds on the resilience, creativity and pride that have long defined Ellenville.
Livingston Manor, Town of Rockland
At the confluence of the Willowemoc Creek and Little Beaverkill, Livingston Manor in the Town of Rockland has long been known as one of the birthplaces of American fly-fishing and a gateway to the natural beauty of the region. Once sustained by logging, tanning and the Catskills’ famed resort industry, the community has reinvented itself in recent years as a destination for arts, outdoor recreation and small business innovation. Today, Livingston Manor’s walkable Main Street corridor blends historic storefronts with designer boutiques, galleries, craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants that attract visitors from across the region. Over the past decade, more than $38 million in public and private investment has helped spark a new chapter of revitalization while preserving the character that makes the Hamlet unique. Local entrepreneurs from all walks of life have transformed once-vacant spaces into thriving enterprises that support a growing year-round economy. Through NY Forward, Livingston Manor looks to build on this momentum by investing in housing, infrastructure and public spaces that strengthen its walkable downtown and support sustainable growth. Guided by strong community input and a deep respect for its natural surroundings, the Town of Rockland is poised to ensure that Livingston Manor’s revival remains creative, inclusive and distinctly Catskills.
Mohawk Valley
Morris
In the heart of the Butternut Valley is the Village of Morris, framed by forests, waterways and a historic crossroads that have long connected surrounding communities. At its center, a compact, one-mile-long walkable downtown anchors a village where daily life unfolds along Main and Broad streets. With roots dating back to the late 1700s, Morris has evolved from a mill community to an agricultural market town, and now stands ready to grow into an ecotourism and arts destination. Arts and culture are increasingly central to Morris’ identity, with new studios, galleries, and creative spaces building on a strong tradition of craftsmanship and storytelling.
At the same time, thoughtful investments in sidewalks, streetscapes and housing are enhancing accessibility, safety and vibrancy. Guided by a resilient spirit and a clear vision, Morris is poised for its next chapter. By strengthening connections within its downtown and building on its natural and cultural assets, the village is creating a place that honors its past while inviting new energy, investment, and opportunity.
Utica
Nestled in the Mohawk Valley along a historic corridor that has long connected communities and commerce across New York State, the City of Utica is defined by a collection of distinct neighborhoods that together shape its character and cultural identity. Within the City, the beloved Uptown District stands out as one of the City’s most charming and promising places. Building on the momentum of its nearly completed DRI, Utica aims to advance a clear vision to strengthen Uptown’s historic character, walkability and culture as a multi-generational “all-day” neighborhood. This pedestrian-friendly area is poised for a revival, adding to the restaurants, cafes and locally owned shops already established in the district, while vacant buildings are refurbished to enhance charm and curb appeal.
Rooted in extensive community engagement, the City’s vision reflects a neighborhood that residents hold close to their hearts, where they grew up and made invaluable memories filled with uniquely Utica experiences. Cultural anchors like the Uptown Theatre and Murnane Field, along with other local businesses, create a lively rhythm of arts, recreation, food and gathering spaces. With a compact, highly trafficked footprint and a thoughtful strategy for investment, Uptown is ready to build on its momentum, shaping a neighborhood where history, culture and community come together to define a promising future.
New York City
East Williamsburg
East Williamsburg is home to roughly 62,000 residents and is shaped by a mix of residential life, local business activity, and nearby industrial uses. The neighborhood includes two Business Improvement Districts that support a wide range of small businesses such as restaurants, shops, salons, groceries, and pharmacies, many of which are locally owned and have long served the community.
This combination of commercial activity and industrial history has helped create a more affordable, diverse and closely connected neighborhood. It is also supported by longstanding community organizations with deep local ties and experience in housing and economic development, helping to guide continued investment and improvement in the area.
North Country
Moriah
Nestled inside the Adirondack Mountain Park, slightly north of the new Crown Point Champlain Bridge over Lake Champlain sits Moriah, a vibrant town containing six hamlets — Grover Hills, Moriah Corners, Moriah Center, Mineville, Witherbee and Port Henry — that serves as a gateway between New York and Vermont. After completing its Main Street Revitalization Strategy, the Town is ready to bring renewed vitality to the historic center of Port Henry, which serves as Moriah’s Main Street. As the heart of community life in Moriah, Port Henry has a deep industrial history that now serves as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. Envisioning a revitalized Main Street with restored historic buildings, new housing and public gathering spaces, the town aims to transform downtown into a welcoming, economically resilient place that celebrates its past while building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Heuvelton
Located in the northwestern corner of St. Lawrence County, the Village of Heuvelton is a small but vibrant community rooted in history, natural beauty and strong local connections. Located just eight miles from the St. Lawrence River and just outside the Adirondack Park, the village sits at the crossroads of important transportation routes, linking residents and visitors to nearby Ogdensburg and destinations throughout New York and Canada. Flowing through the heart of the village, the Oswegatchie River has long shaped Heuvelton’s story – once serving as a route for trade and now providing hydroelectric power and opportunities for recreation. Historic landmarks, including the former Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad corridor and community gathering spaces like Pickens Hall, reflect the village’s rich past. Looking ahead, Heuvelton is focused on thoughtful growth, including revitalizing downtown spaces, supporting small businesses and expanding parks, trails and waterfront access, all while preserving the welcoming, small-town character that defines the community.
Southern Tier
Stamford
Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains at the headwaters of the Delaware River, the Village of Stamford is reclaiming its identity as the “Queen of the Catskills” through a bold vision for a vibrant and resilient downtown. The compact target area, centered along NYS Route 23 and anchored by civic, cultural and recreational attractions, represents the social and economic heart of the community. Strategic investments will restore underutilized properties, support small business growth and create inviting public spaces that celebrate Stamford’s heritage and natural beauty. Building on more than $10 million in recent public, private and philanthropic investments, the Village is well positioned to catalyze visible and lasting transformation. Stamford’s strong sense of community, robust partnerships and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity ensure that revitalization efforts reflect the needs of residents while welcoming newcomers and new opportunities. As a regional hub for recreation-based tourism and rural entrepreneurship, the Village’s success will strengthen the broader Catskills economy.
Margaretville
At the crossroads of Routes 28 and 30 on the border of the Catskill Park, the Village of Margaretville sits ready to lead a new era of rural revitalization. Its historic Main Street and riverfront green spaces form a compact, walkable downtown that serves as the economic, cultural and civic hub for the area. Building on years of resilience following Hurricane Irene, the Village has invested in flood mitigation, infrastructure upgrades and community facilities that strengthen long-term sustainability. Strategic investments will enhance streetscapes, improve accessibility and support infill housing and adaptive reuse projects that meet growing demand, including entrepreneurs and remote workers.
Anchored by institutions such as Margaretville Hospital, the Margaretville Telephone Company and Margaretville Central School, the local economy blends stable employment with expanding opportunities in health care, broadband, tourism and the creative sector. Guided by principles of sustainability, equity and stewardship of its natural environment, the Village is committed to shaping a downtown that balances tourism growth with the needs of its year-round residents.
Western New York
Falconer
Nestled along the banks of the Chadakoin River and Moon Brook, Falconer is a close-knit community where neighbors know one another and local businesses remain at the heart of village life. Despite some recent setbacks, including devastating fires that damaged much of its historic downtown core, the Village has shown remarkable resilience and determination to build back stronger than before. Guided by proactive planning and community leadership, the Village is working to transform its Main Street corridor into a lively, walkable district filled with new businesses, housing opportunities and inviting public spaces. Local parks, waterfront access and cultural programming help define the Village’s strong sense of place while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With momentum already underway from recent small business development and growing regional industries, Falconer is well-positioned to expand economic opportunity while preserving its welcoming character. NY Forward funding will help the Village breathe new life into underutilized spaces, strengthen its downtown economy and enhance community gathering places. Through this investment, Falconer is ready to build a resilient, inclusive downtown that reflects the pride and determination of the community that calls it home.
Hamburg
Just 20 minutes south of Buffalo, the Village of Hamburg is a regional hub of Western New York, known for its vibrant and walkable downtown; excellent schools; and year-round family-friendly events. The Village’s existence is directly tied to Eighteenmile Creek, where early grist mills helped establish the community as a commercial center for surrounding farming communities more than two centuries ago. Today, the historic district around Main and Buffalo Streets remains the heart of Village life, filled with locally owned shops, restaurants and gathering spaces. Continued investment and strong community collaboration have helped revitalize the area while maintaining the Village’s welcoming character. Hamburg is also embracing opportunities to better connect its thriving downtown with nearby natural spaces, creating new possibilities for recreation and ecotourism. With active public engagement and a growing arts and small business scene, the Village continues to evolve while honoring its historic roots. Through NY Forward, Hamburg is prepared to build on this momentum, allowing the Village to enhance public spaces, support local businesses, and create a downtown experience that attracts residents and visitors for years to come.
Western New York Press Release