POTSDAM, N.Y. — Construction and renovation work will be among the eight projects that will benefit from the state’s $10 million award in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the village of Potsdam in St. Lawrence County. The office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo on May 19 announced Potsdam’s list of projects. The eight projects will help […]
POTSDAM, N.Y. — Construction and renovation work will be among the eight projects that will benefit from the state’s $10 million award in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the village of Potsdam in St. Lawrence County.
The office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo on May 19 announced Potsdam’s list of projects.
The eight projects will help to “redevelop and repurpose” underutilized buildings, improve streetscapes, and support downtown and local businesses, Cuomo’s office said.
Potsdam was named a round 4 winner in October 2019.
Projects
Potsdam will use more than $1.8 million to build a downtown river-walk trail. The construction project involves a looped multi-modal trail along the Raquette River. It’ll include a pocket park, shared-use path, mural walk, and new bike lanes on Maple Street. The trail will connect to existing multi-modal connections downtown.
In addition, the community will use more than $1.6 million to relocate and expand the Potsdam Food Co-op. The project will include the acquisition of new property, renovation, equipment, and marketing.
The projects will also include the expansion of the North Country Children’s Museum. Potsdam will use $1.4 million to expand the children’s museum into the second floor, including basement-and first-floor renovations to accommodate an elevator.
Potsdam also plans to expand the Clarkson Inn. It will use $600,000 for the project that will involve adding 20 rooms, meeting space, a fitness room, and renovating its furniture and fixtures.
Another $578,000 will help pay to revitalize the North Country Arts Center. The acquisition and exterior/interior renovation for the new North Country Arts Center will include windows, floors, restrooms, walls, elevator, and equipment for a printmaking studio.
Potsdam will also use $118,000 to expand the Sandstone Diner, which involves the expansion of Scoops ice cream into a 1940s/50s-themed seasonal diner serving breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating.
In addition, the community will use $750,000 to establish a fund to rebuild its downtown area. The revolving grant and loan fund will include rent assistance, Main Street renovation, a quick-start grant program, and COVID-19-related capital improvements.
Potsdam also plans to use $2.78 million to pay for streetscape improvements in the Market Street historic district. The work will include intersection and safety improvements, street lighting, trees, wayfinding, and bioretention, Cuomo’s office said.
