Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced 15 transformational projects for Amsterdam as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The strategic investments in downtown Amsterdam will enhance several initiatives including Riverlink Park, the waterfront, the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook, community gathering spaces, new businesses and restaurants along Bridge Street, among others. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities for the Mohawk Valley.
"The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is turning downtown neighborhoods across the state into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live, work and raise families," Governor Cuomo said. "These targeted investments in Amsterdam will bring new recreational options, economic development and community services to the region and help drive the local economy forward."
"The City of Amsterdam was once booming with industrial manufacturers, but experienced a decline in the industry like many upstate cities decades ago," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "This significant investment in economic development projects will help Amsterdam continue its revitalization with mixed-use development to enhance quality of life. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is providing communities with the funding they need to attract businesses and grow their economies."
Amsterdam was named a DRI Round 3 winner in September 2018. The focus of the Amsterdam DRI spans the Mohawk River to encompass a segment of the historic downtown as well as new downtown areas that have emerged as the city continues to grow and evolve. With a range of mixed-use residential and commercial spaces, an assisted living facility, established businesses, and many park and recreation amenities, the area is poised to attract additional investment to its developable land and available buildings.
The DRI award allows Amsterdam to capitalize on its concentrated footprint that provides walkability, a desirable location on the north and south of the Mohawk River/Historic Erie Canal, diverse amenities, and beautiful setting to transform the area into an attractive downtown core that supports growth in community events, business, and year-round recreational activity. The city plans to use participation in the DRI to welcome new businesses, visitors and residents eager to the city warmly referred to as "home," bringing to life a beloved quote written by Maria Riccio Bryce for the Amsterdam Oratorio: "What once was home is home again - My Amsterdam."
The specific projects to be funded through the DRI include:
Strengthen the Chuctanunda Creek Trail's Downtown Presence: Install enhanced signage, lighting, and safety measures along the downtown stretch of the Chuctanunda Creek Trail to enable the district to serve as a tourist and recreation destination, and to facilitate access to broader trail systems and amenities.
Transform the Southside into a Vibrant, Walkable Community: Implement public realm improvements to encourage pedestrian activity along Bridge Street and connect the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge to Southside's emerging shopping and restaurant scene. The project includes the creation of a boardwalk, and improvements to the sidewalks, streetscape, and civic spaces adjacent to the Chalmers Mills Lofts.
Construct a Waterfront Entertainment Destination: Provide a new dock, boat lifts, and storage to a waterski show business relocating to the Amsterdam waterfront, where it will strengthen the area's tourist attraction in the summer and serve as a catalyst for future investment.
Transform a Portion of Highway into a Public Open Space: Remove and re-purpose the eastbound portion of NYS Route 5 as public open space, providing residents with recreation opportunities and laying the groundwork for the development of the proposed recreation center. DRI funding will be used for temporary barriers, signage, striping, and the removal of asphalt and paving.
Create a Gateway to the Downtown District: Create an attractive and defined gateway at the intersection of Church Street and East Main Street to provide a positive first impression of the city, render the intersection pedestrian-friendly, and attract visitors to patronize downtown businesses. The project will include public art, new lighting, landscape improvements, sidewalks, and new signage.
Create a Community Dog Park: Construct a fenced-in community dog park at 198-100 Erie Street to serve as a mid-block connector from the waterfront to the Empire State Trail, furthering the Southside's transformation into a complete and connected neighborhood. As the first dog park in the city or county, this project is expected to be a local and regional recreation destination.
Relocate and Enhance the Amsterdam Skate Park: Relocate the Amsterdam Skate Park through the construction of an improved facility adjacent to the proposed community and recreation center at 143 East Main Street. The new skate park will provide Amsterdam's young people with a safe and inviting place to socialize and will accommodate and complement the development of the new recreation center.
Install Streetscape Improvements on Bridge and Main Streets: Transform the city's two primary commercial streets, Bridge Street and East Main Street, into the signature components of a walkable, vibrant downtown environment, drawing residents and tourists to local businesses around the clock. Streetscape improvements include decorative lighting, sidewalk upgrades, landscaping, and street furniture.
Launch a Unified Marketing and Wayfinding Campaign: Craft a compelling and site-specific narrative about Amsterdam that draws and directs visitors to downtown destinations. This project includes the development and installation of a vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding system, installation of public art reflective of community identity, and consistent and comprehensive marketing of downtown amenities through a unified branding strategy.
Establish Design Guidelines to Create a Cohesive Downtown: Establish design guidelines to ensure new development and renovation projects preserve and enhance the downtown character, creating an aesthetically coordinated district and encouraging future investment. The guidelines will address façade improvements, signage regulations, lighting, landscaping, and beautification projects.
Establish a Downtown Improvement Fund: Establish a matching grant fund for interior and exterior building improvements within the DRI area to stimulate property upgrades and investments. The grant program will promote projects that include mixed-uses and that will create jobs and advance community revitalization goals.
Renovate and Expand the Amsterdam Free Library: Renovate and expand the Amsterdam Free Library to create a robust community center in the heart of the downtown district. The expanded library will include a new business incubator, STEM education facility, and multi-use community room complete with stage, screen, and sound and light equipment.
Create Community and Recreation Centers: Rehabilitate 149 East Main Street for use as a community center and construct a new adjacent recreation center to activate this underutilized part of downtown and transform East Main Street into a destination in its own right. The complex will include a computer lab, art gallery, shared kitchen, and facilities for reading, music, tutoring, recreation, painting, photography, and cinema.
Transform the Key Bank Building into a Mixed-Use Anchor: Rehabilitate and convert the historic former Key Bank building into a mixed-use development, transforming the local landmark into a beacon of revitalization, ensuring around-the-clock street activity on East Main Street, and drawing visitors to the downtown district. The project will include ground-floor commercial use and upper-story residential units overlooking the city's downtown and waterfront.
Renovate the Samuel Sweet Canal Store: Transform the historic Samuel Sweet Canal Store into a tavern and gift shop to draw tourists and out-of-town patrons to the area and further strengthen the growing food and beverage scene on the Southside. This project will include the conversion of the second floor into a tavern, addition of public sewer and water hookups, installation of a new roof, and construction of a parking lot.
Amsterdam developed a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with $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 led the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan for downtown Amsterdam examined local assets and opportunities and identified economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community's vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation.
The DRI projects are the latest example of Governor Cuomo's ongoing commitment to Amsterdam and the Mohawk Valley.
New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, "Amsterdam's pristine location is intrinsic to the Mohawk River and the entire region. With these investments, the waterfront community will be enhanced for the next generation for New Yorkers to live and work. Governor Cuomo's Downtown Revitalization Initiative continues to make positive changes for communities like Amsterdam across the state."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Our strategic investments in smart projects will create a more livable and vibrant downtown Amsterdam and continue the regional momentum that is building communities where people want to visit, work and put down roots."
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This $10 million award for Amsterdam is the latest strategic investment by Governor Cuomo that is helping to transform municipalities across Upstate New York. The success of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative continues to increase access to housing, create new jobs and attract cultural and recreational opportunities in our communities."
Senator George A. Amedore, Jr. said, "Revitalizing downtown Amsterdam is a great way to generate economic development and job creation for our entire region. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a strong display of New York States commitment to making us the strongest economic state in the nation."
"The Downtown Revitalization Initiative has proven to be a strong economic development engine for communities across the state and it's exciting to see how it's making a big difference right here in the City of Amsterdam," said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. "Investing in historic downtown areas is a big part of revitalization in upstate communities. This new investment brings us to the exciting milestone in the re-birth of this great city."
Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Larry Gilroy, President of Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, said, "These important projects in Amsterdam are part of our commitment to energize our downtowns by building upon the character of each community and creating a better, brighter, and stronger Mohawk Valley."
Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said, "We thank Governor Cuomo and his team for their great commitment to help revive downtown Amsterdam. These projects offer opportunities for our city to welcome new businesses and residents to our community which will help strengthen the entire region."
Amsterdam Mayor Michael Villa said, "The City of Amsterdam is excited by the announcement of these projects and we look forward to getting started. I thank Governor Cuomo for this investment in Amsterdam and look forward to the great things this city has in its future."
For more information on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, go to: www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative.