Village of Schoharie Awarded $10 Million NYS DRI Grant!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Village of Schoharie has been awarded the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant by New York State! SEEC is proud to assist the Village in submitting the application over the past three years for this 2025 win.
SEEC congratulates the Village of Schoharie on this achievement and extends its thanks to New York State for supporting this effort. This transformative funding will help revitalize our downtown area, boost the local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With projects like Fountain Head Plaza, Mainbridge Commons, and exciting new gathering spaces, the future of Schoharie is brighter than ever.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the application and shared their vision for our community’s growth! Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey of transformation. Follow along on the progress of the projects through SEEC updates.
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI):
The DRI aims to revitalize downtown areas into vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that enhance quality of life, attract redevelopment, and foster economic growth. The program provides $10 million in each New York Economic Development Region to support a range of improvements, including commercial building enhancements, flood-proofing measures, and façade upgrades. These efforts will preserve the integrity of historic districts and align with village-adopted design guidelines that emphasize architectural harmony and local culture. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.
“We’re breathing new life into our historic Mohawk Valley downtowns with investments that will make our communities brighter and more affordable,” Governor Hochul said. “By bringing ambitious developments to certified Pro-Housing Communities, we’re building a better future for residents and for generations to come.”
$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Schoharie
Nestled in the heart of the Schoharie Valley, Schoharie embraces its rich history, natural beauty and strong agricultural roots. The Village serves as a critical junction for resident services, a commercial corridor and welcoming trailhead for visitors. Its Main Street is comprised of traditional multi-story, mixed-use brick buildings that host a variety of uses and a community favorite — The Parrott House, a storied boutique hotel currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Cultural landmarks enrich the district, such as the DAR Lasell Hall and Presbyterian Church. Schoharie envisions becoming a vibrant and welcoming Village where tradition meets innovation, preserving its unique heritage while fostering sustainable growth. The Village’s commitment to environmental stewardship, local businesses and cultural enrichment will continue to make Schoharie a place where families thrive, visitors are inspired and future generations are proud to call home.
The Village of Schoharie’s application highlights several key projects:
Fountain Head Plaza: Transforming underutilized parking lots into a dynamic community space with green infrastructure and enhanced connectivity. This project aims to improve accessibility and support downtown businesses.
Mainbridge Commons: Developing a mixed-use center on Main Street to boost activity, increase sales tax revenue, and provide walkable shopping options.
Building Improvement Fund: Providing grants for commercial building flood-proofing, market-ready upgrades, and façade improvements while preserving historic district integrity.
Firehouse Park: Creating a green infrastructure park for recreational activities and stormwater management.
EV Charging Stations: Installing high-speed car charging stations with solar-paneled rooftops to promote renewable energy.
Crosswalks of Color: Enhancing pedestrian safety and streetscapes with vibrant, recycled glass crosswalk designs.
Village Branding and Marketing: Funding will enhance the village’s branding by developing a cohesive identity and creating high-quality content to attract visitors and residents, showcasing local attractions and positioning the village as a vibrant community.
Village of Schoharie Mayor Colleen M Henry said, “The Village of Schoharie is excited and thankful to be the recipient of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant. Our community understands the impact and importance of these monies bestowed upon us. This award assists in our goals of bringing affordable housing, enhancing our quality of life, and boosting our local economy. We are humbled by this award.”