$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Hamlets of Roxbury and Grand Gorge
The hamlets of Roxbury and Grand Gorge, located within the Town of Roxbury, are looking to expand their economy by creating functional spaces and opportunities that will retain current residents through jobs and living accommodations and encourage new residents and visitors by investing in affordable housing, developing businesses in hospitality and tourism as well as improving infrastructure.
The Hamlets of Roxbury and Grand Gorge have been jointly awarded $10 million in state funding and investments to revitalize their downtown neighborhoods and generate new opportunities for long-term growth following the local planning process. They join Johnson City, Endicott, Hornell, Owego, Watkins Glen and Elmira, which were Southern Tier winners in the first six rounds of the DRI.
Roxbury and Grand Gorge will begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with each community's vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the communities’ vision for their downtowns and that can leverage and expand upon the state's $10 million investment. Plans for the DRI's seventh round will be complete in 2024.
What is the New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)?
New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a cornerstone of the State's economic development program. The DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. These compact, walkable downtowns are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.
The DRI is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Learn more about the DRI here: DRI information
Where is the Grand Gorge & Roxbury DRI?
Recognizing the important relationship between the two hamlets, the Grand Gorge & Roxbury DRI area encompasses the downtowns of the Hamlet of Grand Gorge and the Hamlet of Roxbury. The rail trail along the east branch of the Delaware River, connects the two, providing opportunities to lay the foundation of economic growth built on the natural setting of both hamlets.
Overall Grand Gorge & Roxbury DRI Boundary
DRI Boundary at Grand Gorge
DRI Boundary at Roxbury
Local Planning Committee
Appointments
Allen Hinkley | Town Supervisor, Chair
Peg Ellsworth | ED, MARK Project, Chair
Jody Albano | Culinary Arts Instructor ONC BOCES
Jackie Briggs | Small Business Owner
James Hull | President, Grand Goreg Fire Department
Lynn Kavanagh | Economic Development Catskill Watershed Corp
Melony Lee | ER Technician, Margaretville Memorial Hospital
Anthony Liberatore | Town Historian, Roxbury Fire Department
Kent Manuel | Senior Planner, Delaware County Planning
Mike Martin | Director Senior Meals
Michael Mathis | Chair-Roxbury Historic Pres Commission
Diane Munro | Roxbury Planning Board
Stacy Ward | Superintendent, Roxbury Central School
Andrew Williams | Small Business Owner
State Agencies
Julie Sweet | NYS Department of State
Allison Bodine | NYS Department of State
Omar Sanders | Empire State Development
Crystal Loffler | NYS Homes and Community Renewal
Patricia O’Reilly | NYS Homes and Community Renewal
Harris Weiss | Governor’s Regional Representative
By the Numbers
$300,000
in funding for planning process and project development
$9.7 million
in funding for project implementation
Process
How DRI works
Strategic Investment Plan
Community members, the Local Planning Committee (LPC), and a team of planners will identify housing, economic development, transportation, and public realm projects that align with the community’s vision for downtown.
Project Selection
The State will award DRI funds to select projects recommended in the Strategic Investment Plan that advance the community's vision for downtown and that leverage and expand upon the State's investment.
Project Implementation
Projects selected for DRI funding will be assigned to the appropriate State agency or authority to begin implementation in cooperation with the project sponsor.
