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Welcome City of Cortland Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) - - PDF document
Welcome City of Cortland Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) - - PDF document
Welcome City of Cortland Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Public Meeting November 2, 2017 Please Sign In DRI Overview / DRI Partners Now in its second year, Governor Cuomos Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), is
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A Local Planning Committee (LPC) will work with the consulting team, state planners, and key municipal representatives to guide and direct the establishment of a community-based vision for revitalizing downtown and the development of a Strategic Investment Plan. Strategic investment plans will examine local assets and opportunities, and identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community’s vision for the downtown, that are poised for implementation, and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s $10 million investment. Plans will be complete in early 2018.
DRI Process
DRI Process
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Project Schedule
October 19th Local Planning Committee Meeting 1 November 16th Local Planning Committee Meeting 2 November 30th Local Planning Committee Meeting 3 January 18th Local Planning Committee Meeting 4 February 15th Local Planning Committee Meeting 5 November 2nd Public Meeting December 14th Public Meeting 2 February 1st Public Meeting 3
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Vision Statement
Please Leave Your Comments
To develop the downtown into a thriving economic and cultural center for Cortland County, building upon three key strategies:
- Expand the arts, music, sports and
recreation based creative economy;
- Build a complete downtown
neighborhood which includes housing for all demographics, retail shopping, job availability, access to everyday goods and services, and attractive public spaces; and
- Update infrastructure that integrates
technology and sustainability to address 21st Century needs
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Needs and Opportunities
- What are the City’s most valuable
assets – and how can they be leveraged to achieve the downtown vision?
- What challenges are preventing the
City from progressing towards its downtown vision?
- Are there any additional projects/
strategies that should be targeted through the DRI Process?
Please Leave Your Comments
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Project Map and Eligibility
The following project types are eligible for funding under the DRI:
- Public improvements
- New development and rehabilitation of existing structures
- Revolving loan and grant funds
Ineligible project types include the following:
- Planning activities
- Staff costs
- Training expenses
- Program expenses
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
One Main Street Mixed Use Development Harold Block Mixed Use Redevelopment 37-39 Port Watson Mixed Use Development
Potential Transformative Projects
One Main Street is located at the “gateway” into the Downtown, across the street from the Gateway Block Redevelopment Area. A unique, two-story, 1920s Art Moderne building, it has long been covered with an unattractive false façade that has become a bane of Downtown. Removing this façade, and restoring the historic terra cotta that lies beneath has long been a goal of the City. The current owners are proposing to undertake this important façade renovation, and redevelop the long vacant second floor offices into two residential units. With long, strip windows overlooking the historic buildings
- n this intersection, and the proximity to McNeil Insurance, the new living
units at 1 Main are destined to be a premier residential location. The historic Harold Block is prominently located at the corner of Main Street and Port Watson Street. This building is at one of the busiest intersections in the City. It is located diagonally from the City’s iconic clock tower building, across from the Cortland Standard building, and it completes three of the four corners with historic brick buildings. The building has retail on the first floor. The former student housing on the upper floors will be converted to high-end market rate housing. The space will expand from 6 units to 9 units, and will have energy efficient upgrades, as well as include air conditioning and handicap accessibility. The building at this location is one of the first buildings seen as you enter the downtown from the Port Watson gateway. It is a brick building that is in dire need of a façade upgrade. With retail on the bottom floor, and living space on the second floor, it is an ideal location for market rate apartments that are close to the downtown without being right on Main Street. This project includes exterior Façade improvements as well as renovation and remodeling of 9 apartments. Also discussed is the installation of an elevator to make the building handicap accessible. Total Cost: $750,000 Total Cost: $1,100,000 Total Cost: $950,000 DRI Investment: $225,000 DRI Investment: $330,000 DRI Investment: $285,000
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
Fiorentini Block Mixed Use Development Terrace at 100 Main - Rooftop Dining and Residential Renovation Project
This building at 22 Main Street is a three-story historic brick building that has retail on the first floor. The owners of this landmark building in the Downtown have proposed a resi- dential development of 8 new and renovated market rate apartments. This location on Main Street is ideal for shops and restaurants, and gives tenants an ideal opportunity to take advantage of all that the City Cortland has to offer. The owners of 96 -104 Main Street are successful restaurateurs, with five eateries in the greater Cortland Area. They are proposing to install a new elevator that will service all three buildings and create a unique rooftop dining area to support their cluster of three restaurant/pubs at this block of Main Street. With expansive views of Main Street, the majestic County Courthouse, and the hills of Cortland beyond, this project will create a unique dining experience in the area. The residential portion of this project involves the creation of one 1,600 square-foot market rate apartment. Additional investment will include accessibility improvements, exterior renovations, and elevator access. Total Cost: $1,430,000 Total Cost: $1,000,000 DRI Investment: $429,000 DRI Investment: $300,000
Cortland Beer Company Expansion
Now in it’s 7th year
- f
- peration,
Cortland Beer Company has seen tremendous growth at its original downtown location. The facility has produced craft beer under its NYS Farm Brewery License, with locally grown ingredients, since
- 2010. Beer production includes over a dozen year-round styles and a mixture
- f one-of-a-kind limited brews. The tasting room offers numerous beers on
tap at all times and has become a local attraction and destination for beer en-thusiast near and far. Production levels also accommodate a canning line and keg sales to meet the growing on premise and distribution needs. New this year, the facility now includes a distillery, producing vodka, whiskey, moonshine, gin and apple brandy. Having outgrown its current location in the Downtown, Cortland Beer Company has begun to explore its options for
- expansion. Partnering with NY State and the City of Cortland, an opportunity
exists through the DRI to allow for the expansion of Cortland Beer Company to meet growing point of sale and distribution market demands, while remaining in the Downtown. There are feasible options in the Downtown for both infill development, as well as adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure, to accommodate the expansion project. If selected as a DRI winning community, Cortland Beer Company’s expansion would
- ffer
an exciting private investment
- pportunity for an additional partner into the multi-million dollar expansion.
Total Cost: $2,500,000 DRI Investment: $550,000
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
Luxury Student Housing
Although this project is not proposed for DRI funding, it does relate to the other investments that are occurring on this block, and is included herein to provide
- context. SUNY Cortland is coordinating with a developer to construct a luxury
student housing development along Groton Avenue over the northern end
- f the existing parking lot. The first floor will provide retail and commercial
- ffice space. The project will achieve a minimum “Gold” LEED certification. The
project reestablishes the Groton Avenue streetscape that has been lost due to fire and demolition. Although an important investment in the Downtown, the project does not require DRI investment. Part of the “Gateway” into Downtown Cortland, the Luxury Student Housing is one of four inter-related projects that will transform this section of the downtown. Total Cost: $20,000,000 DRI Investment: None
Flagship Hotel
A major factor in the continuing redevelopment of Downtown Cortland will be the construction of a new Downtown flagship hotel to accommodate visitors to the college, local sporting events, the hospital, and the general community who desire to be close to downtown during their stay. The hotel will be constructed on Main Street, replacing a non-conforming one-story
- structure. The project will also encompass a portion of the City-owned Groton
Avenue Parking lot, consistent with the City’s goals to better utilize land in the
- downtown. Currently, two lowbudget hotels serve the Downtown. The project
will upgrade downtown’s overnight accommodation offerings, create jobs, and bring even more people into the district. The hotel will include limited meeting/conference facilities for small meetings. This new development will account for more than $4.5 million in private investment, create 45 new jobs, and support existing downtown businesses. The City will work with the private developer to ensure the building meets a minimum “Gold” LEED rating. Part of the “Gateway” into Downtown Cortland, the Flagship hotel is one of four inter-related projects that will transform this section of Downtown. Total Cost: $6,500,000 DRI Investment: $2,000,000
Local Food Market Expansion
The Local Food Market is a City success story. Opening several years ago on the north side of Downtown, the natural food store has quickly become a staple of community living. The Whole Heart Café, located within the market, is a popular spot for healthy dining. Due to its success, the Local Food Market is proposing an expansion project that will create additional, needed parking, and construction of an attached greenhouse for on-site, year round production
- f vegetables. This will strengthen Downtown’s position as a center for locally
grown, healthy eating options. Total Cost: $500,000 DRI Investment: $200,000
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
Downtown Pocket Park and Playground Parking Structure Northeast Gateway and Clinton Avenue Corridor Enhancement Initiative
Public input during the DRI development process indicated a desire among the public to provide quality
- pen spaces for families within the downtown. The
City has selected a City owned space located between the Groton Avenue Parking Lot and Main Street, and adjacent to the proposed infill hotel, for a new pocket
- park. Surrounded on three sides by structures, the
park will provide a shaded respite from the bustle of downtown and a protected area for families and children to gather and relax. The park will include landscaping, a water feature, seating, and a small playground suitable for toddlers and young, school aged children. The aforementioned hotel, luxury student housing project, and pocket park, will result in the loss of a substantial number of surface parking spaces in the City’s primary parking lot. They will also create new parking demand of approximately 200 spaces. To support the new development, the City will construct a parking structure over the remaining land of the Groton Avenue Parking Lot. The new ramp will connect directly to the hotel and the new housing complex. Together, these four projects will intensify the land use in this quadrant of downtown and spur future high-end investment. This initiative advances one of the major goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is a keystone in transforming Cortland’s image. The goal of the project is to improve the poor first impression created by the City’s gateway at Exit 11, off I-81, and create a stronger connectivity between this highway commercial area, the historic Downtown and SUNY Cortland. The contemporary design concepts are meant to showcase Cortland as a progressive 21st Century destination. Phase 1, funded with a Transportation Enhancement Program grant, involves streetscape improvements focused
- n the Exit 11 area and the Clinton/River/Pomeroy intersection at the
Tioughnioga River. Phase 2 is a Complete Street with green infrastructure that includes the reconstruction of Clinton Avenue, to Downtown, with bike lanes, vegetated medians, and energy-efficient streetlights, along with sustainable storm water management techniques such as new trees, permeable pavement, and bio-retention basins. The City has leveraged more than $6 million in grants and loans of the estimated $10 to $12 million cost of the project from sources such as EFC, the Green Innovation Grant Program, the Transportation Enhancement Program, LWRP , and CDBG public infrastructure funds. The City is currently pursuing additional funding through the Climate Smart Program and is investigating the use of a TIF district to complete the
- project. The project will physically transform the entrance to the City and the
Downtown, provide connectivity between commercial nodes, and further the City’s strong commitment to sustainability and resiliency. Complete concept plans can be found at www.cortland.org/success. Total Cost: $200,000 Total Cost: $2,250,000 Total Cost: $12,000,000 DRI Investment: $150,000 DRI Investment: $1,500,000 DRI Investment: $2,000,000
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
Hybrid Wayfinding and Info System High Speed Downtown WIFI Alternative Energy Grant Program
Total Cost: $195,000 Total Cost: $60,000 Total Cost: $400,000 DRI Investment: $155,000 DRI Investment: $30,000 DRI Investment: $200,000 A unique, hybrid signage and digital wayfinding and information system that will coordinate with a City-wide Ped/Bike wayfinding system being developed by the Seven Valleys Health Coalition. The kiosks will provide digital mapping/directions and information on the Downtown, along with a voice feature for the visually impaired and electronic device charging stations. A state of the art downtown WIFI system via the installation of ten (10) Meraki Mx84 Units tied to the existing fiber optic cable network. With a previously unattainable speed of 2.5Gig (up and down) this network will provide the highest speed WIFI in New York State. An alternative energy grant fund to further the goal of making Downtown Cortland a leader in sustainable energy production, generating a greater percentage of energy from renewable sources than any other downtown in New York. A $200,000 fund is proposed to provide incentive grants up to $10,000 per building (20 buildings) for installation of rooftop solar and/or wind energy. The program will leverage existing NYSERDA funding as well as leverage private resources. While not proposed for funding under the DRI, the City is also exploring the potential of generating geo-thermal energy under City parking lots for a shared Downtown Geo-Thermal heating/cooling system.
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Main Street Infrastructure and Streetscaping
Total Cost: $125,000 Total Cost: $2,500,000 DRI Investment: $50,000 DRI Investment: $1,500,000 Installation of four Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to support the next generation of vehicles. Cortland has had a one-way Main Street for the past 50 years. As part of its overall strategy to re-think and re-imagine City transportation networks, the City commissioned a detailed study
- n the feasibility and impacts of redesigning the Main Street
transportation network. This study was completed in early 2017 and focused on the traffic and economic impacts of changing traffic patterns. Although City leaders are still working with downtown stakeholders to determine the best implementation approach, the City is cognizant that downtown accessibility needs to be addressed and that the downtown streetscape should be re-imagined. To position the downtown transportation infrastructure more in line with the recently completed Ped-Bike plan, the City is proposing a $2.5 million transportation and streetscape project that will implement components of the Main Street transportation study and Ped-Bike Plan. The overarching goal of the project is to increase traffic safety and accessibility to the downtown in order to support the vast array of commercial
- fferings along Main Street, while at the same time, promoting
walking and biking as an alternate transportation option and further beautifying the downtown.
Smart Street Lighting
Total Cost: $250,000 DRI Investment: $175,000 Retrofitting existing street lighting with PoE powered and controlled LED street lighting. This will reduce energy costs while providing greater control
- f downtown lighting, including dimming and color control.
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
The Blue Mug-Recording Studio, Live Venue, and Mixed Use Development Spiegle Wilcox Performing Arts Venue Downtown Movie Theater Project
Nationally-known recording artist Chris Merkley, www.chrismerkely.com, is proposing to relocate his Old Boy Records recording label and recording studio, www.oldboyrecords.com, into the heart of downtown. The mixed- use project will transform 77 Main Street, a vacant, historic building into a recording studio and six new apartments. A well known figure in the national music scene, he is purchasing a foreclosed Downtown building
- nce housing a Jazz Club in order to relocate and expand his recording
- studio. The proposed Blue Mug Recording Studio is a highly anticipated
and multi-faceted project that includes a multi-use and multi-media recording studio and live music venue. It will utilize an open floor design and moveable sound-isolation panels that can be arranged in different
- configurations. The space can be set up to accommodate a variety of A/V
recording scenarios while functioning as a live music venue capable of capturing hi-fi multi-track audio and HD multi-cam video. The project also includes renovation of two upper floors to accommodate six units
- f new market rate housing. The new housing units will be marketed to
musicians, but available to all. This project will significantly strengthen Downtown Cortland as the epicenter of the local music scene. This $1.4 million downtown performance venue will be located in the historic Courthouse Park. The project is partially funded by a private donor in the name of Spiegle Wilcox, a nationally renowned jazz trombonist from Cortland, and will provide a state of the art performance venue. Its location in the park will conservatively accommodate 2,000 attendees. The new venue will provide for the expansion of existing events such as the Arts and Wine Festival, the Pumpkin Festival, the Thursday Music in the Park Series, and the Friday Main Street Music Series, all of which draw tens of thousands
- f visitors to the downtown each summer. As part of the Cortland Arts
Connection, SUNY Cortland has also committed to exploring the use of this new venue for its annual Spring Fling Concert. With recent performances by national touring artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, O.A.R., and The Frey, reimaging of Cortland’s Spring Fling into a town and gown type event is a key strategy to enhance the cultural offerings that attract up-and- coming generations. The City of Cortland has been exploring the concept of a downtown movie theatre with a national movie theatre chain. Introducing a movie theatre into the downtown will provide another arts and cultural anchor in the urban core and increase downtown visitation to support complimentary eateries, boutiques, and social venues. The project has been validated by overwhelming support highlighted through the DRI’s community engagement and outreach efforts. Further, the movie theatre project fills an entertainment sales void that was identified in the recently completed Downtown Market Analysis. With an anticipated $2.6 million budget, the project could leverage the use of existing city
- wned surface parking for new infill development or contemplate the acquisition
and adaptive reuse of targeted underutilized or blighted properties of interest. Total Cost: $675,000 Total Cost: $1,400,000 Total Cost: $2,600,000 DRI Investment: $202,500 DRI Investment: $200,000 DRI Investment: $600,000
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Credit: Christine J. Shanks, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Tompkins Cortland Community College, christineshanks.com; Anthony Smith, ashopsmith.com; Crystal Lyon, livingillusionstudio.com
Arts Alley 1890 House Museum - Carriage House Renovation
Cortland Repertory Theater (CRT) is located on Port Watson Street, around the corner from Cortland’s “Restaurant District.” In order to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the presence of CRT, a greater connectivity between these two areas must be created. The City is proposing to transform a dark, littered, unused alleyway into a unique urban environment to provide this connectivity in an unexpected way. To be designed by local artists, the “Arts Alley” will be an eclectic space with decorative paving, wall murals, creative lighting, and suspended artist installations. It is envisioned that the space will become an attraction in its own right. Located at the main southern entrance to Downtown, this grand limestone mansion, built by successful industrialist Chester F . Wickwire, is a symbol of the grandeur of the Victorian and Gilded ages in Cortland. The 1890 House Museum is proposing to renovate its 4,000 square foot Carriage House and Grounds for use as a public venue space, in collaboration with the Cortland Arts Connection. Renovation of the Carriage House and Grounds will allow the facility to expand to accommodate spring, summer, and fall events such as theater and music, family and community events, weddings, farmer’s and craft markets, and other museum
- events. The $1.5 million project will include a new roof, new floors,
window and door repair, foundation and wall repair, handicapped accessibility renovations, new sidewalks, and complete façade
- restoration. The 1890 House Museum is an iconic fixture in the
downtown, and these renovations will not only preserve the historic structure, but will maximize the Museum’s cultural and entertainment contribution to the City’s urban core. Total Cost: $250,000 Total Cost: $1,500,000 DRI Investment: $200,000 DRI Investment: $450,000
Potential Transformative Projects
HOUSING/HOSPITALITY/MIXED-USE ARTS/CULTURE/CREATIVE ECONOMY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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FAQs
Context FAQs
How did communities get selected for participation in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative? The ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) solicited interest in the program from communities in each of their regions. Interested communities submitted applications using a template provided by the state. The REDCs reviewed the applications against a list of desired attributes outlined in the DRI Two Guide Book and heard presentations from representatives of the most promising DRI applications. The REDCs then nominated one downtown in their region best positioned to take advantage of the DRI. What other support is available for New York State’s downtowns? Communities interested in downtown revitalization may apply for funding from other eligible state programs that promote revitalization. Examples include the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program at the Department of State, Restore NY at Empire State Development, and the New York Main Street program at the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. State funding initiatives included in the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) provide priority consideration to projects and proposals which demonstrate they will advance downtown revitalization through transformative housing, economic development, transportation and community projects that will attract and retain residents, visitors and businesses. Is the DRI focused on business development in the downtown? Providing a catalyst for business development is an important aspect of DRI, but also important are other activities that will help the community reach its untapped potential. That means that DRI funding can support downtown revitalization through transformative housing, economic development, transportation and community projects that will attract and retain residents, visitors and businesses. May the DRI boundary proposed in the application be modified?
- Yes. The DRI boundary proposed in the application was an initial determination of where a community
wanted to focus its revitalization efforts. As the selected DRI municipality goes through the planning process, it may be determined that the initial boundary should be modified to address local issues
- r to capitalize on opportunities outside of the original boundary. The resulting DRI area, however,
should be generally consistent with the area proposed in the DRI application and continue to follow the guidelines of a compact and well-defined area.
Roles FAQs
Who prepares the DRI Strategic Investment Plan for each DRI community? Development of a DRI Strategic Investment Plan is a collaborative and open process that builds on the community’s vision for downtown revitalization, the projects identified in the DRI application and
- ther local planning efforts. A Local Planning Committee (LPC) will lead the Downtown Revitalization
Initiative in each community, assisted by state planners from the NYS Department of State, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and a consulting team hired by the state. Consultants will work with the LPC and state planners to develop and execute a public outreach plan that informs, educates, and engages members of the local community in the process of developing the plan. How is a Local Planning Committee formed? The LPCs are made up of local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives. Each LPC is led by two co-chairs consisting of the local elected official (or his or her designee) and a member of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). LPC membership will be determined by the State of New York in consultation with local leadership.
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FAQs
Roles FAQs
What is the role of the Local Planning Committee? The Local Planning Committee (LPC) will work with the consulting team, state planners, and key municipal representatives to:
- Create a profile of the downtown.
- Refine the vision that was included in the community’s DRI application.
- Develop strategies and identify methods to achieve the downtown vision.
- Select projects key to overall downtown revitalization.
- Develop and adopt a Downtown Revitalization Initiative Strategic Investment Plan.
- Engage the public in the planning process.
LPC members will attend a variety of meetings at which they will be asked to brainstorm ideas, provide direction to consultants, review planning products, and prioritize actions. The LPC may form work groups to provide an opportunity for some members to dig deeper into an issue, sometimes with the help of non-committee members, such as local business persons, labor specialists, academic experts, and neighborhood activists. Work groups provide an opportunity for brainstorming, for building a sense of community spirit and buy-in of the plan, and allow for better time management at LPC meetings. Work groups could be developed around any topic, such as developing a public engagement strategy, business development, identification of projects and actions, and implementation of the plan. LPC members will vote on the final DRI Strategic Investment Plan, and will also weigh in on various components of the plan, such as the selection of key projects. They will also be asked to agree to a Code of Conduct as a reminder that they must always act in the public interest in their role as LPC members. What is the role of the state planners? A planner from the Department of State (DOS) will be assigned to each LPC and will manage the consulting team assigned to the LPC. The planner will assist the consultants and LPC in meeting preparation, as well as preparation and review of DRI documents. When needed, the DOS planner will facilitate assistance from other state agencies. A planner from Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) will provide additional expertise to the planning process and will assist the DOS planner as needed in review of deliverables submitted by consulting
- firms. The HCR representative will bring to the planning process their knowledge of the community
and their expertise in housing development, CDBG, and HCR grants and programs. What is the role of municipal staff from the DRI communities? Municipal staff from the DRI community will provide local assistance to the consultants and state planners when local resources or expertise are needed. Municipal staff may assist with meeting logistics, will help identify municipal programs and resources that can be leveraged to advance the DRI planning process, and will act as local point of contact for public engagement. What is the role of the public? Public engagement is a key component of the DRI planning process. Consultant teams and state planners will seek input from all stakeholders in the community including municipal government, key employers and institutions, residents, business owners, stakeholder groups and organizations, and the general public. The objective will be to ensure that all stakeholders have ample opportunity to know and understand the DRI process and its intended outcomes; to comment on the study as it progresses; to feel their concerns and ideas have been heard; and to contribute to building a consensus about the vision for the Downtown and other outcomes, culminating in a locally supported DRI Strategic Investment Plan. A transparent and open planning process is fundamental to the success of the DRI effort, and all LPC meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are encouraged to attend LPC meetings and to contribute ideas, comments, and questions at the appropriate time.
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FAQs
Process FAQs
Who is the primary driver of the planning process? The DRI is a collaborative program that includes key partners, including the Local Planning Committee, state agency staff, and a consultant team. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community, while the state agency staff will ensure that the process and deliverables are consistent with the goals, priorities and requirements of the Initiative. In addition, the state planning team, together with the consultants, will provide the necessary expertise, guidance, and technical assistance to develop a strategic investment plan that will achieve the vision and goals for revitalization of the downtown as approved by the LPC. How will the LPC meetings be scheduled? There is no prescribed meeting schedule for the LPC. The LPC members, working with the consultants and state planners, will determine the most appropriate meeting schedule to achieve the goals/ milestones identified to be able to deliver a final DRI Strategic Investment Plan in the spring of 2018. However, it is anticipated that the LPC will meet at least monthly throughout the process. LPC meetings should be held at the best time to accommodate LPC members – whether during the day
- r evening. The public is welcome to attend no matter when the meetings are scheduled.
Must LPC meetings be open to the public, and if so, how will notice be provided? LPC meetings must be open to the public; notice to the community should be given as it would any
- ther public meeting – through local newspapers, municipal websites, and flyers at key locations
throughout the DRI municipality. In addition, meeting notices for all LPC meetings are posted on the state DRI website at: http://www.ny.gov/dri. Scheduled LPC meetings should be held in person at regular intervals. Conference calls may be used for matters that require immediate LPC attention or for working groups/committees if they are formed. Will the public be able to participate in LPC meetings? The extent that the public will be able to actively participate in a meeting will depend on the purpose and structure of the meeting. In general, meetings will fall into three categories: Open House – These sessions will be largely conducted by consultants for the purpose of educating the public and getting the public’s reactions to information and ideas. LPC members may also be present. LPC Meeting – These sessions are working meetings conducted by the LPC co-chairs for the purpose
- f discussion among the LPC members and presentations on scheduled topics. At the discretion of the
LPC, meeting agendas may include time for public comment or other engagement exercises. Workshop – These sessions will be held to solicit ideas from the public, and comments
- n
various planning
- topics. These public engagement workshops are intended to be very interactive, with participation by
both the public and LPC members. Will there be other ways to participate if I can’t attend the open houses, meetings, or events? Program guidelines emphasize the importance of public engagement. In addition to open houses, meetings, and workshops, outreach should include an interactive web presence and focus groups or interviews with selected stakeholder groups. Additional activities may include but are not limited to charrettes, surveys, information booths, and storefront information centers. Each DRI municipality has an individual page for posting meeting materials, draft products, surveys, etc. DRI municipalities may also use their own websites for posting DRI information, providing links to the State DRI website. How will LPCs make decisions? The LPC decision-making process will be left up to the discretion of each individual LPC. With public input, LPCs will help to determine the vision, goals, objectives, strategies, and projects for the DRI
- municipality. As a team, each consultant and state planner will work with their respective LPC to
establish a process for decision making – whether by consensus or voting.
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FAQs
Process FAQs
How many public engagement events will be required, and will they need to address specific plan components? A minimum of three public meetings are required. However, LPCs are encouraged to work with the consultant and state planning teams to creatively and consistently engage the public throughout the planning process beyond the three meetings. To this end, the consultant team will draft a public engagement strategy that specifies the level, type, format, and purpose
- f
engagement most appropriate for the specific community. Once approved by all parties, this strategy will be used to as a guide for community engagement in the DRI. Public engagement events will be designed to address specific topics appropriate to different stages of the planning process. What milestone dates have been established for project deliverables? The final DRI Strategic Investment Plan must be completed in March of 2018. We are in the process
- f identifying appropriate interim milestones to ensure project components are completed in time to
meet the plan target date. What website resources will be available for each DRI municipality? The state has developed a DRI project website: https://www.ny.gov/dri which provides general program information and includes a webpage with information and announcements for each
- f
the ten downtowns selected to participate in the DRI. Information posted on the website includes DRI applications, maps
- f each of the downtowns, planning committee lists, meeting and event notices, presentations and
- ther products developed for the DRIs, and other relevant and useful information.
What is the scope of work for the consultant teams? Each team of consultants will provide the expertise and technical services required to complete a detailed and actionable DRI Strategic Investment Plan to achieve revitalization of each of the downtowns. These services will fall into the following basic tasks:
- Coordinate the Local Planning Committee
- Create and Implement a Community Engagement Strategy
- Prepare Downtown Profile and Assessment
- Develop Downtown Vision, Goals and Strategies
- Develop Detailed Priority Project Profiles
- Propose Performance Indicators/Metrics
- Complete the Final DRI Strategic Investment Plan
Will the planning effort revolve just around major projects and their impact? The DRI planning effort will include a robust public planning process that will confirm the community vision and develop goals, strategies, and projects to implement those strategies. Projects will include both large- and small-scale projects as well as a variety of initiatives and programs for achieving identified strategies.
DRI Strategic Investment Plan FAQs
Must the DRI Strategic Investment Plan include descriptions of previously completed planning efforts
- r just reference those efforts when necessary?
The Strategic Investment Plan should include short descriptions of recently completed planning efforts and reference other planning initiatives as necessary to provide adequate context. To the extent that existing plans or strategies have already been developed for a particular downtown, the consultants will build on, rather than replicate, such plans. Will timelines or project phases need to be estimated? Project profiles in the DRI Strategic Investment Plan will include a general timeframe and phasing for implementation with milestones and deliverables, with immediate next steps expressed in number of months. If precise dates are not available, provision of a general timeframe with milestones will be acceptable.
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FAQs
DRI Strategic Investment Plan FAQs
Will an assessment of possible funding sources need to be provided for each proposed project? An assessment of possible funding sources should be undertaken for projects recommended in the DRI Strategic Investment Plan. Both public and private sources of potential funding for each project should be identified in the plan, including but not limited to funds through New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), other state funds, private capital, and other potential funding sources. Will a local match be required for DRI-funded projects? There is no local match requirement for DRI-funded projects. However, while DRI funding may be used to cover the entire cost of project, leveraging of investment dollars from other sources (i.e., private, local, federal, or other state sources) is strongly encouraged. What kind of projects may be recommended in the DRI Strategic Investment Plans? DRI Strategic Investment Plans are expected to include an extensive list of projects that may be implemented with a variety of public and private resources, including but not limited to the DRI
- allocation. Recommended projects may range in cost and scale from small improvements to large-
scale construction projects, from local programs and zoning updates to major infrastructure projects. The following types of projects are anticipated:
- Public Improvements. For example, broadband and other communications connectivity, water
supply, wastewater, storm water, green infrastructure, streetscape improvements, transportation, recreational trails, parking, signage, open space improvements, and access and trail connections.
- New Development and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures. For example, development or
redevelopment of real property including pre-development or pre-construction activities, new construction, infill development, demolition in support of new development, and environmental review.
- Revolving Loan and Grant Funds. For example, grants or loans for activities such as façade
improvements, minor residential improvements, sidewalk improvements, public art and public realm improvements, physical improvement to existing and/or vacant commercial space, e.g. tenant fit-up, and other similar activities. A local/regional entity with the capacity to maintain such a fund is however critical and therefore a loan/fund may not be approved in every community.
- Branding and Marketing. For example, branding and marketing of the downtown to the public,
including residents, investors, developers, tourists, and visitors. As the goal of the DRI is complete catalytic project, branding and marketing projects should be limited, extremely targeted and not support ongoing operations or permanent staff salaries except under very limited circumstances. Are DRI funds limited to capital projects, such as infrastructure, or can DRI funding be used for projects such as promotion or marketing of the downtown, rezoning, or establishment of local policies? DRI funds are not restricted to capital projects. However, the vast majority of projects should transform the physical infrastructure of the community in ways that will benefit current residents and future
- generations. It is expected that a variety of economic development, transportation, housing, and
community projects will be identified for funding. Where necessary and under limited circumstances, downtown marketing, rezoning, and development of local policies may all be considered as potential projects for DRI funding in support of the vision and needs of the community. Are there any types of projects that are ineligible for DRI funding? DRI funds are intended to make a transformational impact on the downtown. Most, but not all those funds support improvements to the physical environment. However, there are some project types that would not be considered eligible for DRI funds. Those project types are:
- Planning activities. Projects need to be implementable action items. Utilizing DRI funds for
additional planning is not the goal of the program.
- Staff costs. This includes costs for implementation of DRI. Any cost increase that takes away from
a transformative project must be avoided.
- Training expenses. Training expenses are not viewed as transformative projects in the second
round of DRI.
- Program expenses. DRI was not intended to supplement existing programs.
While these types of projects may be worthy of investment, those program types are not the intent of the DRI. Under extremely limited circumstances the above expenses may be approved for funding however LPC members will need to engage the consultants and state planners early in the process to ensure the DRI area’s success is contingent upon an extremely targeted and strategic expense similar to the ones above. Even in this scenario it may be determined local or other resources are more appropriate.
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FAQs
Are the projects that will be funded limited to the projects proposed in a community’s DRI application? Communities that applied to the DRI were asked to describe a range of transformative projects that could become part of the community’s DRI Strategic Investment Plan to demonstrate that the community is ready to move forward with thoughtful and catalytic projects that will benefit a growing downtown. However, the application form notes that all projects submitted in the DRI applications will be further vetted by both the community and the state during the plan development process. The planning process, including community engagement, will result in a list of major projects that may include both projects included in the initial proposal and others that were not on the immediate radar of the official submitting the DRI application. What level of detail and justification must appear in the revitalization plan for DRI funded projects? For each project proposed for DRI funding, a detailed profile is required that presents the project in the context of the overall revitalization plan, and describes the relationship of the project to other priority
- projects. Sufficient information should be presented to provide a clear path forward to implementation,
including but not limited to a project rendering, map, estimated cost, required permits, timeframe, project partners, and potential funding sources. The profile shall describe the catalytic impact of the project and including estimates for job creation and retention, where relevant.
Implementation FAQs
How will progress toward implementation of the DRI plans be made available to the public? It is anticipated that the state’s DRI website will continue to serve as a source of information for the
- Initiative. Final DRI Strategic Investment Plans will be posted and updates will be provided on DRI-