Projects in Dobbs Ferry, Nyack and Poughkeepsie that will be receiving a total of $19 million in state funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs have been identified.
Ten projects were announced for Poughkeepsie, which has been selected for a $10 million DRI award, $300,000 of which was set aside to pay for planning. Dobbs Ferry is receiving a $4.5 million NY Forward award that will help fund six projects. Nyack also is receiving a $4.5 million NY Forward award that will be put toward nine projects.
“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,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
The Poughkeepsie projects include:
Revitalize 316 Main St. with a New Mixed-Use Development ($1,000,000): Construct a new building at 306 and 316 Main St. with residential units and retail space targeted toward a grocery store.
Convert Market Street to a Two-Way Street ($1,230,000): Changing to a single lane in each direction, with improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including a protected 2-way cycle track.
Construct New Mixed-Income Housing at 488 Main St. ($1,451,000): The proposed development would be mixed-income with apartments and ground-floor commercial space at 488 Main St.
Restore the Former Catherine Street Community Center for Community Matters 2 ($603,000): Restore and reactivate the vacant Community Center at 69 Catherine St. for use by Community Matters 2, a nonprofit youth and community service organization.
Establish a New Multi-family Rental Community at the Site of Pelton Manor ($1,250,000): The plan is for residential buildings and the restoration of the historic Pelton House.
Transform 27 High St. with Adaptive Reuse and New Construction to Create a Mixed-Income Development ($1,000,000): The vacant former Dutchess County office building at 27 High St. would be used along with new construction in a mixed-income residential development.
Develop Vacant Buildings at 47 and 51 Cannon St. ($1,500,000): Create a new six-story mixed-use development with residential units, commercial space and an underground parking garage.
Convert a Former Cigar Factory ($1,000,000): Convert the vacant former cigar factory at 15 North Cherry St. into workforce housing with adaptive reuse and new construction.
Launch a Public Arts Program ($350,000): Establish an art-based public improvement strategy for the downtown including murals, sculpture and other media.
Concession Bar at the Poughkeepsie Train Station with a New Cafe and Cocktail Bar ($316,000): Establish the Grand Concourse cafe and cocktail bar at the historic Poughkeepsie Train Station.
The Dobbs Ferry NY Forward projects include:
Pickwick Theater ($739,000): Continue the Pickwick Theater renovation project to add rooftop solar panels, increase seating capacity and add lighting and a digital screen.
Rehabilitate the Historic Structure at 143 Main St. ($508,000): Preserve and restore an existing historic mixed-use building to accommodate a ground floor commercial use and residential units above.
Redesign Lower Memorial Park ($1,041,000): Transform underutilized portions of lower Memorial Park with new amenities, bathrooms, benches and more.
Transform a Vacant Space at 145 Palisade St. ($1,000,000): Renovate a vacant space at 145 Palisade St. into a black box theatre to permanently house a dance company and accommodate multidisciplinary performance, rehearsal and education.
Implement a Unified Downtown Signage System ($350,000): Create a recognizable identity for the downtown and guide residents and visitors to the downtown’s commercial corridors and key destinations.
Streetscape Improvements on Lower Main and Cedar Streets ($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).
The Nyack NY Forward projects include:
Renovate the Angel Nyack Sanctuary Space ($951,000): Renovate the building’s former sanctuary space to include new HVAC system, flooring, millwork, and electrical upgrades to facilitate use for arts and performance programs, weddings and other events.
Waterfront Restaurant and Open Space ($1,250,000): Construct a one-story casual restaurant building with outdoor dining deck and public open space with seating, landscaping, and game areas.
Improve and Restore Downtown Buildings ($540,000): Establish a Small Project Fund dedicated to revitalizing building facades, upgrading building interiors, purchasing permanent equipment or installing public art.
Branding, Marketing, and Wayfinding Initiative ($450,000): Develop a new brand for downtown Nyack accompanied by a marketing strategy and signage to encourage visitation to and circulation within downtown.
Renovations at the Nyack Center ($138,000): Modernize the auditorium’s stage and sound and lighting systems.
Renovate the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center ($305,000): Restore the Edward Hopper House exterior, upgrade garden theater and infrastructure, and renovate the art lab to expand programming.
Elmwood Community Playhouse ($305,000): Conduct an exterior facade renovation and technical upgrade of the existing lighting and sound systems to enable expansion of programming.
Lighting and Sidewalk Upgrades ($480,000): Add approximately antique light poles along North and South Broadway and enhance a portion of Main Street slightly east of Broadway with a widened sidewalk and two tree pits.
Mural on the Rockland County Pride Center ($81,000): Celebrate the history of Nyack by engaging the community in the creation of a mural on three sides of the Rockland County Pride Center building.
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Marsha Gordon and 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.”
According to City of Poughkeepsie Administrator Joseph Donat , “The continued investment in the City of Poughkeepsie through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is helping build momentum for projects that strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
Village of Dobbs Ferry Mayor Christy Knell said, “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.”
Village of Nyack Mayor Joseph Rand said, “Nyack has been a jewel of the Hudson River for more than 150 years, with a vibrant downtown, thriving arts community, and beautiful waterfront. These investments will help enhance our downtown and waterfront while preserving the unique character that makes Nyack so special for generations to come.”
