Studies have identified 21 projects to receive New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward funding that previously was awarded. The projects are in Sleepy Hollow in Westchester, the Town of Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson in Orange County, and the City of Port Jervis in Orange County. The specific projects were announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Studies to determine how best to use the DRI and NY Forward awards were required to be launched in each community shortly after they were notified that they would be receiving the state funding. Sleepy Hollow won a $4.5 million NY Forward award and five projects were identified. The Town of Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson also won a $4.5 million NY Forward award. Seven projects will be getting underway there. Port Jervis received a $10 million DRI award and the funds will be used for nine projects there.
“These major investments will drive economic revitalization for businesses and local communities and create a place where families can thrive,” Hochul said.
The five projects to take place in Sleepy Hollow are:
- Transforming the Strand Theatre into a community arts and culture center for $1,500,000. In addition to becoming a multipurpose performance venue, the theatre will have studio space for local artists or arts groups, a gallery and the future Sleepy Hollow Visitors Center.
- Â Redesigning the park at Morse School into a community destination and playground at a cost of $1,000,000.
- The streetscape along Cortlandt Street would be upgraded with new sidewalks and crosswalks, drainage improvements, trees, lighting, new street furniture and four EV charging stations at a cost of $1,200,000.
- Â Help fund construction of affordable housing at 100 College Ave., for $500,000.
- Establish a Façade Improvement Fund of $300,000 that will enable business and property owners to improve their building façades.
The seven Cornwall projects include:
- Create a pedestrian connection trail from the Medical Group at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall through both the Town and Village downtowns; cost $1,133,000.
- Renovate the Storm King Theater into a multipurpose theater space at a cost of $773,000.
- Improve Riverlight Park by spending $783,000 on new features such as an ADA-compliant walkway, ADA-compliant restrooms, an inclusive playground and a new skate park.
- Preserve historic structures at the Donahue Farm to enhance programming and activities at a cost of $649,000.
- Construct a trail along Dock Hill Road to connect the waterfront to Donahue Farm and the downtown at a cost of $480,000.
-  Establish a $300,000 fund to assist local businesses.
-  Establish and implement a $382,000 branding and marketing strategy to make Cornwall more visible and attractive to potential residents and businesses.
The nine projects to be funded in Port Jervis include:
- Revitalize Riverside Park by adding additional recreation and leisure amenities amounting to $2,657,000.
- $2,000,000 toward establishing a mixed-use residential and commercial building at 103 Jersey Ave., on an underutilized parking lot.
- $1.500,000 toward developing a mixed-use residential and commercial building at 29 Front St.
- Renovate the vacant second and third stories of 46 Front St. into commercial and residential space for $707,000,
- Transform 22 Jersey Ave. into a multi-use creative space with retail, studio and event space for $522,000.
- $300,000 to restore the vacant Krauss Photo Shop Building, creating new commercial and residential space.
- Â Enhance the streetscape along Jersey Avenue at a cost of $1,064,000.
- Â Create a $600,000 fund for improving facades, upper stories and spaces in Downtown Port Jervis.
- Spend $350,000 on a marketing and branding program for Downtown Port Jervis.
