Village of Newark Named $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Winner

Senator Helming congratulates the Village of Newark on being awarded $10 million from the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative! Read the official announcement here.

Senator Pam Helming said, "Congratulations to the Village of Newark, Mayor Taylor, and all those whose commitment and hard work has resulted in today's announcement. This investment will help accelerate downtown's revitalization, support economic growth, and advance the transformative progress made in Newark over the last several years. It is my honor to be a partner to the village in this effort and I thank Governor Hochul and state agencies for their partnership as well. This is a great day for the families who live here, the businesses that grow here, the tourists who travel here, and all those who love the Village of Newark and keep it moving forward."

Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor said, "We are so excited that the Village of Newark has been selected as winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. With this $10 million investment, we will continue to capitalize on our proximity to the Erie Canal and add to the vibrancy of our village. I'm so grateful for the members of our community to help make this announcement possible, and to Governor Hochul for believing in Newark. I can't wait to work with the many stakeholders in our village to develop a list of projects to help further revitalize Newark."

Downtown Newark is a compact, walkable, well-defined, and concentrated area that the village aims to make the heartbeat of a lively, world-class village and the cultural and commercial center of the Finger Lakes region with the Erie Canal serving as the village's center of commerce. With multiple, large anchor institutions and ongoing job growth, Newark has seen nearly $220 million invested in the village in the last 10 years. A robust public engagement process led the village to identify needs for infill mixed-use development, more housing for workforce and seniors, and new space for indoor recreation and wellness with a focus on utilizing space along the Erie Canal. 

Newark will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. Local planning committees made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners.

Watch Senator Helming's remarks at the December 2 press conference here on Facebook.