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For Immediate Release: 5/15/2025
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GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
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GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES 22 TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS IN THE NORTH COUNTRY AS PART OF DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE AND NY FORWARD PROGRAMS
Projects Announced in Lowville, Canton and Alexandria Bay
Project Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 22 transformational projects in the North Country as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Ten projects were announced for Lowville, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; five projects were announced for Canton, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and seven projects were announced for Alexandria Bay, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.
“Our North Country communities embody strength, resilience and a spirit of determination — that’s why I’m investing in 22 transformation projects that give every resident and business the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Governor Hochul said. “Our towns and villages are the foundation of what makes New York special, and we’re giving them the tools they need to better their communities as a whole.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “When we invest in our downtowns, we’re investing in the heart of our communities. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re not just funding projects – we’re fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that spur economic growth, enhance quality of life for residents and preserve the unique character of each municipality and region. These signature programs exemplify our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker, in every corner of our State, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Village of Lowville
As the “urban heart” of Lewis County, the Village of Lowville seeks to preserve and enhance its small-town, rural charm, while diversifying and expanding its economic base in ways consistent with its unique character. The Village’s DRI projects are focused on transforming its downtown into a more vibrant neighborhood through private and public sector project opportunities that will achieve its vision for the downtown. Lowville’s investments will build on its past and ongoing efforts to make the downtown a regional center for business and culture, drawing on its position as the “intersection corridor of the Thousand Islands, the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack Mountains.”
The 10 Lowville DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:
- Improve Access and Parking at Veteran’s Memorial Park Creating a Safe and Inviting Space ($2,848,000): Reconfigure the parking lot at Veteran’s Memorial Park to create a welcoming gateway, improving access and increasing pedestrian safety. Key features include an improved entrance from State Street, curb bump-outs, upgraded sidewalks, green infrastructure for stormwater management, and new street trees. A formal monument sign will mark the park entrance, while parking improvements on Parkway Drive will optimize access and aesthetics.
- Revitalize State Street to Enhance Safety, Accessibility, and Aesthetics in Downtown Lowville ($1,711,000): Enhance safety, accessibility and aesthetics through the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, curb bump-outs, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons, street tree plantings and green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and beautify the area.
- Renovate the Stevens Block to Create Market Rate Apartments at 7623 N State Street ($1,558,000): Renovate an abandoned space at 7623 N State Street, creating market-rate residential units on the upper floors, with comprehensive upgrades including a new vestibule, stairwell, energy-efficient systems and exterior improvements.
- Restore the Historic Keller Red Building to Create a Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential Space ($1,193,000): Preserve a historic downtown building by renovating its second and third stories into commercial and residential spaces, establishing a professional office space, enhancing meeting capabilities for Naturally Lewis, and upgrading the building’s structural, mechanical, and safety systems.
- Rehabilitate the Historic Masonic Temple into an Efficient Community Hub ($776,000): Rehabilitate the historic National Register-listed Masonic Temple building in downtown Lowville, enhancing its role as a center for historical preservation, education, and cultural activities while modernizing its facilities for energy efficiency to serve the community and promote heritage tourism.
- Establish a Small Project Fund to Enhance Downtown Lowville ($400,000): The Small Project Fund will support smaller projects in downtown Lowville with improvements such as facade restoration and improvement, interior renovation, signage, public art, and business assistance.
- Develop a Downtown Branding and Wayfinding Strategy to Enhance Lowville’s Identity ($358,000): Revitalize its downtown area through a comprehensive initiative that includes a branding and marketing strategy, a wayfinding signage system, and interpretive elements that highlight local history.
- Reimagine Veteran’s Park to create Community Space with Modern Amenities and Enhanced Accessibility ($320,000): Upgrade Veteran’s Park with improvements that aim to create a vibrant and accessible community space.
- Restore the Historic Town Hall Theater into a Community Asset ($294,000): Restore a historic building to its original state while modernizing its functionality, including facade restoration, window replacement, interior renovations, stage construction, and technological upgrades to create a versatile cultural center for the community.
- Reopen 5423 Shady Avenue to Create a Mixed-Use Building ($242,000): Renovate the second floor into a functional law office, restoring the building’s integrity, while transforming the long-vacant third floor into safe, and affordable mid to long-term housing.