The Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson will receive $4.5 million in state funding to revitalize their downtown areas.
The money will come as part of the proposed New York State 2024 budget FY24, in which Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing to allocate $100 million to fund revitalization programs. Hochul announced that the Village of Sleepy Hollow will also receive money to revitalize their downtown.
“These awards will help the Village of Sleepy Hollow and the Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson develop their downtowns, improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and create new jobs and attract businesses to expand economic opportunity across the region,” Hochul said.
The Town of Cornwall and Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson each have distinct, walkable downtown areas that are less than two miles apart and are anchored by a diversity of public spaces and institutions, like the DeCicco Family Market, the only fresh food market in Cornwall, and Riverlight Park, which hosts the Cornwall Farmers’ Market and the Town’s Summer Music in the Park series. Within and around Cornwall are vital community and regional assets that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, like Storm King State Park, Storm King Art Center, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Cornwall has recently seen an influx of visitors in recent years partially due to these nearby assets. The Town and Village have been planning for and investing in revitalization that would make these downtowns into a unique destination in an area full of attractions while continuing to improve the quality of life for residents of this community. To further this progress, the Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on Hudson seek to connect their two downtowns, enhance placemaking and public spaces, and revitalize underutilized buildings and sites throughout the neighborhood.
“Cornwall has been working to revitalize its Main Street and downtown areas for a number of years to take advantage of visitors who are hiking our trails, paddling our rivers and visiting world renown institutions,” explained Cornwall Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski. “The NY Forward grant will allow our community to take those efforts to the next level by linking two downtown areas via pedestrian friendly projects, the use of public art, creating additional open space and other amenities.”
New York State Senator James Skoufis added, “Cornwall has all the makings of a great Hudson Valley downtown: walkability, easy access to the river and plentiful outdoor recreation, a healthy business community, great schools, and proximity to cultural gems. And as a Cornwall resident, I know just how close the town and village are to realizing their full potential. This NY Forward funding is just what our community needs to chart a path forward for a successful and sustainable future.”
New York State Assemblyman Chris Eachus noted, “The Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson are in proximity to a multitude of local attractions, including the Storm King Art Center, Woodbury Commons, and Brotherhood Winery. This has resulted in an area with surging tourism, and a need for a blossoming downtown to match. The proposed $4.5 Million could not come at a better time to meet the needs of the moment. The Governor’s recognition of this great potential, and her bold action in support of the Hudson Valley, must be applauded.”
Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor James Gagliano praised Hochul for her “leadership and commitment via encouragement and support.”
