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Rochester and Newark each awarded $10 million in statewide Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Rochester and Newark each awarded $10 million in statewide Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The city of Rochester and village of Newark, Wayne County, will receive $10 million each in funding as the Finger Lakes Region winners of the fifth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in an effort to help communities boost their post COVID-19 economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
“Investing in our downtowns is vital to reigniting New York’s recovery,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “These awards will enhance Rochester and Newark so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy all these areas have to offer.”
Under the program, Rochester will focus on the transformation of the long-blighted area in the center of downtown along the north side of Main Street from Clinton Avenue down to the Genesee River.
The winning plan will help to improve streetscapes and public spaces, upgrade the built environment, and increase pedestrian access/connections in order to catalyze further investment in the area.
Downtown Newark will address needs for infill mixed-use development, more housing for workforce and seniors, and new space for indoor recreation and wellness with a focus on utilizing space along the Erie Canal.
Rochester and Newark will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant.
The plans will examine local assets and opportunities and identify economic development, transportation, housing and community projects that align with each community’s vision for downtown revitalization.
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