State approves 17 projects for Catskill and Athens

GREENE COUNTY―Last spring, the villages of Athens and Catskill were awarded a combined $14.5 million to revitalize their downtowns as part of two state economic development programs. Now, they can finally start spending the money.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that 17 transformational projects―seven through Athens’ $4.5 million NY Forward award and ten from Catskill’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award―have been approved for funding.

"Our future is bright and beautifully planned,” said Catskill Village President Natasha Law.

“By combining increased recreation and services with a deep commitment to small business support, walkability, and housing, this DRI slate ensures Catskill remains a destination to live, work, and play,” added Law.

The 10 Catskill DRI projects include:

- Activate Live Performances at the Community Theater at 373 Main Street ($525,000): Finish the second phase of improvements at the historic Community Theater at 373 Main Street to fully support live performances and community events. The project will build out back-of-house spaces, upgrade audience amenities and modernize building systems so the theater can operate as a year-round regional arts and entertainment venue.

- Catskill's Advancement for New Downtown Opportunities (CANDO) Small Project Fund ($570,000): Create the CANDO Fund to provide grants for small-scale building improvements and business investments within the Catskill DRI area. The project supports façade and interior renovations, upper-floor activation, equipment purchases and building system upgrades that strengthen downtown’s commercial and mixed-use fabric.

- Convert 104 Water Street to Mixed-use Creative Space and Art Studios ($455,000): Convert the long-vacant industrial building at 104 Water Street into a mixed-use creative hub anchored by Cone Zero Ceramics, with studios, classrooms, and flexible arts space. The project activates a waterfront property with cultural programming, education, and small business activity that support Catskill’s growing creative economy.

- Develop an ADA-Accessible Small Craft Launch on West Main Street ($186,000): Create an ADA-accessible small craft launch and improved public access point on Catskill Creek next to Catskill High School. The project will provide a safe, formalized entry to the water for kayaks and other small craft and invite more residents and visitors to enjoy the creek.

- Enhance the Village Streetscape Along Main Street and West Bridge Street ($2,373,000): Improve Main Street and Black Bridge with new sidewalks, lighting, trees, crosswalks, and public amenities to create a safer, more accessible, and attractive corridor for residents and visitors. The project strengthens the village’s main commercial corridor and better connects downtown businesses, community spaces, and the Catskill Creek.

- Transform Bridge Street Theatre at 44 West Bridge Street ($1,588,000): Renovate and upgrade facilities at Bridge Street Theatre at 44 West Bridge Street to better accommodate performances, arts education, and community events. The project modernizes both indoor and outdoor areas to strengthen Catskill’s role as a regional arts destination.

- Activate the Village of Catskill with a New Wayfinding and Signage System ($432,000): Install a coordinated wayfinding and signage system throughout downtown Catskill to help residents and visitors easily locate Main Street, Catskill Creek, parks, historic sites, and cultural destinations. The project reinforces Catskill’s local culture and encourages people to explore local businesses and attractions.

- Renovate 455 Main Street to Facilitate Expanded Services by the MHA of Columbia Greene Counties ($1,102,000): Rehabilitate and reconfigure the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties’ building at 455 Main Street to improve youth clubhouse, family services, community space, and supportive housing. The project enhances a critical downtown hub for counseling, advocacy, and recovery services serving local youth, families, and residents.

- Develop Mixed-use Workforce Housing and Commercial Space at 506 Main Street ($1,000,000): Transform the Village-owned “Park for Paws” site at 506 Main Street into a mixed-use development with income-restricted apartments and ground-floor commercial space for local businesses and artists. The project delivers new affordable and workforce housing on Catskill Creek while activating the street with neighborhood-serving retail.

- Renovate the Historic Catskill Public Library at 1 Franklin Street ($1,469,000): Renovate and modernize the historic Catskill Public Library at 1 Franklin Street to address accessibility, safety, building system, and program space expansion needs while preserving its architectural character. The project upgrades interior and exterior spaces to better support contemporary library services, community programs, and year-round public use.

Both Catskill and Athens established Local Planning Committees― comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and Department of State staff―to gather public input and identify, develop and evaluate proposed projects. The committees then recommended a final slate of projects that were reviewed by a multi-agency State team.

Awards do not necessarily cover the entire cost of each project, all of which are funded on a reimbursement basis―meaning property owners must first front the capital.

“So many great sponsors submitted for inclusion in our strategic investment plan,” said Athens Mayor Amy Serrago.

“The final slate will be truly transformative to the village and help to further the growth we’ve already seen in recent years,” Serrago said.

The seven Athens NY Forward projects include:

- Develop a Public Garden and Restaurant along the Hudson River ($550,000): Transform a long-vacant riverfront property into a vibrant destination anchored by a public garden and a flood-resilient restaurant and bar, fostering a dynamic space for cultural, ecological, and community engagement along the Hudson River.

- Create a Hudson River Access Hub in Riverfront Park ($870,000): Transform Riverfront Park into a comprehensive "river access hub" featuring expanded docking for additional boats, relocated ADA-compliant kayak launch with storage, stamped concrete walkways, and integrated ferry/water taxi facilities to centralize waterfront access and boost downtown economic activity.

- Expand the Capacity and Accessibility of the Athens Cultural Center ($722,000): Renovate a historic 1830s building into a fully accessible three-story community arts facility, with infrastructure upgrades including elevator installation, structural reinforcement, complete second and third floor buildouts, roof replacement, and compliance with accessibility and life safety codes.

- Renovate the Brooks Opera House to Accommodate a Restaurant, Event Venue, and Apartments ($870,000): Renovate the Brooks Opera House to restore its original cultural function with a first-floor restaurant/brewery, second-floor event venue, and new third-floor apartments, serving as a community gathering place.

- Create a Small Projects Fund ($300,000): Promote investment in exterior facades and interior upgrades through the availability of small-scale grants to improve the functionality and aesthetics of downtown buildings and businesses.

- Redevelop the Trinity Church Building into a Wedding and Events Venue ($491,000): Restore the Trinity Church Building including exterior painting and facade work, interior repairs, electrical system upgrades to code, HVAC and plumbing modernization, and accessibility improvements to preserve its historic character while transforming into an events venue focused on small weddings.

- Improve the Waterfront Intersection at N Water St. and 2nd St. ($697,000): Transform an underutilized intersection in the heart of the waterfront district into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub that connects the park, business district, and waterfront. Streetscape improvements will enhance access, safety, and community use while supporting local events and economic activity.

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