Governor Hochul Announces 14 Transformational Projects In Mohawk Valley As Part Of Downtown Revitalization Initiative And NY Forward Programs

Projects Announced in Schoharie, Waterville and Canajoharie

Project Renderings Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 14 transformational projects for the Mohawk Valley as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. Six projects were announced for Schoharie, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; four projects were announced for Waterville, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and four were announced for Canajoharie, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

"Our downtowns are the lifeblood of communities all across the state - from the small businesses to the local restaurants to areas where residents can just gather," Governor Hochul said. "With these investments, Mohawk Valley residents can expect upgraded civic, commercial and cultural spaces for families to take advantage of and more housing to drive down costs in their neighborhoods." 

DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

Schoharie

Nestled in the heart of the Schoharie Valley, the village of Schoharie serves as a critical junction for resident services, local commerce, and a gateway to the Mohawk Valley Region. Its Main Street is comprised of traditional multi-story, mixed-use brick buildings that host a variety of uses and a community favorite Schoharie envisions a vibrant downtown, preserving unique heritage while fostering sustainable growth. The village's commitment to environmental stewardship, local businesses, and cultural enrichment will continue to make Schoharie a place where families thrive, visitors are inspired and future generations are proud to call home.

The 6 Schoharie DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

• Commercial Space with a Professional Healthcare Facility at 218 Main Street ($1,844,000): Construct a new, two-story commercial building at 218 Main Street to transform a long-vacant site into a modern healthcare and business center. The project will build a larger facility for an expanding dental business, creating local jobs and new commercial space for a future business while supporting downtown walkability.
• Build a New Apartment Community at 218 Main Street ($2,000,000): Build a new apartment community on a vacant lot behind 218 Main Street to provide needed housing in Schoharie. The project will expand housing options with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units for residents of all ages in a walkable downtown location.
• Create Fire House Park at 133 Grand Street (1,510,000): Transform the vacant former firehouse site into a new public park just steps from Main Street. Fire House Park will be a welcoming public space designed for all ages with play areas, shaded seating, gardens and green infrastructure.
• Add and Enhance Community Spaces at the Schoharie Free Library ($976,000): Update facilities at the historic Schoharie Free Library to expand programming and create a more welcoming, accessible hub for year-round community events and learning. The project will create a new makerspace and kitchen area, update exterior program spaces including the porch and lawn as well as upgraded parking, HVAC, and ADA accessibility.
• Update the Borden's Creamery Building into an Accessible, Modern Community Cultural Center ($870,000): Renovate the historic Borden's Creamery Building into a fully accessible cultural center with modern facilities. The project will add an elevator, complete comprehensive ADA and energy-efficiency upgrades, and modernize the building's kitchen, safety systems, and theatre and art gallery lighting systems.
• Flow Through Fountaintown: Improve Pedestrian Access & Connectivity ($2,500,000): Improve downtown streetscapes with upgraded pedestrian infrastructure, traffic calming, green spaces, and signage to make walking safer and more inviting for residents and visitors. These improvements will connect key destinations like the Palatine House Museum, Community Pool, Schoharie Free Library and Main Street business district, supporting walkability, accessibility and a more vibrant downtown.

Read the full press release here.