GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES MID-HUDSON WINNERS OF DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE AND NY FORWARD PROGRAM
City of Poughkeepsie Receives $10 Million from Downtown Revitalization Initiative; Villages of Nyack and Dobbs Ferry Receive $4.5 Million Each from NY Forward
Localities Must Be Certified Under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program to Receive DRI or NY Forward Funding
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Nyack will receive $4.5 million as one of the Mid-Hudson winners of the third round of the NY Forward grant program. Nyack joins the Village of Dobbs Ferry as a NY Forward winner, and the City of Poughkeepsie as the winner of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Together the NY Forward and DRI combine to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
“We are changing the game for this community by supporting affordable housing, local businesses, and sustainable infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “I see a future where every resident has the chance to thrive, and everyone can flourish. I want to ensure that New York has neighborhoods that are not just places to live, but places where people can work, grow, and succeed.”
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 273 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to cover infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10 million to technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth and associated municipal development.
Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing — 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free child care and child care worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Nyack
Nyack has the energy and diversity of a small city and the intimacy of a small country town. Its historic downtown is home to an economically and culturally diverse population. Nyack’s high concentration of subsidized housing ensures a stable working-class population amidst a steadily more expensive housing market driven by proximity to New York City. Nyack’s downtown area benefits from its prime geographical location near New York City and overlooking the spectacular Hudson River. This setting enhances the village’s appeal as a vibrant destination, drawing visitors and residents alike to experience the natural beauty and urban convenience it offers. Ample cultural resources and waterfront parks make Nyack a popular tourist destination and a great place to live. Nyack seeks to leverage its unique history and geography through investments in business growth, affordable housing, gateway improvement and equitable access to the waterfront, catalyzing further private investment and leading to increased employment and an improved tax base. Taken together, these investments will make Nyack exemplify the “live, work, play” ideal.
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Over the last seven rounds of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and two rounds of NY Forward, we have seen proof that investing in downtown communities leads to both economic growth and better quality of life for residents. In this latest round of funding, Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry will now have the opportunity to hand select projects for funding that will make the changes in their downtowns that their residents need. The future is bright for all three of these communities, and we look forward to seeing their visions become a reality!”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul’s continued investment in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program represents a commitment to community development and renewal throughout New York State. These awards will enable Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry to strategically implement plans that will support residents and visitors, and generate sustainable local economic growth.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today's DRI and NY Forward awards invest in critically needed affordable housing in downtown Nyack and will breathe new life into the city of Poughkeepsie and village of Dobbs Ferry with improvements that increase walkability and vibrancy. Enhancements like these can unlock the potential for additional private investment and economic growth in all three communities, and these awards are only the latest example of Governor Hochul's continued focus on making our State's downtowns more attractive and affordable places to live.”
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, “The Mid-Hudson region is a New York State jewel, with Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry attracting people to work, play and anchor their roots. This DRI and NY Forward funding will build on the unique assets and beauty of these locations through community-driven plans that will broaden access to housing, expand business opportunities and create a mix of walkable spaces that are accessible and sustainable.”
Nyack Mayor Joe Rand said, "This is an extraordinary day in the 143-year old history of our beautiful village. We are all deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and her administration for pioneering the NY Forward grant program, showing their commitment to economic development throughout the state, even in small villages like Nyack. This revitalization grant of $4.5 million is historically transformative, and will make Nyack a better place to live, to work, and to visit. We are all so thrilled by this wonderful opportunity to give the people of Nyack and Rockland County their best possible lives."
Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.
The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.
About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.
About the NY Forward Program
First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.
NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.
A copy of the Village’s applications can be found at https://www.nyack.gov/DowntownRevitalizationInitiative
Joe Rand
Mayor, Village of Nyack
Email: joerand@nyack.gov
Mail: 9 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
Phone: 845.358.0229
