2024 Grand Gorge
& Roxbury
Downtown
Revitalization
Initiative

Projects being considered for the Slate of Projects to be recommended for DRI funding were presented at Workshop #2. The LPC wants to hear from you! Click the button below to give your feedback.

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$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.

FAQ

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

Grand Gorge Roxbury DRI FAQs PDF

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.