ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The winners of the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the NY Forward have been announced. The winning localities are apart of a policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential, known as the Pro-Housing Communities Program.

The village of Catskill will get $10 million in funding as the winners of the eighth round of DRI. The town and village of Greenwich along with the village of Athens will each get $4.5 million as a part of the third round of NY Forward.

Catskill plans to expand downtown offering and create an even more vibrant, active community. Infrastructure improvements to new housing and historic renovations are a part of potential DRI projects being plans to create new cultural and commercial spaces, furthering the creative and economic revitalization along this corridor.

Greenwich aims to bring a vibrant, sustainable downtown corridor that will be the heart of the community and a regional destination. It will build on the area’s historical character and strong community to evolve into a walkable, connected area with commercial, residential, and recreational opportunities along the Route 29 and Main Street corridor.

Athens has previously worked to make downtown more walkable, welcoming, and climate adaptive, but the community’s vision is to remain welcome for families and community. It will upgrade Second Street at the heart of downtown by increasing foot traffic to local businesses and supporting art and culture. There will also be increased river access, increased choice of residences, homes, and apartments that will be accessible and affordable.

“Investing in the revitalization of our downtowns is important and through these investments we are making them more vibrant destinations for families and visitors, while helping businesses thrive and succeed,” Governor Hochul said. “Communities across the Capital Region will benefit from these investments while also creating a reimagined landscape that includes more housing and opportunities for everyone thanks to our Pro-Housing initiative.”

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