Governor Hochul Announces 27 Transformational Projects in the Capital Region as Part of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs
Projects Announced in Catskill, Athens and Greenwich
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 27 transformational projects for the Capital Region as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. Ten projects were announced for Catskill, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; 7 projects were announced for Athens, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and 10 projects were announced for Greenwich, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.
The Village of Greenwich
The Village of Greenwich envisions a vibrant, sustainable downtown corridor that serves as the heart of the community and a regional destination. Building on the area’s rich historical character and strong community identity, the Greenwich NY Forward project area will evolve into a walkable, connected district offering a range of commercial, residential and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The revitalization efforts will focus on enhancing connectivity along the Route 29/Main Street corridor and encouraging transformative infill development that strengthens the local economy. Housing diversity will be expanded to accommodate people of all ages and incomes, supporting Greenwich’s status as a Pro-Housing Community. The NY Forward area also falls within the designated Greenwich Brownfield Opportunity Area, ensuring alignment with long-term planning and community input. This vision preserves Greenwich’s historic charm while embracing modern development opportunities, creating a thriving, inclusive environment where businesses flourish, residents enjoy a high quality of life and visitors are drawn to the area’s unique blend of history, natural beauty and community spirit.
The 10 Greenwich NY Forward projects, totaling $4.5 million, include:
· Reconstruct the Mixed-Use Building at 126 Main Street ($975,000):
Construct a mixed-use building at 126 Main, offering new affordable housing units and office space to strengthen downtown vitality. The building will provide supportive services and meet Enterprise Green Community standards.
· Transform the Downtown Streetscape with Multi-Modal and Accessibility Improvements ($859,000): Transform Main Street through streetscape improvements that enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, accessibility, and aesthetics—while encouraging private investment and modernizing infrastructure by burying utility lines.
· Create a Small Project Fund ($249,000): Establish a Small Projects Fund to support a diverse range of small-scale improvments that contribute to downtown revitalization, such as façade improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and new housing development.
· Upgrade the Rough and Ready Museum to Accommodate Year-Round Accessible Use ($207,000): Upgrade the historic Rough and Ready Engine and Hose Company No. 2 building to improve safety, accessibility, and year-round usability for community events and educational outreach. The renovations will preserve local fire service history while expanding public access to the museum and meeting spaces.
· Improve the Backyard Space for Performances at the Greenwich Free Library ($382,000): Transform the Greenwich Free Library’s backyard into a flexible outdoor space featuring a covered stage, seating, native landscaping, and improved pathways. It will support cultural and educational programming while enhancing public access and community engagement.
· Expand Supportive Housing and Accessibility at 72 Main Street ($550,000): Expand residential capacity at 72 Main Street through ADA-compliant and supportive housing, while upgrading commercial space and modernizing infrastructure for accessibility and energy efficiency.
· Enhance Greenwich Commons Park to Support Community Events and Pedestrian Connectivity ($230,000): Enhance Greenwich Commons Park with a new picnic pavilion, ADA-compliant public restroom, and a safe, accessible walkway connecting key community spaces. These improvements will support recreation, cultural programming, and pedestrian connectivity for all residents.
· Revitalize Mowry Park and Gazebo to Expand Event Programming ($248,000): Revitalize Mowry Park by upgrading its historic gazebo, enhancing lighting and seating, and adding landscaping and accessibility features to support recreation, cultural events, and community gatherings.
· Revitalize the Mixed-Use Eddy Plow Works Building ($600,000): Revitalize the historic Eddy Plow Works building by transforming the ground floor into leasable commercial space, expanding residential capacity with new apartment units, and restoring key architectural features to preserve its heritage. Improvements will include interior renovations, upgraded infrastructure, expanded parking, and enhanced safety and accessibility throughout the site.
· Rehabilitate 132 Main Street into Multi-Purpose Commercial Space and Outdoor Events Space ($350,000): Complete the rehabilitation of 132 Main Street into a multi-purpose building featuring community gathering areas and commercial office space, while preserving its historic character and incorporating sustainable upgrades. A new parking lot will also be constructed to support local events and provide parking for nearby residences.
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding, including DRI and NY Forward. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 400 communities across New York have been certified.
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 5,000 units of housing – more than 2,000 of which (40 percent) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The 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.
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Across the Capital Region, these communities are building on their strengths to create downtowns that are not only vibrant, but also inclusive, accessible and reimagined with the future in mind. In Catskill, Athens and Greenwich, these projects reflect a strong commitment to enhancing public spaces, supporting local arts and culture, expanding housing opportunities and improving connections to waterfronts and the heartbeat of each downtown area. Through the DRI and NY Forward, we are empowering communities to turn their ideas into meaningful projects that will attract visitors, support residents and drive sustainable economic growth for years to come.”
