Two Finger Lakes communities received some welcome news from the state on Monday. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the city of Canandaigua will receive $10 million in funding as the Finger Lakes winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Villages of Brockport and Phelps will each receive $4.5 million as the Finger Lakes winners of the third round of NY Forward.
For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state’s 10 economic development regions is being awarded $10 million from each program, 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.
“By investing in the future of these Finger Lakes communities, this funding will revitalize their downtown areas by building vibrant and thriving destinations where businesses, families, and visitors can flourish,” Governor Hochul said. “With our Pro-Housing Communities initiative, we’re giving local leaders the tools to transform their cities, towns, and villages into hubs of opportunity, culture, and affordable living. This is how we build stronger, more connected communities that work for everyone across New York.”
$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Canandaigua
Downtown Canandaigua is poised to be and is already becoming, a residential and recreational hub of the Finger Lakes region. With anticipated growth related to programming and investment focused on the semiconductor industry, an investment in this transformation will help the region to put its best foot forward when recruiting future businesses, workers, and residents. The City of Canandaigua seeks to connect the Canandaigua Lake waterfront via safe, quality walking and biking pathways that complement the existing streets. The City is focused on projects that will create a diverse mix of businesses, housing, events, and arts in its downtown that create a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors of all backgrounds.
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Phelps
The Village of Phelps, a historically significant community with a population of 1,900 residents, is strategically positioned near major transportation routes, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. The Village’s walkable downtown area encompasses municipal parks, cultural and recreational attractions, museums, and the multi-use community center. Its application is focused on streetscaping and aesthetic upgrades so that no matter what route a resident or visitor might take through downtown, the path from one destination to the next will be interesting and attractive.
Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo said, “On behalf of myself and our DRI team and City Council, I would like to thank the Governor and her team for awarding the $10 million DRI to the City of Canandaigua. I look forward to seeing the projects we supported in our DRI proposal unlock opportunities that create new jobs, add housing, and public amenities in our downtown.”
“On behalf of the community of Phelps, we are extremely excited, honored, and grateful to be chosen for the NY Forward Grant,” Village of Phelps Mayor Jim Cheney said. “The residents of Phelps have been working hard to attract more visitors, businesses, and housing to our community; to make it a special place to live, work, and play in; and, to fit into the Finger Lakes Region’s economic strategic plan. This investment by the state will help push us over the top in our revitalization efforts. It is important for small communities, such as the Village of Phelps, to receive statewide taxpayer support such as this, to revitalize and thrive. It is in everyone’s best interest to help our local communities’ economies. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Ontario County, the REDC, and all community partners for sharing and believing in our vision.”
“Congratulations to the City of Canandaigua on its DRI award and to the Village of Phelps on its NY Forward award,” said State Senator Pamela Helming. “This state investment not only supports housing and small business growth but can also help stimulate additional private investment in our downtowns and in the broader community. As State Senator, I was proud to support the City of Canandaigua and Village of Phelps in their applications and I celebrate these wins with them.”
Canandaigua, Brockport, and Phelps 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 can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.
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 and encourage others to follow suit. 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 $110 million in funding to cover infrastructure and planning costs for Pro-Housing Communities.
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 childcare and childcare 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.
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 nine 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 62 communities across every region of the State.
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