Yonkers received a $10 million grant from New York State and is working on the next phase of a bold plan to transform the downtown waterfront.
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a New York State program that provides one winning downtown with planning support and grants to fund a slate of real, shovel-ready projects. Yonkers put its waterfront forward and was awarded $10 million, and is beginning a community-led planning and project identification process before breaking ground.
The City’s 2025 DRI application presents projects proposed during the original DRI application process. These projects are proposals only; none has been approved for funding or implementation.
View the City’s 2025 DRI application
This is downtown Yonkers becoming the kind of place people plan their weekend around — not just pass through on the way somewhere else. Now it's time to move the plan for the DRI area from concept to reality.
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) was launched in 2016 to accelerate the revitalization of downtowns in the ten Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) regions of the State. The DRI program employs an innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with funds for project implementation. A Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of community leaders and stakeholders representing diverse interests is convened to oversee the planning process. The LPC, with significant support from NYS Department of State (DOS), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Empire State Development (ESD), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the planning firm Nelson Pope Voorhis, will work closely with the LPC to develop a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The SIP will establish goals, revitalization strategies, and a downtown roadmap to achieve the community's vision. An Open Call for Projects will be held to identify projects that could advance that vision, and broad public engagement is undertaken throughout the entire planning process to solicit input and identify projects for implementation.
The core goals of the DRI Program serve as a starting point for the City of Yonkers Local Planning Committee (LPC) to develop its own localized goals supporting its vision for the DRI area.
Create an active downtown with a strong sense of place that reflects the community's heritage and culture.
Attract new businesses that create a robust mix of shopping, entertainment, and service options for residents and visitors, and that provide job opportunities for a variety of skills and salaries.
Enhance public spaces for arts and cultural events that serve the existing members of the community and draw in visitors from around the region.
Cultivate a variety of housing opportunities that help build an inclusive and welcoming community.
Grow local tax revenue.
Provide amenities that support and enhance downtown living and quality of life for people of all ages, abilities, incomes, and backgrounds.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support investments that are more resilient to future climate change impacts.
The map below shows the Hudson Gateway Connector DRI area along the Yonkers waterfront.
Hudson Gateway Connector DRI Area