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Catskill, New York, has submitted its final list of projects for the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding to the state for approval. The list includes 19 projects, with total costs exceeding $15 million, aimed at revitalizing the downtown area and enhancing community infrastructure. Key projects include renovations to the Bridge Street Theatre and Catskill Public Library, building affordable housing, and improving water access.
The village was awarded the funding in March as part of the eighth round of the DRI. A Local Planning Committee (LPC), co-chaired by Village President Natasha Law and Joe Wildermuth from the Capital Region Economic Development Council, was formed to determine which projects should be prioritized. According to the LPC, the projects were selected based on factors such as housing affordability, downtown assets, community spaces, and streetscape improvements. Natasha Law stated, "All the projects that went to the state are great projects and I support all of them."
The state will fund $9.7 million of the projects on a reimbursement basis, leaving developers to cover the remaining costs. The projects must be shovel-ready within two years to qualify for funding. The village expects to receive the state's final approval by February or March.
The initiative aims to address the local affordability crisis, invest in the unique assets of the downtown area, and expand community spaces. The process involved extensive public engagement to ensure the projects align with community needs and goals. The Catskill DRI website provides further details on the proposed projects.