The city will soon apply for $10 million in funds under the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program and is seeking public input to help shape that submission.
The program, which started in 2016, is intended to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation and economic and housing density and diversity. The state encourages compact, walkable downtowns as a way to rebuild the economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as achieve the state’s climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.
The city has created a brief survey here and asks for your input by Friday, Sept. 15, to aid us in this application process. The city also will hold two public meetings to discuss the DRI application. The first one will be for the general public from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13 at City Hall, first floor. The second will feature a roundtable discussion with members of the business community from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 14 at City Hall, Common Council Chambers, third floor.
The city’s target area includes three components the city considers vital for Poughkeepsie's downtown development: The historic Central Business District (CBD), the scenic Hudson River waterfront and the Fall Kill area.
The idea is to create an active downtown with a strong sense of place and attract new businesses that create a robust mix of shopping, entertainment and service options for residents and visitors alike.
Public improvement projects could include infrastructure projects, such as streetscape improvements, transportation, recreational trails, signage, new and upgraded parks and plazas, public art, green infrastructure and other public realm projects that will contribute to the downtown's revitalization.
For this grant award, the state puts an emphasis on shovel-ready revitalization projects that can demonstrate viability. To find out more about the DRI process, click here.
If you have any questions about this grant process or survey, contact city Planner Richard Distel at rdistel@cityofpoughkeepsie.com
