Hello Neighbors!
Good news! We got NY Forward! $4.5M to invest in our community for things like housing, small businesses and upgrades to our streets and parks.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this a reality. Whether you served on the proposal committee, submitted a project idea, filled out a survey, came to community meetings or wrote a letter of support, we could not have gotten here without you! There will be more information coming and more work to do, but for now – let’s celebrate!
Check out highlights from the governor’s announcement below or click here to read the full press release.
On March 12th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Village of Catskill will receive $10 million in funding as the Capital Region winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Village of Greenwich and the Village of Athens will each receive $4.5 million as the Capital Region 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 are 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.
“Investing in the revitalization of our downtowns is important and through these investments we are making them more vibrant destinations for families and visitors, while helping businesses thrive and succeed,” Governor Hochul said. “Communities across the Capital Region will benefit from these investments while also creating a reimagined landscape that includes more housing and opportunities for everyone thanks to our Pro-Housing initiative.”
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Athens
Athens is a quintessentially charming village with a unique laid-back vibe that sits on the west bank of the Hudson River. It is connected to world class art, culture, recreation and choice of housing that attracts visitors, boaters and artists. The Village has already worked to make downtown more walkable, welcoming, resilient and climate adaptive – making it primed for the NY Forward program. The community’s vision is to remain a welcoming village that celebrates family and community. They plan to do this by upgrading Second Street at the heart of downtown by improving ADA compliance, increasing foot traffic to local businesses and supporting arts and culture; increasing river access; and increasing choice of residences, homes and apartments that are accessible and affordable.
Village of Athens Mayor Amy Serrago said, “This award is a game-changer for the Village of Athens, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul and the Capital Region Economic Development Council for seeing the potential in our wonderful, historic Hudson River village. NY Forward brings with it the opportunity for a revitalized downtown with a robust cultural community, a climate resilient riverfront park and economic growth through the creation of more affordable homes and better jobs closer to those homes. I’m excited to get to work on making our plans a reality!”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Catskill and Athens are outstanding examples of what rural economic development can do for small upstate communities — drive support into some of the most deserving small businesses around, improve quality of life for local families, strengthen connections to the arts and outdoor recreation, and attract the kind of smart investment that builds lasting opportunity. Receiving the DRI and NY Forward awards is a huge deal for rural areas like ours, and I want to congratulate Catskill and Athens on such an exciting achievement. Greene County has so much to be proud of, and I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the incredible potential in revitalizing these vibrant communities.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Downtowns all across the State are being reinvigorated thanks to our Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs, and we’re excited for the next round of communities to receive this transformative funding. Catskill, Greenwich and Athens are all exemplary communities that reflect the natural beauty and history of the Capital Region and will benefit tremendously from these programs. I’m looking forward to seeing the projects each of these communities select to improve their downtowns for residents and visitors alike.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Strategic investments to support and encourage new and sustainable growth in our urban cores has been a pillar of our community development blueprint under Governor Hochul. The funding awarded to Catskill, Athens and Greenwich, when leveraged against the unique local assets of each community, will help to create vibrant spaces that welcome residents and visitors alike.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “These transformative investments in Catskill, Greenwich and Athens continue the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward’s history of revitalizing Capital Region communities through collaboration with local leaders. Thanks to today’s awards, these three communities will soon see increased vibrancy, improved walkability and new housing opportunities. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to smart investments in our State’s regions.”