Page 34 - 2022 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

One Million Strong Evolving Downtowns
Creating Vibrant Downtowns
A cornerstone of the State’s economic development program, New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and serve as magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.
Here’s a look at three recent DRI winners in Westchester and how they’re using this funding to transform their downtowns.
OSSINING: IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC CLIMATE
In December 2021, the Village of Ossining was awarded a $10 million DRI grant and has launched its Downtown Strategic Investment Plan to advance Ossining’s revitalization efforts. Mayor Rika Levin has assembled a Local Planning Committee representing a variety of interests, including local elected officials, Village staff, community members, informed participants, representatives from the Departments of State and Homes and Community Renewal, Empire State Development, NYSERDA, and outside
consulting firms, to provide technical support to complete the plan. LPC members will meet to brainstorm ideas, provide direction to consultants, review planning products, and prioritize actions and projects.
“With our acclaimed schools, beautiful downtown, river views and close proximity to New York City, Ossining has long been recognized
as a great place to live in Westchester. We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will serve as a catalyst improve the physical, social, environmental, and economic climate of our downtown, and reaffirm Ossining as a wonderful place not only to build a life, but to build a business.” —Ossining Mayor Rika Levin
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
© Courtesy of the City of New Rochelle