Downtown Revitalization Initiative

NOTICE: DRI Generic Environmental Impact Study - FINAL SCOPE

The City of Plattsburgh revitalization efforts will result in several downtown area improvement projects, some of which have already been specifically proposed and some of which are in the conceptual stage. The Common Council recognized that the projects may result in one or more significant impacts on the environment and wishes to review the potential impacts of the projects together rather than separately, including consideration of potential cumulative impacts. Thus the Common Council determined to conduct a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) to guarantee the highest level of scrutiny of the potential adverse environmental impacts of the various projects.

The Chazen Companies has prepared a Final Scoping Document to focus the contents of the GEIS on potentially significant impacts rather than impacts that are likely to be irrelevant or not significant. The Common Council voted to approve the Final Scope at their September 5th meeting.

Overview

Understanding that companies are increasingly seeking to relocate and invest in vibrant, walkable downtowns in an effort to attract and retain a talented workforce, Governor Cuomo launched the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), a $100 million effort to improve the vitality of urban centers across New York State.

Recognizing that Downtown Plattsburgh is Clinton County’s gathering place, the City of Plattsburgh was afforded the opportunity and privilege to become a Phase 1 DRI community, securing over $10 million dollars for economic investment.

The intent of the DRI is to advance downtown revitalization through transformative housing, economic development, transportation and community projects that will attract and retain residents, visitors and businesses - creating dynamic neighborhoods where tomorrow’s workforce will want to live, work, and raise a family.

For past planning & public engagement efforts, click here.
For a list of frequently asked DRI questions and answers, click here.

Timeline

April 7th, 2016: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched the $100 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative – a comprehensive approach to transform communities ripe for development into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live and work.

May 27th, 2016: The City of Plattsburgh submitted it's DRI application to the North Country REDC.

July 6th, 2016: It was announced the City of Plattsburgh was selected as the $10 million dollar winner from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.

September 2016 to March 2017: The City of Plattsburgh partnered with HR&A Consultants to work with the Community and local stakeholders to coordinate a six month, intensive community planning process.

March 2017: The Local Planning Committee and the City of Plattsburgh submitted it's Strategic Investment Plan to the State for approval.

*The City would like to thank all residents, business owners, and other stakeholders who participated in the DRI Local Planning Committee and DRI Public Engagement Sessions. Your contributions were vital in the development of the DRI Strategic Investment Plan!

May 25th, 2017: Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced, at Plattsburgh City Hall, the ten (10) DRI priority projects that would receive funding.

June 2017: The City has been working with the respective State agencies (Empire State Development, Office of Community Renewal, and Department of State) to begin implementing the approved DRI projects. This work includes negotiation and finalizing contracts/work-plans between the City and State, final design work, community engagement/input events, and more!

For future project-specific updates please go to the project's respective page.