NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR $13 MILLION DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE MIXED-USE HOUSING PROJECT IN HAVERSTRAW

 

61-Unit Mixed-Use Development to Transform Formerly Blighted Site in Downtown Haverstraw 

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the groundbreaking of the $13 million Village Square mixed-use housing project, a key piece of the Village of Haverstraw’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). This project, which received $1.67 million in DRI funds, will turn a blighted site in the Village into a 5-story mixed-use building with 61 residential units, a café and community space. 

“This groundbreaking marks an important step in Haverstraw’s continued transformation, turning a previously underutilized site into a welcoming place for people to live, work and spend time in the heart of the Village,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New York is supporting Haverstraw’s vision for a more connected, accessible and vibrant downtown, while creating new opportunities for investment and growth. Projects like this show what is possible when State resources and local priorities come together to strengthen communities.” 

This project, as well as the other projects funded by the DRI, are part of Haverstraw’s dedication to enhancing walkability and connectivity to the waterfront and public places; increasing arts and cultural amenities; and expanding business and housing opportunities. By improving the overall experience of both its downtown and waterfront, the Village is supporting locally led indicatives to rejuvenate existing businesses, encouraging new investment and increasing activity in the downtown area. 

In addition to the mixed-use development, the following DRI projects are also being funded by the DRI in Haverstraw: 

• Extend Public Trail and Stabilize Shoreline to Support Reuse of the Chair Factory Site: Construct a 3,000 linear foot walkway and stabilize shoreline with riprap and native plantings around the former Chair Factory site to support future mixed-use and mixed-income development. 

• Establish a Downtown Façade Restoration Fund: Establish a downtown façade restoration fund to preserve and restore commercial and mixed-use buildings downtown. 

• Enhance the Village's Outdoor Recreation Area: Construct two new public full-court basketball courts next to the Haverstraw Center to integrate into the surrounding park and outdoor recreation area. 

• Establish and Implement a Branding, Marketing and Wayfinding Initiative: Establish and implement a branding and marketing initiative with wayfinding signage to help support locally owned businesses, boost tourism, enhance placemaking and encourage walkability. 

• Create Educational Opportunities Through Installation of Harriet Tubman Statue: Install a permanent Harriet Tubman statue, improve accessibility and enhance landscaping at the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park. 

• Enhance Main Street Through Installation of Four Murals: Create at least four murals in downtown Haverstraw. 

• Expand the Haverstraw Brick Museum: Expansion includes restoring an 1880’s basement and adding space focusing on education, innovation and research. 

• Activate the Main Street Pocket Park: Develop a plaza with outdoor seating, tables and public gathering space to create a more active community space and provide visual improvements to the existing park. 

The Village of Haverstraw was named the Mid-Hudson Region’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the fifth round in 2022. Other DRI winners in the region include Middletown, Kingston, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Ossining, Port Jervis, White Plains, Poughkeepsie and Yonkers. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Haverstraw’s continued revitalization reflects the power of strategic state investment to unlock new housing, support local businesses and create stronger downtowns. Village Square will transform a long-underutilized property into new homes, commercial space and community amenities, building on the Village’s momentum and helping create a more vibrant, connected and economically resilient downtown.”   

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

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. Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State.