Mid-Hudson Communities Receive $19 Million in State Downtown Revitalization Funding

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced awards for a total of 25 transformational projects for the Mid-Hudson Valley as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward.

Ten projects were announced for Poughkeepsie, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; six projects were announced for Dobbs Ferry, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and nine were announced for Nyack, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

“I am thrilled to announce that the Mid-Hudson Valley will break ground on over two dozen new projects with this funding,” Governor Hochul said. “With these investments, Mid-Hudson Valley residents can expect upgraded civic, commercial and cultural spaces for families to take advantage of and more housing to drive down costs in their neighborhoods.”

DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

We are especially pleased to share the funded New York Forward projects in Dobbs Ferry.

Downtown Dobbs Ferry is a traditional historic, walkable downtown located along the Hudson River. The Village is a dynamic hub of activity, culture and opportunity that is home to a diverse population and a bustling array of businesses. From key municipal services to thriving local establishments, Dobbs Ferry’s downtown plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of its community members. With its proximity to schools, colleges and other significant institutions, the area has become a central gathering place for both residents and visitors alike. The Village seeks to fully realize its potential by redeveloping and improving key properties and opening space in the downtown area and the pedestrian corridor linking the Metro-North station to the downtown. The Village will also expand economic and cultural opportunities and create a more sustainable, walkable and vibrant downtown.

The 6 Dobbs Ferry NY Forward projects, totaling $4.5 million, include:

• Expand the Historic Pickwick Theater to Serve as a Cultural and Social Anchor Within the Downtown ($739,000): Implement Phase II of the Pickwick Theater renovation project to increase seating capacity and add lighting and a digital screen to accommodate diverse programming opportunities in the space. This phase also includes the installation of rooftop solar panels.
• Rehabilitate the Historic Structure at 143 Main Street into a Mixed-Use Building ($508,000): Preserve and restore an existing historic mixed-use building to accommodate a ground floor commercial use and residential units above, while incorporating Passive House construction measures.
• Redesign Lower Memorial Park with New and Improved Park and Recreation Amenities ($1,041,000): Transform the underutilized portions of lower Memorial Park into a vibrant open space by adding amenities, such as covered bicycle parking, an informational board/kiosk, pickleball courts, a bathroom facility, park benches and tables, ADA accessible paths and landscaping.
• Transform a Vacant Space at 145 Palisade Street into a Performing Arts Center ($1,000,000): Renovate a vacant space at 145 Palisade Street into a black box theatre to permanently house a dance company and accommodate multidisciplinary performance, rehearsal and education.
• Implement a Unified Downtown Signage System to Improve Multimodal Wayfinding ($350,000): Install a unified downtown signage system with consistent branding to create a recognizable identity for the downtown and guide residents and visitors to the downtown’s commercial corridors and key destinations.
• Extend Streetscape Improvements on Lower Main and Cedar Streets to Enhance the Pedestrian Environment of Downtown ($862,000): Create a cohesive pedestrian environment by extending the completed upper Main Street streetscape south between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and along Cedar Street from Main to Broadway (U.S. Route 9). Improvements may include the installation of street trees, benches, lampposts and upgraded sidewalks as well as roadway repaving and restriping.

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The Mid-Hudson region’s dynamic downtowns and rich cultural assets make it a powerful engine for economic growth and community vitality, and these investments will help unlock even greater potential. Through the DRI and NY Forward, we are supporting projects that enhance walkability, expand housing opportunities and create vibrant public spaces that serve residents and visitors alike. Each project reflects the distinct character of its community while advancing smart, sustainable development across the region. We are proud to partner with these wonderful Mid-Hudson communities as they bring their transformative visions to life.”

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Mid-Hudson Valley is home to some of New York’s most storied downtowns, and today’s investments will help Poughkeepsie, Dobbs Ferry, and Nyack write their next chapters. From mixed-income housing and arts venues to waterfront activation and pedestrian improvements, these projects reflect the kind of community-driven, forward-looking development that creates lasting economic opportunity.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, HCR is partnering with communities across the Mid-Hudson region to turn ambitious local visions into transformative investments that strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing opportunities. The $19 million awarded to Poughkeepsie, Dobbs Ferry and Nyack will help create vibrant, walkable downtowns with new mixed-income and workforce housing, revitalized cultural and commercial spaces, and welcoming public amenities that connect residents and visitors alike. By linking these investments to the Pro-Housing Communities Program, we are ensuring that revitalization goes hand in hand with increasing housing supply and affordability. Together, these projects will foster stronger, more inclusive communities where people can live, work and thrive for generations to come.”

Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, “Poughkeepsie, Dobbs Ferry and Nyack each bring a distinct character and energy to the Mid-Hudson region, and these investments are tailored to amplify exactly what makes each community special. Whether it’s activating Poughkeepsie’s Main Street corridor, expanding Dobbs Ferry’s cultural anchors, or connecting Nyack’s vibrant downtown to its waterfront, these projects will generate economic momentum that reaches well beyond each village’s borders. The MHREDC looks forward to seeing these transformative plans come to life.”

Village of Dobbs Ferry Mayor Christy Knell said, “Dobbs Ferry is proud to be a vibrant, walkable Hudson River community with a historic downtown that serves as the heart of our village. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s support through the NY Forward program, we will be able to make meaningful investments that strengthen our downtown, improve connections between the Metro-North station and Main Street, and create new cultural, recreational and economic opportunities for residents and visitors alike. From expanding the historic Pickwick Theater and creating a new performing arts center to enhancing parks, streetscapes, and pedestrian access, these projects will help make Dobbs Ferry even more welcoming, sustainable, and accessible. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for recognizing the potential of our community and investing in its future.”

To see the full list of funded projects including Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry, see the link to the full press release here.