Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry Get Money To Boost Economies

NEW YORK — Three municipalities are getting multi-million dollar state awards to use toward boosting their downtown areas and local economies.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week that Poughkeepsie is getting $10 million via the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Meanwhile, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry are each receiving $4.5 million through the NY Forward program, she said.

“We are changing the game for these communities by supporting affordable housing, local businesses, and sustainable infrastructure,” Hochul said.

Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said past recipients have seen economic growth and better quality of life for residents.

“In this latest round of funding, Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry will now have the opportunity to hand select projects for funding that will make the changes in their downtowns that their residents need,” Mosley said.

Poughkeepsie officials said the money can go toward development projects, such as streetscape improvements, facade renovations and more.

Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said the funding will help accelerate the revitalization of the city’s downtown area.

“We are truly grateful for this opportunity and excited about the new partnerships it will help create,” she said.

Nyack officials said the community plans to use its $4.5 million award for investments in business growth, affordable housing and improved access to the waterfront.

Nyack Mayor Joseph Rand said he is grateful for the state’s commitment to economic growth statewide, including in small villages.

“This revitalization grant of $4.5 million is historically transformative, and will make Nyack a better place to live, to work, and to visit,” Rand said.

Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo said the grant will allow his community to jumpstart its efforts to have a more vibrant downtown.

According to Rossillo, its application included several projects which the grant could support, such as bringing the Pickwick Theater back into public use as a performance space; upgrading parks, public spaces and sidewalks between the Dobbs Ferry Metro-North station and downtown; and upgrading pedestrian thoroughfares and public spaces, lighting and outdoor art.

In the coming months, the village will seek public input to refine the list and scope of projects to fund and pursue, according to Rossillo.