05/22/2024
2024 May 21 - This afternoon New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects that will move forward here in our city.
The nine projects selected seek to build on the beauty and opportunities of the scenic Delaware River and surrounding mountains and the downtown’s historic charm by creating a multi-generational and technologically innovative downtown that is served by different modes of transportation, walkable, economically diverse and climate sustainable.
While we had hoped that all projects would have been selected in part or whole by the state, we certainly appreciate the nine DRI projects they selected that total, $9.7 million.
They include:
Revitalize Riverside Park by Adding Additional Recreation and Leisure Amenities: $2,657,000. This project proposes to enhance Riverside Park by reconstructing the water tower to include a “Welcome to Port Jervis” sign, developing a new pavilion, an all-inclusive playground, a stage and amphitheater, pickleball courts, a basketball court, a skatepark and a mini-golf course.
Establish a Mixed-Use Residential and Commercial Building at 103 Jersey Avenue: $2,000,000. This project will construct a mixed-use residential building on an underutilized parking lot on Jersey Avenue to include sustainability features and affordable residential units.
Develop a Mixed-Use Residential and Commercial Building at 29 Front Street: $1,500,000. This project will construct a new mixed-use apartment building with ground floor storefronts in a style consistent with the character of downtown Port Jervis.
Renovate Upper Stories of 46 Front Street into Commercial and Residential Space: $707,000. This project involves the renovation of 46 Front Street’s vacant second and third floors for commercial uses and apartments. Improvements will also include upgrades to the roof and installation of a fire escape.
Transform 22 Jersey Avenue into a Multi-Use Creative Space with Retail, Studio and Event Space: $522,000. This project will include the renovation of the first and second floors to allow for co-working space, studios and event, gallery, retail and café space along with fire protection improvements for the entire building.
Restore the Historic Krauss Photo Shop Building, Creating New Commercial and Residential Space: $300,000. This project proposes to renovate a vacant building to include apartments on the second and third floors and a commercial space on the first floor.
Enhance the Streetscape along Jersey Avenue: $1,064,000. This project will enhance the streetscape along Jersey Avenue, providing accessibility and traffic calming improvements, additional accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists and new streetscape amenities.
Create a Small Project Fund for Improving Facades, Upper Stories and Spaces in Downtown Port Jervis: $600,000. A Small Projects Fund will allow for a range of small downtown projects, such as façade improvements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, upper story enhancements and permanent equipment acquisition.
Lastly, Activate Downtown Port Jervis with a Placemaking Program with Marketing, Branding, and Public Realm Improvements: $350,000. This project will develop a placemaking program for Port Jervis to include marketing, branding, digital media, wayfinding signage and public realm improvements.
No comes the time to roll up our sleeves, get these projects underway and continue to reinvent our city.
