'We're getting closer': Ogdensburg officials will look at all options for future DRI applications

Yahoo

20-05-2025

May 19—OGDENSBURG — If the City of Ogdensburg decides to submit an application for the next round of the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding, it will take a look at all of its options and decide whether the Marina District will be the focus once again.
The DRI program, in its eighth round of funding after launching in 2016, recently awarded $10 million to Malone. An amount of $10 million is awarded to one community in each of the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions. The northern communities of Plattsburgh, Watertown, Saranac Lake, Potsdam, Massena, Tupper Lake, Ticonderoga and Lowville have been DRI recipients.
Ogdensburg has once again missed out on the funding.
Mayor Michael Tooley said that he felt that the river community had presented a compelling and strong argument for the $10 million in funding.
"We were certainly disappointed. We thought, in talking with staff, that it was our strongest application to date," Tooley said. "In terms of presentation, in terms of depth of presentation and with over 150 letters of support from community businesses and citizens we were optimistic that we had a shot. We certainly congratulate Malone on its award and trust that the money will go to good use."
The city's most recent application focused on the Marina District, which city officials admit is a "non-traditional" location for funds seeking to improve and rehabilitate downtowns.
Projects included 7 Brown St. which would transform a vacant building into a neighborhood eatery with outdoor seating and gathering spaces, as well as the former Ramada Inn at 119 West River St. with the project transforming the former hotel into a resort, spa and retail center.
Other smaller projects include renovations to the Richard G. Lockwood Civic Center, park improvements as well as investments in public infrastructure.
"We feel we're getting closer," said the mayor. "We still feel that we can be a strong candidate."
If the city decides to submit another DRI application, Tooley feels that a volunteer committee, formed in 2024, should be used again to assist with the application process. The committee helped the city receive more than 150 letters of support that was submitted with the DRI application.
"I thought that was very important. Some interesting things about that committee, it was a 15-person committee, but about half of the members had been citizens for less than five years. It showed that people coming into the area were interested in the city and they brought a fresh outlook I would say," said Tooley, "I thought that was very valuable in the work that they did."
City Manager Fonda Chronis said if the city decides to apply for DRI funding in the next round it would not be the same application as submitted previously and changes would have to be made.
"It's highly competitive and you never know who your competition will be year to year but the key are the projects. The private projects. The investment. The state wants to see private dollars being leveraged against their investment," Chronis said.
The city will need to make sure developers are still interested in participating and potentially adding either developers or projects into the mix, according to the city manager.
"The more private sector proposals you have out there, the stronger your application is," Chronis said.
Chronis contends that the Marina District is a viable candidate for the DRI funding. However, everything will be looked at.
"The question is, what is next best option for us and right now I would argue that it's that Marina District area but we also have to step back and say OK, we did something that was a bit non-traditional. I think we got good feedback on it and we just have to decide if that's the direction we go in. If I was set in stone, I think that would be a mistake. We want to look at all of our options," Chronis said.
The city is still waiting to hear word on funding from Empire State Development (ESD) through its Restore NY program that would allow two projects to move forward with demolition, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Restore NY program "provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties" and encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures.
At 119-135 West River St., At the Docks LLC is seeking $3.5 million in Restore NY funds for its $10,000,000 project that would "rehabilitate, reconstruct an abandoned waterfront hotel property consisting of an old abandoned hotel and two historic stone buildings that have been vacant for over 16 years, transforming the property into a vibrant destination that offers unique accommodations, dining, and recreational experiences for visitors and residents alike," according to a letter to the city from At the Docks principal owners Christoper R. and Michael P. Frary.
William Hosmer, managing member of Small City Brewing Company, LLC, has requested $935,000 for its $1,039,453 project at 110 Lake St.
"Small City Brewing Company (SCBC) will revive a 4400 sqft vacant building to manufacture craft beers in Ogdensburg's Marina District, an economically distressed and former brownfield opportunity area, one of the City's main focuses of local revitalization," wrote Hosmer, "The building will include a commercial grade brewing system and kitchen as well as a tasting room and additional space for private events. The outdoor space will consist of a patio with large tables, firepits, lawn games, landscaping and charming outdoor lighting. SCBC also plans to wholesale to North Country restaurants and bars."