LPC Meeting #6
Thursday, October 24, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Elks Lodge
55 Main St, Tonawanda, NY 14150
$10M Towards Revitalization
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a comprehensive approach to boosting local economies by transforming communities into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work, and raise a family. In its seventh year, the program is investing $100 million across the state, or $10 million in each region. The downtown districts that receive the funding are chosen by each of the State's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs).
The City of Tonawanda is the DRI winner in the Western New York region and has been awarded $10M towards improvements that will help transform the downtown area. With technical assistance provided by the State and guidance from a Local Planning Committee and the public, the City of Tonawanda will develop a Strategic Investment Plan that identifies specific projects that align with a unique vision for revitalization of the downtown area. This website contains the information, documents, and announcements about the DRI as they become available throughout the process.
DRI Timeline
The Tonawanda DRI will involve an approximately six-month planning process beginning in late April/early May 2024 and concluding in late October/early November. The planning process involves Local Planning Committee meetings, public workshops and other local outreach activities, coordination with project sponsors, and development of the final Strategic Investment Plan (SIP).
News & Events
Click for more information about each meeting, including meeting materials and summaries.
LPC Meeting #5
Wednesday, September 25, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Senior Citizens Center
35 Main St, Tonawanda, NY 14150
LPC Meeting #4
Thursday, August 29, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Senior Citizens Center
35 Main St, Tonawanda, NY 14150
DRI Boundary
The Tonawanda DRI Boundary defines the downtown area that will be the focus of planning and investment. Projects awarded DRI funding must be located within the DRI boundary. Click here to see a larger PDF version of the map.
Projects
An Open Call for Projects was held between May 30 and July 12, 2024 during which time applicants submitted projects for DRI funding consideration. A total of 20 projects were received. The Tonawanda DRI Local Planning Committee (LPC) has reviewed and evaluated the projects and recommended 11 projects for funding from New York State.
The LPC also recommended creation of a Small Project Fund that would make smaller grants available to businesses through a separate application process. Eligible projects could include interior and exterior building renovations, additions, capital equipment, and public art. A 25% match is required. Interested applicants should fill out a Small Project Fund Interest Form.
The LPC recommended a total of $13.1 million in DRI funding requests. These projects were recommended for funding based on their potential to transform downtown Tonawanda. New York State will make the final decision on which projects will receive a share of the $9.7 million available through the Tonawanda DRI program. Award announcements will be made in spring 2025.
Projects Recommended for Funding
Click here for the full slideshow.
Documents & Resources
Tonawanda DRI Project Materials
Open Call for Projects
Small Project Interest Form (for smaller projects less than $75,000 in total project cost to be considered for grant funding from the City of Tonawanda)
Tonawanda DRI Vision and Goals
Open Call Information Session PowerPoint
Public Feedback Form Summary on Proposed Projects
Local Planning Committee (LPC) Meeting Materials
Public Workshop Materials
Stakeholder Interview Summary Report
Public Workshop #2 Project Boards
Public Workshop #2 Summary Notes
Public Workshop #1 Presentation
Public Workshop #1 Summary Notes
If you were not able to attend Public Workshop #1 in-person, you can provide feedback through the online exercises below:
DRI Resources
Community Resources
Partners
The DRI accomplishes its goals through a unique state-local partnership that includes the Local Planning Committee (LPC), state agency staff, and a consultant team. The LPC is led by two co-chairs, the Mayor of the City of Tonawanda, as well as a representative from the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community. The state agencies involved with the DRI process are the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS), Empire State Development (ESD), Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and the New York Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). The state agency staff ensures that the process and deliverables are consistent with the goals, priorities and requirements of the DRI program. In addition, the state agency staff, together with the consultants, provides 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.
The members of the Local Planning Committee include:
- Honorable John White, Mayor (Co-Chair)
- Paul Brown, WNY Regional Economic Development Council (Co-Chair)
- Marty Grunzweig, City of Tonawanda Local Development Corporation
- Skip Johnson, Historical Society of the Tonawandas
- Nhi Kha, Sativa Remedy
- Debbie Jaeger, Erie Heights Apartments
- Alice Roth, City of Tonawanda Planning Board
- Joan Horn, City of Tonawanda Board of Visual & Performing Arts
- Jeffrey Ross, Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas
- Mark Saltarelli, Tonawandas Gateway Harbor, Inc.
- Michelle Lockett, Niagara River Greenway Commission
- Suzanne Zuchlewski, Resident
The DRI is also supported by numerous community stakeholders, including members of the public, who contribute their time and feedback to identify community needs and priorities.
Contact Us
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