Governor Hochul Announces 30 Transformational Projects in the Capital Region as Part of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs

Projects Announced in Lake George, Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville

Project Renderings Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 30 transformational projects for the Capital Region as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Thirteen projects were announced for Lake George, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; 11 projects were announced for Hoosick Falls, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and six projects were announced for Schuylerville, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

“Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, we are empowering local leaders, driving smart growth, and creating vibrant, resilient downtowns where people want to live, work, and visit. This is how we build a stronger New York — one community at a time,” Governor Hochul said. “These 30 transformative projects are a testament to our commitment to strengthening communities across the Capitol Region.”

Town/Village of Lake George

The Town and Village of Lake George’s vision focuses on improving the quality of life and sense of place for the Canada Street corridor and adjacent waterfront. The DRI projects will create a more vibrant and prosperous downtown, assist a growing population and enhance the “visitor experience.”

The 13 Lake George DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

  • Construct the Shepard Park Amphitheater ($1,500,000): Redesign and reconstruct the Shepard’s Park bandstand and amphitheater, restoring its status as a regional music and events destination. The scope includes necessary site-works, landscape accessibility improvements and facility upgrades such as performance space build-out, AV/lighting equipment and a designated basement storage space.
  • Winterize & Enhance The Lagoon and The Village Mall ($1,252,000): Upgrade, modernize and winterize the Village Mall including the Lagoon restaurant, by enclosing both ends and conducting extensive interior and facade renovation works. This would allow for year-round operation of 16 retail/commercial spaces.
  • Develop the Shepard's Park Lakewalk & Build an Accessible Observation Deck ($2,300,000): Enhance an underutilized portion of the public Shepard’s Park beach through urban and landscape design enhancements, improved stormwater management practices and accessibility improvements. Create an accessible observation atop the public bathroom.
  • Re-inter Historic Remains at the LG Battlefield Park ($519,000): Implement the commemorative project at the Lake George Battlefield State Park, which features columbaria, educational signage, plaza space and memorials related to the over 40 remains discovered on Courtland Street in 2019.
  • Improve Accessibility at Caldwell Library ($433,000): Construct a 350 sq. ft. rear addition to the Caldwell Library, aimed at improving accessibility through the installation of a lift and reconfiguring the interior layout to enhance circulation. Includes ADA-compliant bathroom renovations and the reorganization of spaces to facilitate better navigation.
  • Enhance Music/Entertainment Productions in the DRI Area ($600,000): Acquire specialized music, audio-visual and lighting equipment to enhance year-round entertainment, product capacity and programming within the DRI Area.
  • Accessibility, Efficiency and Aesthetic Upgrades at the Old County Courthouse ($450,000): Rehabilitate the Old County Courthouse through a series of interventions, including: building an accessible ramp near the main entrance, replacing and/or rehabilitating windows and lighting, interior museum casework upgrades and a sculptural bateaux addition on the front lawn.
  • Create a Lake George Art & Canoe Trail ($375,000): Design, siting and installation of 18 uniquely painted canoes and paddles, as well as three murals throughout the DRI area, showcasing and cultivating regional talent while beautifying the area.
  • Renovate & Expand 267 Canada into a Mixed-Use Building for Students & Hospitality Workers ($266,000): Revitalize a deteriorating property into a mixed-use building with an upgraded restaurant and ADA accessible patio space on the ground floor, five fully furnished student or workforce housing units on the 2nd floor and parking lot improvements.
  • Create a Downtown Heritage Wayfinding Project ($350,000): Install dual-sided wayfinding signs throughout the downtown to aid navigation, highlight local points of interest and promote Lake George’s history. The project also includes the design and installation of two new Gateway signs for the Town and Village.
  • Enhance South Canada’s Streetscape through Pedestrian Oriented Design ($780,000): Enhance South Canada’s streetscape by improving pedestrian amenities and increasing safety features, while connecting to the Town Gateway. Upgrades include expanding accessible sidewalks, new benches, intersection improvements, stormwater management and new LED streetlights.
  • Expand the DT Circulator Trolley & Enhance Bus Stops ($275,000): Install up to six new bus shelters with bike racks and reconfigure the downtown Lake George Circulator Trolley to improve service and connectivity for residents, tourists and the workforce.
  • Establish a Small Projects Fund for Winterization & Building Improvements ($600,000): Establish a locally managed matching small project fund to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects such as facade enhancements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces and winterization efforts.

Read the full press release here.