NY awards $10 million for Johnson City development: What projects are planned

Johnson City has been awarded $10 million to fund 15 projects aiming to restore and preserve historical areas as well as create new housing in the village thanks to New York's Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

The $10 million comes as part of a $19 million package for the Southern Tier, which also includes six projects for the Village of Montour Falls, and nine projects for the Village of Waverly, which both received $4.5 million.

The Johnson City projects are designed to bring new life to the village's downtown area, with particular attention to rehabilitating historic buildings and pursuing mixed-income residential opportunities.

"New York is delivering vital support for New York’s downtowns, the lifeblood of our communities," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "This funding for the Southern Tier will help communities carry out their plans to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity in their downtowns to help the next generation of New Yorkers thrive."

Johnson City DRI project descriptions: What's planned

Here are the projects included in the DRI plan:

• $1 million for a new 72-apartment mixed-income apartment building at 333 Grand Ave.
• $500,000 for small projects such as individual building renovations and signage
• $1,215,000 for parks and public areas including art installations in Jenison Park, street art and the completion of EJ Theme Park
• $2,561,000 to improve pedestrian accessibility on downtown streets
• $1,150,000 to convert a former Main Street high school into a 62-apartment complex with future commercial opportunities
• $450,000 to renovate a mixed-use building at 214 Main St.
• $652,000 to redesign Willbrow Alley into a public area, which will include new lightning, art and landscaping
• $142,000 to replace the current HVAC system and complete renovations on the Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network of South Central New York, Inc.
• $250,000 to renovate 15 Ave. B which will include six apartments alongside commercial opportunities
• $750,000 to renovate the Helping Celebrate Abilities Building with a new roof, playground surface and parking surface
• $150,000 for renovations to 13,000-square-foot business facility at 135 Baldwin St. including interior upgrades, storefront and roof, among other upgrades
• $300,000 to expand breweries at the 135 Baldwin St. location, which will create higher production and a community participation element
• $100,000 for interior and exterior renovations at 254 Main St.
• $105,000 to renovate IBEW Local 10 non-profit building on Main Street, which will feature a new storefront, lightning and doors, among other improvements
• $375,000 for interior and exterior renovations to 20 Willow St., which will function as a mixed-use building

What is the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)?

The DRI was created in 2016, with the goal of transforming downtown areas in every county in New York.

Through the first seven rounds of the DRI, New York has given $800 million in funding for over 80 downtown areas, with Johnson City being selected in the sixth round.

According to acting New York Secretary of State Brendan Hughes, the funding will help downtown areas thrive.

“These 30 projects, focusing on factors like walkability, additional housing, enhanced streetscapes and transforming old buildings into vibrant mixed-use establishments, are the perfect combination for revitalizing any downtown," Hughes said.