The City of Elmira’s Department of Community Development will host two meetings to provide the public with an update on a Round 7 Downtown Revitalization Initiative application.
On July 26th , 2023, New York State Department of State announced $200 Million available through competitive applications for Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward. The City of Elmira is applying for funding and is hosting two public meetings to gain community input and update the public on the Southside Rising: Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
The City of Elmira was a successful applicant under Round One of this program and received $10 million dollars. Since that time, the program has been a major success throughout the state with a total of $700 million being funded to 69 communities. It is estimated that every dollar invested in the DRI generates $3 dollars in additional investments as the revitalization accelerates and projects are completed.
The City of Elmira completed a Brownfield Opportunity Area Grant funded by New York State Department of State in 2015, and the study explored revitalization opportunities and utilization of Southside brownfield sites. The Southside Rising study, will serve as a starting point for the City of Elmira’s submittal of a Round 7 DRI. A steering committee of local stakeholders has been established to guide the application and any award, if received by the state.
The focus areas, currently being discussed, include housing renovations and upgrades to support students and local residents, public health gaps through the creation of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), small business support, business façade/facilities upgrades, and neighborhood revitalization, including Brand Park redesign. Other projects that the community may believe could benefit the commercial corridor of Southside Elmira will
be discussed at the community meetings.
The meetings will take place at the Steele Memorial Library, 101 E Church St, August 22, 2023
from Noon- 1PM and Southside Community Center, 215 Partridge St, Elmira, NY 14904 from 6- 7PM.