Port Jervis Projects Poised for Approval
Fourteen proposed projects for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will be considered for submission to the state at a meeting on Nov. 2.
Highest evaluations were given to three projects proposed for the $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative awarded to Port Jervis, as determined by DRI Local Planning Committee (LPC) members, comprised of 16 local residents, guided by state representatives. Initially, 33 project proposals were submitted, and 14 are now being considered for submission to state officials for final approval
Expansion of recreational and leisure amenities in Riverside Park was one enthusiasm magnet. The $5 million project, for which the city is requesting $4 million from the state, would add a new pavilion, an “all-inclusive” playground, six pickleball courts, a basketball court, skatepark, mini-golf course, adult fitness area, paved walking trail, new benches and tables, river access capacity and a 100-vehicle parking lot.
The project composition, said Mayor Kelly Decker, “came from public input, including Rotary and Outdoor Clubs, and then myself and the city engineer and was reviewed by the recreation director and committee for any input.”
Port Jervis Outdoor Club president Michael Ward said he is “wholly in favor,” but regretted having to make cost cuts on the original plan.
Also highly rated is a proposed railroad crossing at Fourth and Fowler Streets. The railroad separates the park from downtown. The crossing, a $350,000 project, for which the city seeks $300,000, would link the two realms with a designated place to cross and, with fencing, discourage illegal crossings that have resulted in tragedy in the past. Previous crossing plans that lingered for years unrealized included a bridge.
Renovation efforts for 22 Jersey Avenue, owned by Ann Rogers and Paul Fox, also generated enthusiasm. Rogers, an artist and craftswoman, and Fox, who makes custom designed motorcycles, have been working on renovating the wedge-shaped four story building for more than five years to provide studio, retail and event space.
They requested $534,140 out of an estimated cost of $1,890,840 for first and second floor improvements, including open artist studios, a teaching studio for children’s and adults’ art classes, an art gallery, retail space, café, co-working space and event space. Funds will also pay for initial renovation work for artist lofts for living and working on the third and fourth floors.
Those three and eleven other projects with good but not as high ratings will also likely be sent to state officials for final evaluation for funding. The LPC rated the projects on six measures:
- Meeting state, local and Regional Economic Development Council goals
- Readiness of plans, site, regulatory criteria and other funding
- “Catalytic effect:” transformative influence on downtown, including attracting investment and benefitting areas beyond downtown.
- “Co-benefits:” Improving quality of life, community cohesion and diversity; potential to attract regional visitors, revenue, economic activity and jobs.
- “Cost effectiveness:” Providing budget information that reflects need for and efficient use of DRI funds and ability to leverage other funds.
- Public support.
The other 11 projects received high or medium ratings in each category, except one project. Converting the third floor of 123 Pike St. to co-working space received low public support and cost effectiveness ratings, requesting $400,000 from the state for its $585,000 cost.
Asked about the demonstrated need for co-working space, Mayor Kelly Decker said, “That is really, to my knowledge, the only project that might have some discussion. The LPC will ask questions on other shared space locations the company has.”
The LPC will have their final meeting on Nov. 2 and decide which projects are sent to the state.
"It looks like all the projects that are left right now will most likely
be approved,” Decker said.
These are the other ten projects:
Jersey Avenue streetscape enhancement from Fowler to Owen Streets includes sidewalk replacement, trees, lighting and ADA access, at a cost of $2,077,000, requesting $1,657,000 from the state. With high public support, its cost effectiveness and co-benefits ratings were only medium.
The 103 Jersey Ave. plan for a 26-unit apartment building for $9,200,000, with $2 million in state money, will probably also be recommended to the state. The LPC gave it high ratings for meeting state and local goals and project readiness, medium ratings on other categories.
Also likely to move forward is the plan to renovate 11 Sussex St. for mixed use, with studio apartments on second and third floors, commercial space on the first floor, for $375,000, with $300,000 DRI money. The proposal received medium ratings in all six categories.
The Fox and Hare Brewing Company building project, in the likely to progress group, received medium ratings in five categories, a high rating for meeting state and local goals, with an estimated cost of $709,984 and a DRI request for $634,479. Owners propose to renovate the second and third floors for apartments and commercial use, replace the 2,700 square foot roof, add a solar array and emergency natural gas generator, install a fire escape and make other improvements.
Cory Puopolo and Martin McDonough’s plans to demolish 29 Front St. and replace it with a seven story building, with ground floor commercial space and 28 apartments above, is also headed for state consideration. It received three high ratings and three medium ratings for co-benefits, cost effectiveness and public support. They requested $2 million for the $5 million project.
A $400,000 city marketing, branding and wayfinding project with walking tour app, digital display board at the Promenade and outdoor furniture received a medium public support rating but high ratings in the five other categories. The $350,000 DRI funds request is headed for state appraisal.
A $230,000 plan to renovate 32 Ball St. for Hometown Health of Port Jervis, requesting $113,000, received half high and half medium ratings.
A DRI request for $275,0000 to fund a $350,000 plan to renovate 1800 square feet at 13 Fowler St. to create two low income apartments, one and two bedrooms, with solar panels and other energy-saving features, received five medium ratings and one high for project readiness.
A $491,000 project to enhance visitor experience at Erie Yard Heritage Center, including new train rail, sidewalks, walkways. ADA accessible ramps. fencing and drainage system, received high ratings for state and local goals and catalytic effect, medium ratings on the four other measures. The DRI request is for $392,800.
A $630,000 small project fund received high ratings in all six categories. It would fund “small downtown projects such as façade improvements, physical improvements to spaces, upper story enhancements and permanent equipment acquisition,” as described by William Brady and his cohorts representing the state in the DRI process. The fund would be run by the city, and the DRI request is for $600,000.
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