Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 15 the selection of 23 projects in the Finger Lakes region as part of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs. The awards include ten projects in the City of Canandaigua, six in the Village of Brockport, and seven in the Village of Phelps.
The announcement highlights continued investment aimed at supporting economic growth, housing opportunities, and community spaces throughout the region. The programs are designed to help communities develop strategic plans that identify key projects with potential to stimulate downtown revitalization and long-term development.
Hochul said, “When I think about my hometown in Buffalo, I think about everything that brought my community together. New Yorkers have pride in where they’re from, and the heart of their neighborhoods should be lively, expressive and bold — that’s what we bring forward when we invest in change. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs continue to unlock opportunities across the state, and the Finger Lakes are going to see tremendous growth from these transformational projects.”
Projects selected include grant funds for small businesses, building renovations for new housing units, improvements to public spaces such as parks and streetscapes, expansion of cultural venues like Peacemaker Brewing Company in Canandaigua, canal-front workforce housing developments in Brockport, restoration efforts at historic sites including Phelps Hotel in Phelps, among others. Each locality developed a Strategic Implementation Plan guided by local committees with community input.
Local leaders expressed support for these investments. Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said these investments “build on that strong foundation to support a new generation of growth and opportunity.” Empire State Development President Hope Knight said: “These 23 projects will work to usher in a new era for these beautiful Finger Lakes communities.” RuthAnne Visnauskas from Homes and Community Renewal noted: “By connecting these investments to the Pro-Housing Communities Program…we are helping communities grow in ways that increase housing supply and affordability.”
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was established in 2016 to spur downtown renewal statewide by coupling planning with immediate implementation. Since its launch it has awarded $1 billion across more than one hundred communities; Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $100 million for next year’s budget. The NY Forward program builds on this approach but focuses on smaller towns; it has provided $400 million through four rounds since being introduced as part of the 2022 Budget.
