Projects announced for CNY communities under state’s DRI, NY Forward programs

An aerial rendering of the Homer festival grounds, which is set for improvements as part of the Cortland County village’s $10 million award in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). It’s one of 11 projects targeted under Homer’s state award. (Image credit: New York State)

New York State recently announced a total of 35 projects for Central New York communities that were announced as winners in economic-development programs. Eleven projects were announced for the village of Homer, the round six winner of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced May 22. In […]

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New York State recently announced a total of 35 projects for Central New York communities that were announced as winners in economic-development programs.

Eleven projects were announced for the village of Homer, the round six winner of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced May 22.

In addition, Hochul announced six projects for Moravia, a round one winner of a $2.25 million NY Forward award; seven projects were announced for Hamilton, also a round one winner of a $2.25 million NY Forward award; and 11 projects for Phoenix, a round one winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

Homer

The village of Homer was named the Central New York winner in the sixth round of the DRI in 2023. The 11 projects selected will further historic Homers role as a premier arts and cultural destination in Central New York, strengthening opportunities for mixed-use development and niche retail, and encouraging regional connections.

The 11 projects, totaling $9.7 million, include improving the Homer festival grounds; restoring the interior of the village food market; redevelopment of the historic little white church; developing a boutique hotel; administering a small-projects fund; creating a downtown marketing and signage program; developing a wellness spa; developing a commercial space on Wall Street; constructing a riverwalk overlook; developing a commercial kitchen, community center, and year-round farmers market; and restoring the Water Street bridge

Moravia

The six projects for the village of Moravia, totaling more than $2 million, include converting the vacant former Elmira Savings Bank at 142 Main St. into the Main Street Tavern; and renovating a vacant former medical office at 66 Central St. into Rowans Bar & Grill, a restaurant, bar, and event space with outdoor seating and an event lawn.

Hamilton

The seven projects for the village of Hamilton, totaling $2.25 million, includerenovating the Village Green; building out and furnishing the Hubs new community room; and creating a New Yorkfocused winery & tasting room.

Phoenix

The 11 projects for the village of Phoenix, totaling $4.5 million, include a project turning North Island into canalside entertainment venue and recreational area; creating outdoor event space with pavilion adjacent to Lock 1 Distillery; renovating the property at 73 State St. for mixed-use development; constructing a new primary care and behavioral health facility; and building a daycare facility at 102 Volney St. and adding 10-15 new jobs.

Eric Reinhardt: