New York State Maps Out 21 DRI, NY Forward Projects in Four Hudson Valley Communities

ALBANY—New York Gov.  Kathy Hochul announced on May 21 a total of 21 transformational projects for the Mid-Hudson region as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. A total of nine projects were announced for the City of Port Jervis, the Round 6 winner of a $10-million DRI award; seven projects were announced for the Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, a Round 1 winner of a $4.5-million NY Forward award; and five projects were announced for the Village of Sleepy Hollow, also a Round 1 winner of a $4.5-million NY Forward award.

“Generations of New Yorkers have experienced the historic and vibrant Mid-Hudson downtowns, and we are taking steps to safeguard their future,” Governor Hochul said. “These major investments will drive economic revitalization for businesses and local communities and create a place where families can thrive."

Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)

The City of Port Jervis was named the Mid-Hudson region winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in 2023. The nine projects selected seek to build on the beauty and opportunities of the scenic Delaware River and surrounding mountains and the downtown’s historic charm by creating a multi-generational and technologically innovative downtown that is served by different modes of transportation, walkable, economically diverse and climate sustainable.

New investment combined with past investments will create a robust environment for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic downtown buildings and infill development that incorporates mixed-income residential opportunities, state officials said.

The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community’s Strategic Investment Plan, such as amplifying the city's unique sense of place with a genuine and authentic experience that will be catalytic for future organic growth and will foster development that is inclusive while embracing its strong heritage and ethnic diversity.

The City of Port Jervis joined the communities of Middletown, Kingston, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Ossining, Haverstraw, and White Plains, which were the Mid-Hudson region’s winners in the first seven DRI rounds.

The $9.7-million state investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum. 

The nine DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

Revitalize Riverside Park by Adding Additional Recreation and Leisure Amenities: $2,657,000

The project proposes to enhance Riverside Park by reconstructing the water tower to include a “Welcome to Port Jervis” sign, developing a new pavilion, an all-inclusive playground, a stage and amphitheater, pickleball courts, a basketball court, a skatepark and a mini-golf course.

Establish a Mixed-Use Residential and Commercial Building at 103 Jersey Ave.: $2,000,000

This project will construct a mixed-use residential building on an underutilized parking lot on Jersey Avenue to include sustainability features and affordable residential units.

Develop a Mixed-Use Residential and Commercial Building at 29 Front St.: $1,500,000

The project will construct a new mixed-use apartment building with ground-floor storefronts in a style consistent with the character of downtown Port Jervis.

Renovate Upper Stories of 46 Front St. into Commercial and Residential Space: $707,000

The project involves the renovation of 46 Front St.’s vacant second and third floors for commercial uses and apartments. Improvements will also include upgrades to the roof and installation of a fire escape.

Transform 22 Jersey Ave. into a Multi-Use Creative Space with Retail, Studio and Event Space: $522,000

This project will include the renovation of the first and second floors to allow for co-working space, studios and event gallery, retail and café space along with fire protection improvements for the entire building.

Restore the Historic Krauss Photo Shop Building, Creating New Commercial and Residential Space: $300,000

This project proposes to renovate a vacant building to include apartments on the second and third floors and a commercial space on the first floor.

Enhance the Streetscape along Jersey Avenue: $1,064,000

This project will enhance the streetscape along Jersey Avenue, providing accessibility and traffic calming improvements, additional accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists and new streetscape amenities.

Create a Small Project Fund for Improving Facades, Upper Stories and Spaces in Downtown Port Jervis: $600,000

A Small Projects Fund will allow for a range of small downtown projects, such as façade improvements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, upper story enhancements and permanent equipment acquisition.

Activate Downtown Port Jervis with a Placemaking Program with Marketing, Branding, and Public Realm Improvements: $350,000

This project will develop a placemaking program for Port Jervis to include marketing, branding, digital media, wayfinding signage and public realm improvements.

NY Forward

The Town of Cornwall, Village of Cornwall-on Hudson (Cornwall), and the Village of Sleepy Hollow are the first Mid-Hudson communities to be awarded funding through Round 1 of the NY Forward program.

The Seven Cornwall NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 million, include:

Link Cornwall’s Downtowns Through a Pollinator Connector Trail: $1,133,000

Improve sidewalks and crosswalks and add public art, uniform street furniture, a public restroom, street trees and pollinator plantings to facilitate a fully accessible, engaging and safe pedestrian connection from the Medical Group at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall through both the Town and Village downtowns.

Renovate the Historic Storm King Theater at 2 Idlewild Avenue into a Multi-Purpose Theater Space: $773,000

Improve the historic Storm King Theater building by converting two distinct interior spaces into a black box theater to serve as a community-oriented space and a separate lounge and dinner theater that would be integrated into an existing restaurant.

Transform Riverlight Park into an Inclusive Public Park: $783,000

Improve Riverlight Park with new features such as an ADA-compliant walkway with a story walk around Ring’s Pond, ADA-compliant restrooms, an inclusive playground and a new skate park. Other project elements include improved drainage with rain gardens, the renovation of the icehouse for use as a public pavilion and the renovation of Sands Ring Homestead Museum.

Preserve Historic Structures at the Donahue Farm to Enhance Programming and Activities: $649,000

Preserve the exterior of the Donahue Farm barn and renovate the icehouse to accommodate public programming. Additional improvements include the construction of new restrooms and a visitor kiosk to facilitate public use of the site.

Construct a Trail Along Dock Hill Road to Connect the Waterfront to Donahue Farm and the Downtown: $480,000

Construct a 2,500 linear foot trail to allow for a safe pedestrian connection between downtown, Donahue Farm and the waterfront, including 900 linear feet of existing trail to be improved. Project includes new sidewalks, crushed stone pathways, and drainage improvements.

Establish a Small Project Fund to Assist Local Businesses: $300,000

Establish a Small Project Fund to provide the business community with resources to further enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Cornwall. Projects could include façade improvements, interior improvements that allow for business expansion, and other capital improvement projects.

Establish And Implement a Branding, Marketing, and Wayfinding Strategy: $382,000

Enhance the visibility of Downtown Cornwall and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors to Downtown Cornwall by establishing Cornwall’s brand, developing a marketing strategy, and installing wayfinding signage.

The Five Sleepy Hollow NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 million, include:

Transform the Strand Theatre into a Community Arts and Culture Center: $1,500,000

Renovate the Strand Theatre into a multi-purpose venue to showcase a diverse range of performers and artists. The theatre will feature studio space for local artists or arts groups, a gallery and the future Sleepy Hollow Visitors Center.

Create “Plaza Nueva” and Redesign the Park at Morse School: $1,000,000

Renovate the park at the Morse School to create a destination and a valuable resource for the community, including new play equipment and new seating area.

Improve Streetscaping Along Cortlandt Street: $1,200,000

Restore the streetscape along Cortlandt Street with new sidewalks and crosswalks, drainage improvements, trees, lighting, new street furniture and four EV charging stations.

Construct Affordable Housing at 100 College Avenue: $500,000

Develop underutilized property at 100 College Avenue with a transit-oriented mixed-use affordable housing development.

Institute a Façade Improvement Fund: $300,000

Establish a façade improvement fund that will enable business and property owners to improve their building façades in accordance with the Downtown Sleepy Hollow Façade Renovation Design Standards.