Cohoes looks to transform downtown with new funds from state

COHOES, NY (NEWS10.com) – The city of Cohoes beat out other Capital Region communities, winning the New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The city was awarded $10 million dollars for 11 projects aimed at breathing new life into downtown Cohoes.

It’s easy to see on a beautiful Friday afternoon that Cohoes is open for business and having a resurgence, as the streets bustle with shoppers and restaurant goers. “I think the Governor’s office took note of that and found that we were worthy,” said Mayor Bill Keeler.

The $10 million dollar investment by the state is money the mayor believes will help put the Spindle City on the map. “This will allow us to continue attracting new restaurants and businesses and people that will make Cohoes a destination,” said Keeler.

Steve Napier the city’s director of community and economic development said, “I think this area will be transformed.”

The transformation starts with the historic Savings Bank on Remsen Street. “Opened my first passbook account and I think most people in the community remember the same thing,” Napier said.

The building has been sitting empty for years. Keeler explained, “This was a no brainer when we were talking about the DRI.”

It’ll be one of the biggest of the 11 project help rejuvenate the city as the population grows. $2.5 million dollars is slated toward turning the bones of the building into something the entire community can use, a new city library. “

“We are building a little new, while restoring what’s still existing and creating a better environment for people to call Cohoes home,” said state assembly member John McDonald, who once led the city as Mayor.

The other projects will include new residential units right in the heart of downtown, rehabbing old buildings and restaurant space, along with energy efficient upgrades inside the Cohoes Music Hall.

Napier said, “We are finally getting to this point where many generations of leaders have been trying to get this city to, for a long time.”

Mayor Keeler also told News10 the investments made by the state into some of the projects will also be matched by private sector investments by businesses looking for grow in the community.

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