New York Department of State, Office of Planning and Development
HR&A has been at the forefront of New York State’s downtown transformation strategy since the Downtown Revitalization Initiative launched. Across seven DRI rounds and two NY Forward rounds, we’ve led Strategic Investment Plans for 14 communities—from dense urban neighborhoods like Downtown Brooklyn and Jamaica to upstate cities like Jamestown and Central Islip—unlocking over $130 million in state investment and identifying 150+ projects positioned to leverage $300 million in additional funding.
Both DRI and NY Forward transform downtown areas throughout the state to improve quality of life, attract businesses and jobs, and promote economic and housing diversity. HR&A worked with state partners and Local Planning Committees composed of government, business, and civic leaders to identify revitalization opportunities in each community. In New York City, our work spans Jamaica, Bronx Civic Center, Downtown Brooklyn, Downtown Staten Island, Chinatown, East Harlem, the Garment District, Downtown Far Rockaway, Long Island City, and Hudson Square. Across New York State, we led planning for Plattsburgh, Jamestown, Central Islip, and Troy. The 150+ projects recommended through our Strategic Investment Plans represent diverse approaches to downtown revitalization tailored to each community’s unique assets and challenges.
HR&A led comprehensive planning processes reviewing prior local plans, analyzing physical, demographic, economic, and market conditions, and collaborating with local committees to identify visions and revitalization strategies. We developed evaluative criteria considering project impact, feasibility, and costs to screen preliminary project lists. Our teams estimated costs, evaluated funding options, and proposed phasing and implementation strategies guiding project selection for state funding.
Working with local engagement partners, HR&A managed extensive participatory processes in each community including five to eight planning meetings, multiple public events, and online and on-the-ground surveys gathering feedback and gauging public support. This collaborative approach ensured Strategic Investment Plans reflected both technical analysis and community priorities. For each downtown, HR&A developed plans serving as formal applications for DRI or NY Forward funds, framing projects within core revitalization strategies and identifying implementation approaches including local entities responsible for execution. Each plan included downtown profiles detailing past and current investments while identifying opportunities for future catalytic investment rooted in local conditions and assets.
Our Strategic Investment Plans identified transformative projects across multiple sectors.Â
- In Hudson Square, recommendations included creation of a new public park and expansion of another, enhanced pedestrian spaces, an interactive public art walk collaborating with local businesses, restoration of the historic New York City Fire Museum, and improvements for neighborhood cultural institutions.Â
- In Long Island City, priorities included new inland public spaces, beautification and placemaking enhancements, development of community facilities including a public library and community center, and creation of affordable studio and exhibition space for local artists and makers.
- East Harlem investments focused on expanded accessible healthcare, a hospitality-focused workforce development center, increased community center facilities, improvements to community gardens, installation of murals, and construction of a new community theater.Â
- The Garment District plan emphasized public realm investments in lighting and pedestrian spaces, funding for scaling small garment businesses and equipment, and support for a fashion business incubator and coworking space.Â
- Far Rockaway priorities included public space enhancements for outdoor events, development of childcare and healthcare facilities, branding initiatives, and creation of the Rockaway Music, Arts & Cultural Center as an epicenter for arts and culture.
- Chinatown improvements addressed beautification and accessibility at Park Row, establishment of a cultural welcome center, creation of a fund to upgrade aging buildings, and expansion of a community-driven street lantern program.Â
- Downtown Troy recommendations included a riverfront public plaza at One Monument Square, affordable housing revitalization, northern extension of the Riverwalk trail, and reinvestment in the historic Troy Music Hall.
- Downtown Staten Island projects featured a Center for Innovation and VR/AR lab at the College of Staten Island, restoration of St. George Theatre, and improved branding and wayfinding.
- Downtown Brooklyn focused on safe pedestrian crossings and attractive streetscapes connecting the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Cultural District.Â
- Central Islip prioritized transformation of Central Islip Recreation Village with a new community park and improvements to recreation and senior centers.Â
- The Bronx Civic Center plan included streetscape and façade enhancements, a fund converting vacant upper-floor space into offices and community facilities, and a new artist and maker hub.
- Jamaica investments created an enhanced gateway plaza and supported local job growth through a 10,000-square-foot coworking space for professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Jamestown received gap financing for a 140-key hotel and brewery revitalizing vacant properties near the National Comedy Center, plus streetscape improvements drawing visitors downtown.Â
Plattsburgh focused on development readiness at linchpin sites supporting community-serving uses including open space, retail, and residential.
