Lowville is embarking on an exciting process!
As it takes part in the DRI process, the Village is going to be developing a community vision, goals, strategies, and a series of catalytic projects that can help to bring new vibrancy, create jobs, and attract new development to downtown. Details about the New York State DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) process are included on this page.
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Process:
01. Public engagement.
Transparent, open, and ongoing public engagement is a critical component of the DRI planning process. Public engagement will occur throughout the process to ensure that the community is informed and empowered to contribute ideas, identify challenges and opportunities, provide feedback on potential projects, and help to shape the future of downtown. Notices of public meetings, events, and other opportunities to be involved in the process will be posted on this website and publicized through the Village’s resources and various media channels. All are encouraged to check back regularly for updates on the process as it progresses.
02. Development of a Community Vision, Goals, and Revitalization Strategies.
The Lowville Local Planning Committee (LPC) will develop a vision statement, along with corresponding goals and strategies to guide decision-making about future development and investment in the DRI area. The vision statement is intended to be ambitious and illustrative of the communities needs and desires, which will be advanced through strategic investments and implementation of projects identified and vetted through the DRI process.
03. Identification and Development of Priority Projects.
Projects will be identified through a variety of means during the DRI process, such as through an Open Call for Projects, which will be announced and publicized during the process. Projects identified and submitted through this process should be oriented toward achieving the community’s vision and goals for the future. The LPC, along with state and local partners and the consultant team, will work to develop and refine these proposed projects, with the goal of prioritizing investments toward key projects that can have positive catalytic and transformative impacts on the community, and that can drive further investment and change in downtown Lowville.
04. DRI Final Product – the Strategic Investment Plan.
The Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) will provide a detailed profile and assessment of Lowville’s DRI area, and will contain a series of project profiles and key data. This plan will be written by the consultant team, with LPC, state, and local team input in advance of its submission to the State. The projects included in the final SIP will be evaluated by state agencies for alignment with state and local goals, project readiness, cost effectiveness, ability to create catalytic change, and ability to spur new investment and create secondary benefits for Lowville.
05. Implementation.
Projects from the DRI Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) will be selected for funding, and the Governor will make an announcement regarding funded projects. State staff will work with project sponsors to execute project agreements and manage contracts to project completion.
the lowville dri boundary
As part of the DRI process, each community clearly identifies the boundary of the downtown area where it proposes to focus its planning efforts. DRI boundaries are required to define concentrated, well-defined, walkable areas with catalytic potential for the community. In Lowville, the DRI boundary extends from just North of Monument Lane, down State Street to approximately Campbell Street on the South, encompassing much of the State Street frontage, as well as portions of Davenport Place, Trinity Avenue, Shady Avenue, Dayan Street, and Stowe Street.
*This boundary is subject to change following the first meeting of the Lowville DRI Local Planning Committee.
Planning process timeline
Below is the Lowville DRI Planning Process and Timeline provided by New York State.
the local planning committee (LPC)
As the steering body of the process, the LPC will meet regularly to brainstorm ideas, provide direction to the consultant team, review planning products, discuss community engagement efforts, evaluate potential projects, and prioritize actions. LPC membership consists of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community, while the State staff ensure that the process and deliverables are consistent with the goals, priorities, and requirements of the funding programs. The full list of Lowville’s LPC members is included below.
Dan Salmon, Co-Chair
Michele Ledoux, Co-Chair
Casandra Buell
Jerry Cayer
Rebecca Dunckel-King
Jaylyn Heames
Meghann Hellinger
Lara Meda
Jake Monnat
Jonathan Miller
Tom Spaulding
Cheyenne Steria
The LPC is anticipated to meet monthly, beginning in May of 2024. All LPC meetings are open to the public and will provide opportunity for public comment. Meetings will be publicized through the Town’s resources and various media channels including this website. Please check back for updates.
Your participation is important to making sure that the Lowville Downtown Revitalization Initiative is as successful as it can be!
Get updates on the Lowville DRI
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