This week on Monday, August 11th, New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited the “Downtown Revitalization Initiative” (DRI) in Middletown, Upstate New York, funded by the state government, and toured local businesses. One of the businesses, a bakery called “Mister Croissant,” expressed surprise and delight at the governor’s visit.
The governor stated that the $10 million DRI project in Middletown has been a tremendous success, serving as a “model” for revitalization efforts.
“This is a targeted investment and a shining example of how partnerships between government and the community can revitalize downtown areas,” Hochul said.
She added in her statement, “These initiatives will collectively advance the shared goals of New York State and Middletown to create a truly vibrant, year-round open downtown as an economic, civic, and cultural epicenter for the community.”
DRI is an economic development program by the New York State government aimed at transforming downtown communities into vibrant centers, providing high-quality living, attracting redevelopment, business ventures, creating job opportunities, and fostering economic and housing diversity.
The state government believes that these compact, walkable downtowns across the state are key elements in rebuilding the economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also being essential for achieving New York State’s ambitious climate goals through promoting public transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Middletown in the Hudson Valley region received $10 million in funding through the DRI program. Over the past decade, they have utilized this funding for urban construction and redevelopment, as well as investing in community enterprises.
Projects include transforming a vacant lot into Erie Way Park, which now features a skate park, community pavilion, and green spaces; repurposing the abandoned Woolworth Building on North Street into a commercial property with retail spaces and two restaurants; upgrading James Street, Henry Street, and the Court Parking Lot and green spaces, as well as improvements to North Street, South Street, East Main Street, West Main Street, Fulton Street, and Canal Street to enhance foot traffic in the downtown area.
The state government also allocated $1 million to Middletown for the completion of the “Facade and Signage Improvement Program,” which included 17 projects.
During the inspection on the 11th, the governor visited “Mister Croissant,” a bakery located in the downtown area.
“The arrival of Governor Hochul has been a pleasant surprise for us, greatly boosting the morale of our team,” said bakery owner Rakesh Nayak.
Nayak shared with NTD News, “As soon as she walked in, she said, ‘Your bakery is quite popular, even in our office.’ This clearly demonstrates the popularity of our bread and coffee brand.”
The governor also asked Nayak why he chose Middletown, to which the bakery owner responded, “Because Middletown is developing rapidly, offering many opportunities, and I saw a demand for a bakery cafe, making it the best time and place to open one.”
Nayak revealed that he has already applied to the mayor to open a second deli.
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano, while celebrating the completion of this revitalization project with the governor, highly praised the governor for assisting in the city’s “transformation journey.” Additionally, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus stated that Middletown has proven its ability to accomplish this work, setting an example for other towns in the Hudson Valley.