NY awards $10 million for Port Jervis projects: What's planned

Nine economic development projects in Port Jervis will receive state funds for ongoing redevelopment through New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

“Generations of New Yorkers have experienced the historic and vibrant Mid-Hudson downtowns, and we are taking steps to safeguard their future,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “These major investments will drive economic revitalization for businesses and local communities and create a place where families can thrive."

As the winner of the sixth round, Port Jervis was awarded $10 million in DRI funds.

The nine newly announced projects seek to "build on the beauty and opportunities of the scenic Delaware River," as well as the surrounding area, according to the announcement from New York state, by creating a "multi-generational and technologically innovative downtown that is served by different modes of transportation, walkable, economically diverse and climate sustainable."

Of particular focus are rehabilitating and adaptively reusing historic downtown buildings, as well as infill development, to boost mixed-income housing opportunities in the city.

The nine DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

• $2,657,000 to add new recreation and leisure amenities to Riverside Park
• Transform a Jersey Avenue parking lot into affordable housing for $2 million
• $1.5 million to develop a mixed-use residential and commercial building at 29 Front St.
• Renovate the upper stories of 46 Front St. into commercial and residential space for $707,000
• $522,000 to transform 22 Jersey Ave. into a hybrid retail, studio and event space
• Renovate the vacant historic Krauss Photo Shop building to create new commercial and residential space for $300,000
• $1.1 million to enhance the Jersey Avenue streetscape with accessibility and traffic-calming features with accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Create a $600,000 project fund for improving facades and renovating buildings into commercial or mixed-use spaces
• A $350,000 placemaking program to include marketing, branding, digital media, wayfinding signage and public realm improvements.

The DRI investments are part of the state’s efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities in the mid-Hudson region, according to a media release.

The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.