Cohoes C.O.R.E: on the Move

Cohoes C.O.R.E: On The Move

City of Cohoes Downtown Revitalization Initiative APPLICATION June 2017

4 2017 Choose Cohoes Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

2017 Choose Cohoes 5 Table of Contents

“Given what Cohoes officials, stakeholders and authorities have been able to achieve with a limited budget and resources, imagine what Cohoes can accomplish with the same attitude but additional support.” -D. Jacques, Cohoes LDC

6 2017 Choose Cohoes Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Table of Contents

Basic Information Vision Justification Overview of the Downtown

1. Boundaries of the Downtown Neighborhood

2. Catchment Area

3. Past Investment and Future Investment Potential

4. Job Growth

5. Attractiveness of Physical Environment

6. Quality of Life Policies

7. Support for the Local Vision

8. Readiness

9. Administrative Capacity

10. Other

Appendix A: Resolution & Common Council Public Hearings Meeting Agenda Appendix B: State of the City Appendix C: Letters of Support Appendix D: News Articles Appendix E: Data Book

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C.O.R.E

“BBC chose Cohoes because it is rich in history, very centrally located, and has many old and historically significant buildings. In our opinion, Remsen Street is potentially the best “Main Street” in the Capital District. We feel the best is yet to come for the City of Cohoes” - Paul Bonacquisti, BBC

8 2017 Choose Cohoes Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Basic Information

Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Region: Capital District.

Municipality Name: City of Cohoes.

Downtown Name: Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E).

County: Albany County.

Vision For Downtown

In last year’s application we were in the process Our people want Cohoes to be “A quality of life city”, of updating our comprehensive plan and about to returning to an All-America status once realized in begin the public input process through the 1970’s. A city where you can safely raise a presentations, round tables and the like. So we used family, find balance between work and the rest of the vision crafted as part of the Brownfield your life, a walkable downtown with diverse Opportunity Area designation process. We were products and services close to home. Recreational hopeful that the reality previously defined might be and cultural activities for adults and children alike. a reflection of reality the way our stakeholders now A city that once again embraces its waterfront and want it to be. Here we are a year later, a new makes it accessible for families to reconnect with its comprehensive plan, hundreds of suggestions, ideas beauty and history. And most important a city and wishes from all corners of our city. Our vision is where all are welcome and diversity is celebrated now current, supported and implementable. It is not feared. To live and grow in this environment our now up to us to stay the course and deliver. Below is people are happy to travel to our nearby major a synopsis of what we learned: employment centers knowing that they don’t have far to go to return home to a human scale and far As the saying goes, “If you don’t know where you more personal city. are going, any road can take you there” (Lewis Carroll). Visioning for our City began when our new And so our journey began in earnest to achieve this Mayor and Council took their seats and it became rich vision and we are hopeful that once you digest job one to design a clear road map with a defined our application you will see what we see and destination, rooted in a reality defined by our ultimately feel what we feel. population and business community and an implementation architecture designed to get us there. After collecting the data, researching our rich history (to determine how and why we are where we are), and scores of roundtables, focus groups and informal conversations’ with countless stakeholders the vision became quite clear.

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Justification - Cohoes on the Move

The City of Cohoes’ identity is strongly linked to in partnership with local government to keep its historical Erie Canal roots and industrial moving the City forward. People are drawn to heritage. Cohoes was once considered the most Cohoes because of its outstanding quality of life. technologically innovative community of its time. They enjoy its scale which gives it a “community As outlined in the Cohoes Brownfield feel” while also offering many of the services and Opportunity Area (BOA), the “Historic Central amenities of a larger city. Cohoes’ 16-hour Business District of Cohoes supports both City and downtown is alive with restaurants that reflect regional residents. A highly patriotic area, Cohoes the City’s diverse population, locally owned is known for its important role in the formative shops and quality cultural venues that attract years of our Country. Today, the Historic Business new residents, and draw visitors from around District functions as a meeting place for all ages, the region. Cohoes’ downtown is a safe, vibrant providing a mix of retail and services as well as and a desirable place to start a business, raise a year-round cultural events. The mighty Mohawk family, access outstanding entertainment and River and serene beauty of the Hudson River are arts and learn more about the nation’s’ industrial in earshot of our shopping district, inviting the heritage. Cohoes has a business ready downtown visitor to walk and explore. Only minutes from bolstered with a policy of partnership that downtown Albany and centrally located in the welcomes and supports new, fresh ideas and the Capital District, our Historic Business District entrepreneurial spirit. The City of Cohoes is the provides visitors, merchants and residents with a most innovative, dynamic, historically significant, unique opportunity to experience our nation’s unique four square mile powerhouse of economic heritage in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.” revitalization in the Capital Region. The time has come for this community to attain the financial This is still true today, as emphasized in the boost it needs to propel forward, and realize its establishment of the City’s “Cohoes Opportunity C.O.R.E Downtown Revitalization. The stellar for Revitalization and Environmental success of the reopening of Cohoes Music Hall Sustainability (C.O.R.E.)” District. Cohoes is on this year is one of several examples that showcase the move toward an economical, and the Downtown’s readiness to reach its potential. environmentally sustainable future. Cohoes While one may still see some empty storefronts, leads as a City that will innovate to achieve its underutilized lots, sidewalks that need rebuilding vision to grow housing diversity; to build a and fine historic housing ready to be restored, dynamic local economy with mixed-use these are truly the key opportunities that when development centers; to offer multimodal invested in - will lead the City to realize its full transportation options; to reimagine its seven potential. miles of waterfront; and to increase access to outstanding local recreational opportunities. Cohoes’ downtown revitalization is seeded, and Together, Cohoes will celebrate and share with has begun to sprout. Poised and ready, Cohoes the world its history while offering quality 21st will soon achieve its long envisioned position as century amenities downtown such as Wi-Fi hot the premier quality of life community of the spots, solar street lights and electric vehicle Capital Region. charging stations. The City of Cohoes exercises a multi-pronged The C.O.R.E. is a regional model for a vibrant and approach, with projects in the pipeline ready to sustainable downtown where citizens work

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

move forward. The City has the political will and initiative. The goal of this request for funding is to public support that maximizes the City’s capacity to position resources that will advance Cohoes’ already administer its carefully selected and vetted initiatives, momentous downtown revitalization into overdrive. and proven record of project implementation. This The time has come to Choose Cohoes! is a community that does not wait for opportunity to arrive at its door, but takes initiative seeking the opportunities and investors that bring the most value to the City. This is a City that builds partnerships and uses innovative planning approaches to realize its objectives - and that sees its projects through to completion. Cohoes is both project ready and shovel ready.

The story of Cohoes’ strategic revitalization will paint a compelling picture that demonstrates the dynamism and pride of this community that, with partner support, will realize its vision and see the fruits of its sophisticated, and in our opinion, award winning, downtown economic revitalization planning

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Overview of the Downtown

Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E.) District

Cohoes is coming alive. Situated at the place. One of the lowest crime rates in the Capital confluence of two magnificent rivers and at the Region. You can walk to the waterfront. foot of one of New York States finest, beloved waterfalls. Cohoes organically evolved from is The selected C.O.R.E. District is the heart of early industrial, canal roots to be the compact, Cohoes and will be a catalyst for both the Capital aesthetically beautiful place it is today. Cohoes’ Region and the State, as current and future historic integrity paired with new, independently investments in the District continue to fuel owned businesses, a rapidly expanding range of change. Cohoes is a diverse, safe and desirable housing options, entertainment offerings, new place to start a business, raise a family, access and redesigned parks, rebuilt sidewalks, the first class recreational resources and learn more making of its first Complete Street, the about our State’s industrial and canal heritage. downtown siting of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) As recognized by the Downtown Revitalization stops and the newly drafted Form-Based Code Initiative, downtowns which are walkable and are all of the foundational ingredients of an offer a rich variety of activities, like Cohoes, are active desirable downtown with a strong sense places in which people want to live, visit, start a of place. It is our City’s downtown gathering business and invest.

Adjacency to Senior & LMI Housing, Community Center with Urban Integrated Arts and Entertainment 1 Teaching Garden & Biketrail. 2 District

Original, traditional, walkable and A newly drafted Form-Based Code 3 accessible downtown with large window, 4 policy. street level storefronts.

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Designated in a NYS Brownfield Diversity and affordability of Opportunity Area - Cohoes 5 housing options. 6 Boulevard Revitalization Plan

Attractiveness to investors, developers Connectivity and centrality of gathering and entrepreneurs. 8 spaces, services and amenities serving a 7 diverse community.

Green Urbanism in all its facets, Access to multi-modal 9 paired with programs for transportation options. healthy living. 10

The C.OR.E. District is approximately a half-square mile of centrally located and uniquely integrated entertainment, mixed residential neighborhoods, and growing businesses, all less than a ten minute walk to the Mohawk River waterfront.

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The C.O.R.E is Ready for Investment

Cohoes is a phoenix arising from the ashes of its receiving interest from developers for a wide former industrial and canal age. City Officials are range of new opportunities. City leadership has investing more public money into downtown maintained steady progress toward its downtown infrastructure improvements now, than in the past revitalization, one that continues to evolve with decade. The City has implemented a new approach aggressive leadership driven by public and to advance development. The “Cohoes Approach” stakeholder input. Since Cohoes’ 2016 Downtown is a multi-pronged one and its effect is to bring the Revitalization Initiative Application 12 of the City of Cohoes to a momentous tipping point. The 29 referenced projects have been propelled into City is able to offer incentives to new investors, motion. Notable examples include the Mosaic businesses, and developers in order to continue Village project development at Sargent and White to develop the City’s economy. In addition, the Streets; the development of Cohoes Hotel; opening City is actively partnering with developers, local of the Cohoes Music Hall; and the selection of Bus businesses, and its community members to Rapid Transit (BRT) bus stops with a negotiated advance the City’s vision and streamline the plan for design that blends with Cohoes’ historic City’s success. Projects in motion, and those still period character. standing in cue, are occurring within the DRI C.O.R.E. boundaries and throughout the City. This concurrency is at the core of the argument why Cohoes Downtown is ready for catalytic DRI All of these efforts make development and investment. This model approach is working. investment ripe in Cohoes, and the City is

Cohoes Hotel

14 2017 Choose Cohoes Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

The vigor of Cohoes’ downtown revitalization The City needs DRI investment to carry its initiative, the power of its multi-pronged strategic, multi-pronged revitalization plan to approach, and the force of readiness that the its next iteration. City has to implement and realize its vision for economic success is why to CHOOSE Cohoes.

Cohoes’ has newly partnered with Capital Roots to create an urban public garden at 47 Cayuga Street. The garden is located beside the Cohoes Community Center at 21 Cayuga St also adjacent to the Cayuga Plaza Apartments for senior housing, the Cohoes Senior Center and the Dr. Jay McDonald Towers, a Cohoes Housing Authority facility. The garden will not only be a source of freshly grown produce for Cohoes citizens, it will also will be a teaching garden integrated as part of the Community Center’s programming.

Construction of the community centric Pioneer Bank is currently underway. Pioneer Bank is the first bank to make its home Cohoes in years. Successfully attracting a bank is an indicator that Cohoes’ economy is gaining in strength.

The amazing repurposing of the Cohoes Hotel at the center of Remsen Street, Cohoes’ Main Street has moved forward this past year. The Local Development Corporation bought the historic hotel, which had over the years become a boarding house and a highly visible blight on the downtown. The old hotel was sold to a developer who is now underway with plans to restore the authentic facade and build twenty-six market rate apartments. The new construction will include a courtyard, a rooftop garden and a patio. The hotel will create a density of residential living in the center of the Downtown.

In anticipation of an increase in downtown residents, the City fought for several years for a quiet zone eliminating the loud train horns that created a long-time disturbance for the City’s downtown residents. The quiet zone was awarded in December 2016.

$15 Million investment by New York State to convert 787 into a one of a kind boulevard addressing the safety and economic development needs of both the residents and the almost 30,000 people throughput the region who traverse this corridor daily.

The historic Cohoes Music Hall has undergone great transformation and investment in recent years to make it a major downtown anchor. Through partnership with the Palace Theater of Albany attendance has increased attracting upwards of 20,000 people into the C.O.R.E. District. In 2017, Comedy Works joined the partnership and is now a permanent resident at the theater. The Comedy Works will attract nationally known comedians adding to Cohoes’ leisure, recreation and nightlife activities - offering something for everyone or any age.

15 previously vacant mixed use buildings on Remsen Street have sold or are under contract for redevelopment.

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Investing in the C.O.R.E. Creates a Catalyst for Change!

Over a short amount of time the City has made It takes consistency of effort, salted with iron- mammoth strides in successfully attracting clad persistence - a persistence that Cohoes has investors and investment to the City. Without the demonstrated time and time again. Public infusion of public investment appropriated to commitment is what the City of Cohoes needs, implement select, strategic public infrastructure right now, to once again regain the thriving, projects or to match investment in the private diverse, healthy, attractive City it knows itself to sector Cohoes’ work to this point will be seriously be. compromised. It is well documented that for downtown revitalization to work, it takes a true partnership between public and private.

Mosaic Village BEFORE

Mosaic Village AFTER

16 2017 Choose Cohoes Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

The City has built partnerships with developers revitalization. This investment by the State would who have invested $232,560,000+ million dollars go toward correcting two factors identified as in creating market rate and affordable housing necessary by the IDA to attract large scale in and adjacent to the downtown and along its development in Cohoes. “First, infrastructure Hudson waterfront and outlying neighborhoods. improvements would deliver the curb appeal that Yet the City recognizes that it is losing an unknown draw large-scale investors. Second, a handful of number of dollars; that new and old residents key, transformational projects that encourage are spending elsewhere for the services and visitors to linger would provide the foot traffic amenities that they need. Strategic investment businesses crave. The DRI would construct a solid allocated for select Downtown Revitalization foundation in a shorter timeframe than the City Initiative projects will give Cohoes what it needs can undertake without REDC support.” to achieve its vision, one that includes being able to provide these services and amenities to its If awarded the City has several catalytic capital residents and to the visitors who come to recreate investment projects brewing just under the as well as enjoy City arts, entertainment and food surface that will be propelled by the State’s venues. investment. Public and private partnership will focus resources and pave the way towards In 2016 the City reported $50 million of achieving its vision for economic revitalization. investment coming including 200 housing units The City is committed to creating this change for and cultural developments to attract residents, its City. business and tourism. As of the summer of 2017, this investment has increased to $150 million. The City’s walkable downtown with its focused development has safe sidewalk infrastructure a top priority. Investment into the C.O.R.E. District will achieve the best possible outcome for Cohoes’

Phase 1 Complete Streets Remsen Street from Cayuga to Ontario

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Cohoes Has A Voice To Be Heard

The qualities that make Cohoes unique, and integrated into the human fabric that is Cohoes. associated opportunities that will revitalize the As such, here is a small glimpse - a peephole - into City are only part of the story. Cohoes is about the life of Cohoes as told by the City itself: its people - its long term residents, children, visitors, elders and those who are or will be newly

arly in May, as I was languidly enjoying the Romanesque columns and enter my hundred Edeep blue sky, and light clouds crept past year old ashlar-faced, Chateauesque City Hall. the American flag over City Hall’s highest Here they will meet face-to-face with their tower, I spotted a group of about fifty, maybe Mayor who will laugh with them and show them sixty, school children. The children led by their about the inner workings of Cohoes. They will teachers had just walked from one of the learn about their responsibilities as American elementary schools to my Downtown, no buses citizens. It was in this moment of reflection that are required. I could feel their footsteps, like so I realized that my time had come, I, Cohoes, was long ago when my women and my men passed ready to thrive again in such a way that people through my streets to go to work at Harmony, in the region, perhaps even the world would or buy their provisions, or return home from come to walk my Downtown, to hear my music, a picnic at Cohoes Falls. In this moment I was to taste my food and enjoy my diversity. I see amazed to think that these children could walk young entrepreneurs standing at the door of downtown to learn about their history. How their start-ups, and hear the conversations of unique, I thought, when so many communities elders enjoying the trees and flowers of Canal work so hard to create what I am. On foot my Square Park. I see the moving vans approaching children will experience the beautiful human- on 787 and I say to them, with all my heart -

scaled proportions of this City. They will visit a one of its kind Music Hall and then will walk only “Choose me, five minutes further to pass through foliated Choose Cohoes.”

18 2017 Choose Cohoes Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Rock the Block, 2016

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1. Boundaries of the Downtown Neighborhood

“In Albany County, we are lucky to have a strong municipality with the historical charm of Cohoes as one of the northern-most municipalities. The Spindle City is a great example of how a river community that bustled with activity decades prior can reinvent itself as the industries that drive the economic success of our region change today.” - Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Executive

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

C.O.R.E District

The C.O.R.E. District is a high density, compact the banks of the Mohawk River is less than a 10 area of Cohoes’ Central Business District and minute walk. From the northern edge at Cayuga adjacent neighborhoods that evolved organically to the southern boundary is around a 15 minute to meet the needs of an early industrial, pre- walk. Due to the convergence of the Mohawk and auto- mobile society. Communities around the Hudson Rivers, Cohoes has seven miles of river- nation are trying to recreate New Urbanist meets front. Several parcels along its waterfront are still Green Urbanism planning models characterized available for development, an asset unique to the by multi-use and form based zoning; region. accessibility; walkability; aesthetically charming, distinctive, comfortably scaled downtowns that One of the most advantageous waterfront access are rich with green community spaces, cultural and development opportunities is the current offerings, food and services. These qualities City of Cohoes Department of Public Works collectively create an attractiveness inviting to (DPW) site on the north western boundary of the families with children, millennials, empty-nesters Cohoes’ C.O.R.E. District, just blocks away from and retirees; and draw entrepreneurs and Remsen Street, Cohoes’ Main Street. The City investors excited by the energy and potency of planned to move the DPW and develop this such a community. These are the qualities that waterfront as a mixed use area with river Cohoes already has and is actively building upon. access. The potential impact of this project on the quality of life and opportunity for new business The C.O.R.E. District is less than a half square mile. and investment of this project is enormous. This One can walk across Downtown Cohoes in just is one project that is poised for development five minutes. To walk from the western boundary should Cohoes have DRI funds to support its of the C.O.R.E. District to its eastern edge along implementation.

Cake Street Sweets, Opened 2017

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The C.O.R.E. District is bounded to the north by then becomes New Courtland Street. Downtown New Courtland Street, cuts west along the Mo- Cohoes is home to 3,000 residents, 1,500 hawk River, follows the riverfront south to Bridge employees and approximately 220 businesses. Avenue and meets with New York State Route 32 The streets in the Downtown Revitalization to the intersection of Saratoga and Main Streets Initiative area are lined with historic, large where it cuts sharply north to George Street. The windowed storefronts at sidewalk level with western DRI border follows Central Avenue with apartments and offices at second and third levels. a short jag on Columbia Street Extension to the The building to street ratio is aesthetically junction of Bedford Street. The boundary follows pleasing and pedestrian friendly. Bedford Street until it transitions to Ontario Street then moves north up Sargent and Current zoning within the C.O.R.E. District area is Olmstead Streets before it cuts through City general mixed use, waterfront mixed use and owned parcels to meet Mohawk Street where it office-retail commercial. Both an existing Historic Overlay District and a proposed Arts and Enter-

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DRI Location Within the City of Cohoes

tainment district occurs within the C.O.R.E., two and Civic Cores. The Code will also target both National Park Service Historic Register sides of two primary corridors, one identified as designations. The City is in the process of transit and the second as neighborhood. These adopting a new Form Based Zoning Code to policy delineations support and focus the City’s influence the C.O.R.E. District. The Form Based plan for downtown revitalization and make ready Code will determine the look and preserve the the execution of the City’s strategic investment historic integrity of both mixed use Downtown projects.

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

DRI Location Within the City of Cohoes 2017 Choose Cohoes 23

Many significant assets and amenities are situated within the boundaries of Cohoes’ C.O.R.E. District.

Some of these are already realized, others are projects underway, and others are in the pipeline. MAYBE PUT ANOTHER PICTURE HERE? See Section 10 maps for listing of projects by name and location. As the list details, the types of projects target revitalization from many angles creating a mosaic of actions that are collectively contributing to making the City’s revitalization a reality. In his 2017, State of the City address, Mayor Morse called attention to key projects realized or on their way to realization in just a year’s time.

Four Commercial Buildings, Recently Sold

Historic Remsen Street

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Harmony Mills Loft Market Rate Housing Next to Community Builder s Quality Affordable Housing

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2. Catchment Area

“I firmly believe the time is now for the City as the leadership in the community is serious about economic development and are adhering closely to past and current plans for economic development that reflect the will of the community, hence no opposition. The City of Cohoes Economic Development team continues to work with the Albany County Land Bank, Cohoes LDC, Cohoes IDA, Choose Cohoes business group and private investors to ensure an additional $50 million in private investment improvements to the downtown. As one can determine, the City of Cohoes has all the tools at it’s disposal to implement development.” - John T. McDonald, Member of the NYS Assembly

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

C.O.R.E. Catchment Area

The City of Cohoes’ Downtown Revitalization Initiative 127 workforce/lower income units and 18 for adults District is the City’s C.O.R.E. District. To aid in with autism and other developmental disabilities. understanding and planning our key areas of influence, When completed, this additional housing will be able an Internal Catchment Area (the remainder of the City to support over 800 additional residents within the outside the C.O.R.E District) and an External Catchment District, pushing the overall population in the District Area (the geographic region reachable within a 15- to over 3,300 people. The City is well positioned to minute drive time from the C.O.R.E. District) have been capitalize on this growing population base, which is so identified. The District and related catchment areas are integral to a successful downtown. sufficiently sized and appropriate for meeting the existing and future needs and vision of the City. Included within the boundary and adjacent to both the Music Hall and Canal Square is Ogden Mills –affordable The existing conditions along with recent, on-going, housing units created by the adaptive reuse of the and planned development within the C.O.R.E. District former mill. In addition, the Cohoes Housing Authority and the Internal Catchment Area support a vibrant and operates the Dr. Jay McDonald Housing Tower. Both growing downtown and the External Catchment Area housing facilities are located adjacent to the Senior has been and will continue to actively support the Center at the gateway to the district. Finally, City City’s C.O.R.E. District. leadership has taken great strides to promote economic diversity in its new housing offerings – ensuring that The C.O.R.E. District both existing and future residents can take part in the The City of Cohoes Downtown Revitalization Initiative rebirth of an All-America City. The ability for families District target area, the C.O.R.E., consists of the City’s of all economic situations to call Cohoes home is a key primary high-density residential and commercial aspect of our inclusive plan moving forward. center along with the City’s historic Remsen Street corridor and waterfront area. This C.O.R.E. District is a In addition to the full-time population and anticipated uniquely walkable area that can be traversed in under growth related to housing projects in the works, the 15 minutes. Walkability and the concentration of C.O.R.E. District is currently home to 144 businesses residences, attractions and business were all important that employ over 1,260 people. Within just the past factors in establishing the District’s boundaries and are few years, the District has seen over 10 new businesses all fundamental elements to a vibrant downtown. open, ranging from niche retail stores and restaurants to professional services to medical and dental facilities, The C.O.R.E. District has a current population of 2,518, adding an estimated 36 new employees. Four new based on recent estimates. The City of Cohoes as a businesses are currently eyeing the C.O.R.E. District whole is one of only two Albany County communities for their new location, and the City is working on that saw a population increase between 2015 and relocating the Visitors Center from the Music Hall to a 2016. This recent population increase can be partially highly trafficked location on Remsen Street. This will attributed to a sustained effort by City leadership and allow for the conversion of the Hall’s first floor into local developers to repurpose vacant lots and buildings one of the DRI’s catalyst and transformative projects – into a mix of housing and economic opportunities. a new main floor restaurant to service the over 20,000 new visitors each year coming to the Cohoes Music Within the C.O.R.E. District, a total of 19 market- rate Hall. This is envisioned to create over 20 full time jobs, units have recently been completed, with an additional plus 15-20 construction period jobs. 352 units that are under construction, representing approximately $44 million in private sector investments. These additional units include

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Additional new and anticipated jobs to be created in the District include approximately 180 This public transportation project will increase construction period jobs associated with the new connections between the District and regional housing projects. Permanent new jobs anticipated employment centers, a significant benefit to in the District is are estimated at $168 million for existing and future residents who are unable or new private development projects. These new jobs, would prefer not to drive to work. This increases combined with the growth of diverse housing the attractiveness of the City to new residents of all choices will significantly increase the attractiveness income levels, allowing Cohoes to be the place of and overall success of the District and the City itself. choice for all who seek to live in a Quality Community that affords an easy “drive free” mode As described in more detail in Section 3 – Past of transportation to work in other areas of the Investment, Future Investment Potential, the City Capital Region. Furthermore, convenient public of Cohoes is actively coordinating with the private transportation will increase the attractiveness of sector to repurpose vacant and abandoned buildings Cohoes and the growing entertainment options to and lots for new commercial development, both residents within the catchment area. within the District and the Internal Catchment Area. To date, the City has seen recent private-sector As is evident from the above discussion, our C.O.R.E investments within the District of $23.5 million District is home to a diverse and growing which includes new banking, retail and restaurant residential population with a significant number businesses. of additional units under construction. Our District also contains several services and businesses While a concentration of people and businesses are within walking distance and is home to numerous key to a walkable vibrant and successful restaurants and entertainment opportunities along downtown, the presence of traditional services and with several small and medium-sized businesses. destinations within the heart of a community is With more businesses on the way, the District will equally as important. Specifically, the District is continue to provide local and regional employment home to the U.S. Post Office, City Hall, the Cohoes opportunities. Convenient access to public Community Center and numerous parks along with transportation coupled with the future BRT route a trail connections to the Mohawk – Hudson Bike- and station on Remsen Street represents another Hike Trail. critical piece to our City’s success. Our C.O.R.E District is of sufficient geographic size with a The District along with the entire City of Cohoes, is growing population that when combined with well integrated with the Capital District existing amenities and the numerous projects Transportation Authority (CDTA) public taking place, will together represent key elements transportation network. Residents and employees necessary to support this vibrant and successful can easily travel within the District and the City downtown. by bus, with convenient connections to all major employment centers in the Capital District. A location on Remsen Street within the District has been selected for a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Station with associated routes that will link the District and City to key stops in Troy and Albany along with other destinations in between.

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Internal Citywide Catchment Area

The remainder of the City of Cohoes has been daytime and evening employees contribute to the designated as the District’s Internal Catchment Area, overall success of the District. The residential projects population of 14,577, to capture residential and underway are providing an estimated 672 commercial leakages. This area is also undergoing a construction period jobs in the City while the private significant increase in new housing units. Over non-residential investments are anticipated to result 1,200 new units have been completed in recent years, in 50 construction period jobs and40 new permanent representing approximately $108 million in private jobs. investments, with an additional 1,000 units under construction through over $168 million in private Combined, the District and the Internal Catchment investments. Together, these units will include over Area will be supporting over 870 construction period 1,000 market-rate units, approximately 350 jobs and 50 new permanent jobs. This critical mass workforce/lower income units and over 700 luxury of employees will provide a significant amount of units. purchasing power for the District.

Upon completion, the new units may result in over With more than 85% of City residents working outside [2,100 additional residents] in the internal catchment of Cohoes, the City understands the role it plays as a area and will dramatically enhance the choice of bedroom community to surrounding employment market-rate units while also providing additional areas. However, the City also recognizes that a workforce and lower-income units. This new housing balanced daytime population is needed to support will increase local diversification of residents and the downtown businesses and is working towards luxury units will result in an increase in residents with attracting more local employment opportunities. higher and more disposable incomes. This overall Additional housing opportunities are also key to increase in population will be key to supporting and hitting this balance. The significant investments made sustaining the District. in new housing units will continue to facilitate a growing population especially within the District, as The Internal Catchment Area is also home to over discussed above, and will spur continued investment 240 businesses, employing more than 3,400. Both and growth of local jobs.

BASIC STATISTICS FOR THE COHOES DRI AND SURROUNDING AREA 10-MIN 15-MIN COHOES DRI CITY OF COHOES DRIVE DRIVE

Residential Population (2010) 2,512 16,168 67,996 161,374 Residential Population 2,581 17,158 70,464 166,481 Total Daytime Population 2,394 12,594 73,549 179,069 Median Age (2010) 33.3 39.4 35.4 36.4 Median Age 34.3 40.3 36.6 37.6 % 18-24 9.3% 8.5% 13.3% 13.5% % 25-34 16.8% 15.0% 15.4% 14.1% % 35-54 26.0% 26.4% 25.0% 24.5% % 65 and over 12.8% 17.5% 14.5% 15.7% % Minority 17.4% 11.9% 22.4% 26.0% Median Household Income $26,775 $39,515 $40,829 $48,219 % Earning <$25,000 47.1% 32.2% 30.4% 26.3%

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

External Catchment Area

The External Catchment Area of the District includes the geographic area reachable within a

15-minute drive time. Within just a 10-minute drive, the current population and purchasing power increases dramatically to 70,464 and up to

166,481 out to 15-minutes, all within convenient access to the City and District. This region includes all or a portions of Albany, Troy, Watervliet, Menands, Waterford, Colonie and Clifton Park, and represents a significant potential target/catchment area for the C.O.R.E. District and the City of Cohoes with direct vehicle and public transportation access and an increased median household income. The overall size and reach of this catchment area is sufficiently sized and possesses key demographic characteristics to serve as the City’s target population to draw in visitors, employees and future residents.

The City recognizes the value that the surrounding External Catchment Area and regional employment centers play, including, but not limited to Malta, Albany, Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs. These areas are within easy commutes and reachable through public External Catchment Area - 10 and 15 minute Drive transportation, with the City of Albany and Troy accessible by the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) The City has placed significant efforts into increasing the project and station that will be established on overall attractiveness of the City to reverse this leakage. The Remsen Street. Attracting new residents who first focus has been the improvement to the C.O.R.E District continue to work outside of Cohoes but call the itself, including streetscape enhancements, the Cohoes City and the District home, will infuse new money Music Hall, and the re-purposing of vacant and abandoned and life into the City. buildings and lots, among the many other enhancements discussed within this document. The investment in a While this area serves as our target population to diversity of housing has already been discussed, and is support our City and District, it is also the primary another key aspect of reversing this leakage. Next is the area in which the City is experiencing an almost major gateway mixed-use waterfront development at the complete retail and service leakage. Without the intersections of I-787, Saratoga Street will be unmatched DRI assistance and a focus on commercial and in the Capital Region and beyond with waterside dinning, retail investment in the C.O.R.E. District, the entertainment and recreational opportunities for the 2,000+ combined additional housing with the entire family. This premier waterfront destination will be anticipated financial resources of new residents located at the confluence of the Mohawk River, Hudson will continue to leak to Colonie, Saratoga County, River and the NYS Canal system, bringing opportunities and the cities of Troy and Albany. for historical interpretation of the City’s role in the

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Country’s industrial growth. A similar positive element that has and continues to undergo enhancements are the Cohoes Falls, a local treasure that is comparable in size and beauty to Niagara Falls. Lighting of the falls will contribute towards enhancing the falls appeal, especially when combined with the gateway waterfront project located within walking distance. Together, with the accessibility of the District and the future improvements to an already affective public transportation system and the BRT station on Remsen Street, the District will play a premier role in reversing this retail and service leakage.

DRI Investments Will Reduce Sales Leakage

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3. Past Investment and Future Investment Potential

“Cohoes contains existing municipal facilities and resources developed during the original Smart Growth era when people lived, worked, shopped, and attended school or church close to home. Consequently Cohoes’ location, amenities and compact layout all converge to create a liveable streetscape that accommodates all stages of life. It only requires a spark to reignite it’s vibrancy.” - Laura LePage Tarlo, Co-owner, Milltown Homes LLC

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Investing in an All American City

Based upon this concentrated long-term effort, ventures has risen to an almost unimaginable new growth and optimism has begun to take root level. in the last two years through a series of private and public investments resulting in new housing The City has been awarded over $24 million in and commercial development along with local, state and federal grants to conduct targeted enhanced streetscapes and other infrastructure studies and complete capital projects, all key improvements. To date, the City has seen over to improving the City. To date, the City has $250 million in private investments in both successfully completed projects worth over housing and commercial development, while $18.5 million in funding, with the remaining leveraging over $18 Million in grants and direct projects underway. This funding has been critical City investments. Just in the past 2 years, $xx for making necessary improvements to the City million has been invested, demonstrating that and the Downtown and is being successfully residents, business owners, developers and leveraged to attract future private investment in investors recognize the growth and continued commercial and residential space. potential the City has moving forward. This on-going revitalization continues through However, the resurgence and revitalization of the focused City leadership which includes the City’s City of Cohoes and the C.O.R.E. district did not Office of Community Development and their begin at the announcement of a grant opportunity. ability to recognize key opportunities for The revitalization began when the residents of partnering with other public agencies and the the City joined together to reimagine its future. private sector. Partnerships include the Albany Through the development of numerous projects County Land Bank Corporation, Pioneer Bank, (e.g., Downtown Study, Route 470 Corridor Study, the Palace Theater, Cohoes IDA and LDC; along two Brownfield Revitalization opportunity Areas, with direct and indirect partnerships with local Cohoes Proud 2017, and the Form Based Code developers including a truly unique project, project) residents, business owners, and elected Mosaic Village, a mixed-use development which officials embarked upon a well planned course will include housing for people with to redefine what is possible, as they set their eyes developmental disabilities such as autism. on the title of an All America City. These project became the springboard for the future The redevelopment of the Cohoes Music Hall is investments that have continued to reshape the the City’s most recent keystone project, which landscape of the City of Cohoes. involves a partnership with the Palace Theater for improvements including, interior The “Dawn of a New Day” arrived with the renovations, updated sound system, new seats, election of the current administration. Led by stage lights and additional improvements. The Mayor Shawn Morse and Economic Development renovated music hall reopened in the fall of 2016 Director Michael Jacobson, the City partnered under new management of the Palace Theater with local and state officials to create a land of and their attendance figures thus far as outpaced opportunity along the northern gateway to original expectations of 20,000 people annually. Albany County. Buoyed by public investments in The Music Hall is now home to Comedy Works infrastructure, economic and waterfront and recently established a partnership with Park development, and the new announcement of the Playhouse which will perform a series of shows pending conversion of 787 into a boulevard, there. The Cohoes Music Hall will play a key role private investment in housing and commercial in the City’s efforts to reposition downtown as a

2017 Choose Cohoes 37

regional destination for arts and entertainment. surface, new sidewalks will be provided along

with a bike lane and new crosswalks. These Going forward, the City recognizes how integral streetscape improvements are key to setting the the success of the Cohoes Music Hall will be foundation for an attractive and welcoming for the continued enhancement of the district for continued investment by developers, Downtown and will be seeking additional funds business owners and residents. continue necessary improvements. The City has

determined that additional renovations are needed to the exterior and funding has yet to be secured.

The City has also recently partnered with

Pioneer Bank to purchase and repurpose the former First Niagara Bank property for a new branch in the City of Cohoes. The City contributed

$50,000 towards façade improvements, a key investment towards the City’s continued efforts

to enhance streetscapes and building facades. Part of this relationships includes a line a credit to help the City repurpose numerous properties

and make them available for redevelopment through partnerships with local developers and

investors.

Based upon the City’s direct efforts to repurpose Future Pioneer Bank

vacant lots and deteriorating buildings to position downtown and its surrounding environs for new growth, several local developers recognize

the City’s potential and continue to make significant investments, especially in housing

and commercial properties. To date, over 1,600 new units have been built with an additional 600 units in the pipeline. Existing new and proposed

units will include market-rate, workforce and lower income targeted units along with senior

and assisted living and luxury apartments. A primary component of a successful downtown is a concentration of people and through the City’s

continued partnerships with developers, more housing is coming on line.

Significant improvements to the Remsen Street Future Retail Development Site corridor have also occurred with more improvements in the works, including a full streetscape overhaul. In addition to the new road 38 2017 Choose Cohoes

Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Existing Sites Ready for Future Investment

The City continues working aggressively to acquire adjacent to City Hall. The properties are under foreclosed and abandoned properties and partner contract between our LDC and a developer. The with developers to redevelop and repurpose these building will be removed and the sites prepared for sites for new investment. In addition, the City’s a mixed- use residential and retail project that will LDC and IDA have partnered with Pioneer Bank to be ideally located in the heart of our C.O.R.E. acquire a line of credit which will allow the City to District. Located only a block from Cohoes Music continue strategically acquiring properties integral Hall and Canal Square Park and next to City Hall, to the City’s vision before they go to market. The banks and the Post Office, this property will be a following are several properties in the process of prime location for further investment. being redeveloped and others that are available, both sets of projects will be available for future in- Newcomb Street Infill Project. The City currently vestment by business owners, investors, and owns this underutilized surface parking lot located residents. at the northwest corner of Remsen Street and Newcomb Street. This site, which is currently on Remsen Street Sites Ready for Development. the market, is also at the heart of the C.O.R.E. There are several properties along Remsen Street District and within walking distance of the City’s that the City has gained site control over. Proper- existing and planned entertainment, retail, dining ties at 14, 95 and 115 Remsen Street are under and recreational amenities and ideal for contracts with developers, and two have recently residential or a mixed-use development. closed. The projects slated for these locations include mixed-use commercial and residential Former Lingualinx Building. Sitting at 122 which will add to the ongoing rejuvenation along Remsen Street is the former Lingualinx building, a Remsen Street. well-preserved structure with significant potential in the Remsen Street corridor. This building is Oneida/Canvas Street Assemblage. Three currently under contract with a developer and is properties located on the corner of Oneida and slated for renovations and further investment. Canvas Streets have recently been acquired by developers from the City. The buildings are in the 130 Remsen Market Rate Unit Rehabilitation. process of being renovated for mixed-use The former Masonic Temple building sits directly commercial and residential space and will soon be adjacent to the Lingualinx Building and was ready for occupancy and further investment by recently sold to a developer. The upper floors are new or local businesses. Ontario Street Infill at being renovated to provide new market-rate units Canal Square Park. This foreclosed property is over existing retail adding to the significant on- under contract between the City’s LDC and a going investment along Remsen Street. developer and will soon be back on the tax rolls and contributing to the City’s investments along 31 Main Street Redevelopment. This existing the Remsen Street corridor. The property is in an multi-unit structure was recently been sold to a ideal location for mixed-commercial and developer and is undergoing rehabilitation for residential uses, only a block away from the Cohoes continued residential use. Multi-family units will Music Hall and next store to the expanding Canal continue to play a key role in the City’s Square Park. rejuvenation, ensuring a diverse and growing residential population. Mohawk Street Mixed-Use Project. Sitting at 89 and 91 Mohawk Street is a vacant lot and single-story underutilized building immediately

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12 White Street Mixed-Use. The City’s LDC owns Scattered Sites for Infill Residential. A key this vacant and development ready parcel at 12 local development partner, Community Builders, White Street at the intersection with Remsen acquired or has under contract six parcels in the Street. The LDC is currently entertaining proposals C.O.R.E. District along with twenty parcels in the from developers for a mixed-use project. South Cohoes neighborhood, adjacent to the District. More than 60 environmentally sustainable 162/164 Remsen Street. City-owned, this and affordable units are planned which will result underutilized surface parking lot is on the in a tremendous facelift in this gateway neighbor- market and development ready. The property is hood to the City’s Downtown, providing new, clean located across the street from 12 White Street, units for new and existing residents. owned by the City’s LDC and also development ready. Combined, these parcels are ideally located for continued investment and will work towards reaching a critical mass of new investment, residential units and space for new businesses to invest.

179 Remsen Building Ready. Another City- owned, underutilized parking lot is available for new investment. This site is located just down the street from the 12 White Street and 162/164 Remsen Street sites described above. This site is large enough to accommodate a significant investment of new retail, office and residential space with on- site parking. Another key site to build the City’s critical mass on new investment.

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Moving Forward

The City of Cohoes past and current investments, funded through a combination of public grants, direct City investment and significant infusions of capital by developers and investors, has laid the groundwork for the continued resurgence of Cohoes. The numerous sites that are available for future investment and redevelopment demonstrate the City’s commitment to partnering with investors and developers to return vacant and abandoned lots and buildings to the tax rolls and repurpose these lands for future residential and commercial space. Several of these properties will become available for new tenants over the next two+ years.

Cohoes Music Hall

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4. Job Growth

“The City of Cohoes provided a welcoming environment that actually sought out our workforce housing development to service the needs of the local community and the region...The City is a great place to do business. We strongly support the City and its efforts to grow and continue to be a regional example of how public and private interest can come together to benefit all. - Larry Regan, Regan Development

54 2017 Choose Cohoes vi Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Existing Employers

Downtown Cohoes is home to an estimated 220 113 years, making it one of the oldest family-owned businesses with nearly 1,300 employees (see Table companies in the region. below). As the central business district and the location of City Hall and many community services, The City’s largest employer, Mohawk Paper, is located the downtown accounts for more than one-quarter of outside the DRI Target Area, but is within walking the employees in the City of Co- hoes. The majority of distance. A family-owned company founded in 1931, downtown businesses employ fewer than 10 people, Mohawk is head- quartered in Cohoes. It is one of the and with the exception of a handful of fast food largest manufacturers in the Capital Region, with 330 establishments and retail stores, most are locally- employees locally and 620 companywide. owned. In addition to its operations in Cohoes and production Major employers in the downtown include Macaran facilities in Ohio and Massachusetts, Mohawk occupies Printing Products, a division of Van Alstine and Sons, a 200,000-square-foot distribution center at the Port of with 60 full-time employees; NH Kelman, Inc. Scrap Albany, where it is considering a major expansion. This Recycling with 50 employees; and Marra’s Pharmacy project would allow the company to accommodate its with 35-40 employees. All of these major employers growing paper converting business. Although the project site is outside the City of Cohoes, it is have deep roots in Co- hoes. Marra’s Pharmacy, one anticipated that the expansion will contribute to of the largest independent pharmacies in upstate Mohawk’s continued efforts to diversify and thrive in New York, has been serving Cohoes and Capital an industry undergoing dramatic change. Region residents since 1931. Van Alstine & Sons has been in business for nearly 70 years, NH Kelman for

2017 Choose Cohoes 55 Recent Growth

Attracted by its affordable commercial space, downtown. Arts and entertainment, food service, central location, and business-friendly local and retail businesses are most likely to grow, pro- government, downtown Cohoes has become a viding an opportunity to create the critical mass destination for entrepreneurs and small locally- required for a vibrant and successful downtown owned businesses. The businesses that have business district. opened downtown are in a range of industries including retail, food services, professional and Recognizing the City’s resurgence and growth, technical services, and the arts. While some Pioneer Bank recently announced plans to open a establishments were started in Cohoes, others new branch bank in downtown Cohoes. The bank actually relocated to the City from elsewhere in the will serve not only Cohoes but also Watervliet and Capital Region. Green Island, creating 14 new jobs. The facility will be located in an old First Niagara Bank building that Creative economy businesses have been lured to has been vacant for many years. Bank operations downtown Cohoes by its historic architecture and are expected to begin in summer 2017, once resto- walkable streets. Spiral Design Studio relocated to ration of the building is complete. Cohoes in 2009, “inspired by the ongoing revitalization of the Cohoes historic business With all the new business activity in downtown district,” the firm states on its website. Today Spiral Cohoes, a Business and Merchants Association has Design employs 10 people in a restored 1874 been formed. Its objectives are to work together Victorian home. Other businesses such as The to promote each other, help the City grow, and in- Foundry for Art De- sign + Culture and the form the public about what is happening in Cohoes. Oberlander Group (an advertising/marketing The association plans to create a new website that agency) have added to a growing creative cluster. would serve as a resource for information about the City of Cohoes, financial and tax incentives Downtown Cohoes is also becoming a location for available to new and existing businesses, the arts and entertainment. Thanks to a partner- development opportunities, etc. It would also ship with the Palace Theater announced last year, provide a directory of Cohoes businesses, with a 30- the Cohoes Music Hall is once again a viable second video pro- filing a different local business entertainment hub with regular music and theater every month. performances. In its first six months under new management, over 7,000 patrons enjoyed a show Future economic development in Cohoes will also at the revitalized historic venue. A recently-forged be spurred by the redesign of Cohoes Boulevard, partnership with Comedy Works is bringing a $15 million initiative announced by the state on comedy acts to Cohoes. So far, two full-time June 5th. The project will transform Route 787, employees have been hired at the Cohoes Music which divides the city in half, from a highway to a Hall. Next year, the number of full-time employees boulevard, slowing traffic and improving the safe- is projected to grow to seven, as performances at ty of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The the Music Hall increase from 60 to 120 per year. highway is used by approximately 50,000 to as many as 70,000 vehicles per day. The project will Activity at the Music Hall, as well as the also open up new sites for development, as proper- construction of new residential units in Cohoes, is ties along the corridor will have better access to the expected to generate additional business and job highway once work is completed in 2019. creation

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Accessibility of New and Expanding Jobs

From its roots as an industrial, blue-collar city, Co- It is worth noting that Cohoes is located within a hoes has become a bedroom community serving region that has one of the fastest-growing the Capital Region. The City has added thousands economies in the state and that offers an of new market-rate and affordable housing units increasingly diverse array of employment in and adjacent to the downtown, along the opportunities. According to the NYS Department of waterfront, and in outlying neighborhoods. Labor, total employment in the Capital Region is Residents have access to an estimated 1,300 jobs projected to grow by 12% through 2022, exceeding downtown, most within walking distance or the rate of growth projected for New York State reached via public transportation, and additional (+11.1%) and the nation (+10.8%). Nearly 69,000 employment opportunities are being created as new jobs will be created in the eight-county region. new businesses open and existing businesses grow. Among the industries expected to see the largest Cohoes has attracted many new residents who employment increases in the region, Professional continue to work outside the city. Residents of the and Business Services (+22%), Arts, Entertainment, recently-renovated Harmony Mills Lofts, for and Recreation (+33.6%), and Accommodations example, indicate that they commute to jobs at and Food Services (+25.4%) are the most General Electric, GlobalFoundries, Albany Medical appropriate for and well-suited to downtown Center, and various state agencies. Downtown Cohoes. This bodes well for future job and business Cohoes is within close proximity to regional creation in the DRI Target Area. employment centers. There are nearly 45,000 jobs within a 10-minute drive and close to 115,000 jobs within a 15-minute drive. It is roughly 10 minutes to RPI in Troy; 20 minutes to Albany Medical Center, Empire State Plaza, and the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany; and 30 minutes to General Electric or GlobalFoundries.

For residents who lack access to a vehicle or prefer not to drive to work, there is public transportation, and a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station on Remsen Street will link downtown Cohoes with key stops in Albany, Menands, Watervliet, Troy, and Waterford. The BRT will also facilitate connections to other bus routes in the region.

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Job Growth

SUMMARY OF REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT

10-MIN 15-Min TOTALS DRIVE Drive

Number Number

Total Businesses 2,746 6,776

Total Employees 44,911 114,606

Employment by Industry

Health Care & Social Assistance 11,255 18,515

Public Administration 5,690 19,000 Educational Services 4,313 8,689

Retail Trade 4,237 10,972

Manufacturing 3,522 7,241

Accommodations & Food Services 3,052 6,899 Personal & Repair Services 2,313 7,464

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 1,843 9,398

Finance & Insurance 1,296 5,434

Information 1,283 3,671 Construction 1,194 3,945

Transportation & Warehousing 1,156 2,663

Wholesale Trade 942 3,090

Real Estate, Rental & Leasing 924 2,568

Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation 529 1,690 All Other Industries 1,362 3,367

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Growth Associated with Catalyst Projects

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative represents It is also the City’s intention to transform the current an opportunity for the City of Cohoes to further site of the City’s Department of Public Works facility stimulate economic growth while enhancing the to a new waterfront mixed-use development with a quality of life available to residents living downtown promenade and approximately 50,000 square feet and on the waterfront. The City proposes to work of commercial space to accommodate retail shops, with a developer to create a 20,000-square foot waterfront dining, and upper-level housing. mixed-use retail center on Remsen Street directly Preliminary estimates indicate that the across from Cohoes Music Hall. It is our hope that development will create about 120 new jobs. this project will incorporate a grocery store or supermarket to improve access by residents to essential goods and services downtown. Attracting a grocery store downtown has long been a priority and is cited in a number of plans, including the Cohoes Boulevard BOA and the Comprehensive Plan. The project is anticipated to create upwards of 100 jobs.

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Job Growth

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE C.O.R.E DRI AND THE CITY OF COHOES TOTALS COHOES DRI CITY OF COHOES DRI AS % OF CITY WIDE Total Employment 1,262 4,706 26.80% Total Businesses 144 388 37.1% Total Employees 1,262 4,706 26.8% Average # of Employees / Business 8.8 12.1 Total Residential Population 2,581 17,158 15.0% Employee/Residential Population Ratio 0.49:1 0.27:1

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY COHOES DRI CITY OF COHOES DRI AS % OF CITY WIDE Manufacturing 210 504 41.7% Public Administration 181 366 49.5% Transportation & Warehousing 150 194 77.3% Retail Trade 138 334 41.3% Finance & Insurance 130 250 52.0% Personal & Repair Services 113 278 40.6% Accommodations & Food Services 92 192 47.9% Health Care & Social Assistance 76 1,255 6.1% Construction 33 120 27.5% Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation 33 260 12.7% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services 29 91 31.9% Educational Services 29 561 5.2% Real Estate, Rental & Leasing 16 152 10.5% All Other Industries 32 149 21.5%

Source: ESRI Business Analyst and InfoGroup Inc.

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5. Attractiveness of Physical Environment

“Because of the growth, city commitment to moving forward and the bright future the city holds I have purchased a second building on Remsen Street. I feel strongly about the city’s future and am excited to be apart of it as a resident and business owner. Donald Russell, Spindles on Remsen

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Cohoes = Quality of Life

Cohoes is about quality living. For 150 years livable, human, local -scale economy. Cohoes’ identity was a one-company Town. The People are beginning to rediscover Cohoes for its City’s physical layout, its architecture and its uniqueness, dynamism, diverse housing options, population diversity evolved from these roots, and affordability, business-friendly policies; and not spread out naturally. The outcome of this organic the least the City’s historic character as well as development has created one of the most livable, its location at the confluence of two major rivers safe cities in the region - and one of the most with increasing access to living and recreating overlooked communities. But Cohoes is more than along its seven miles of waterfront. Considering a company town and Cohoes’s secret is becoming the attractiveness of these singularities it is no visible. Investors are finding this business ready surprise that Cohoes’ population is growing at a community, entrepreneurs are partnering with a higher percentage than other Capital District city leaders who have in place policies that allow communities. them to go the extra mile to support new enterprise - and first class, first of its kind projects. The buzz To achieve this vision, Cohoes’ C.O.R.E. will build has begun. on its roots and invest back into its physical

environment to strengthen the City as a quality place Today’s Cohoes has evolved from its pre-industrial, to live, work and play while promoting sustainable industrial, Erie Canal history into what ‘Cohosiers’ growth. Cohoes has adopted “Smart Growth” perceive as a new model of community - the principles as part of its 2017 Comprehensive Plan suburban, urban environment. Cohoes is the place and through the DRI investment will continue to to raise a family, recreate, enjoy the waterfront and promote compact growth, mixed land uses, a range build a business. And should the community’s of housing choices, a variety of transportation vision for downtown revitalization take hold the options, open space preservation, and a strong basic necessities of living will be available within a sense of place. These investments into the physical five block radius covering no more than one-forth a environment will help repopulate the City while square mile: arts and culture - bike and pedestrian enhancing its quality of life. It will contribute to connections - safe streets and street crossings - the City’s tax base, connect jobs and services to accessible local and regional recreation and open public transit and housing, and more efficiently green spaces - municipal services including incorporate green infrastructure. Further, people community centers and urban gardens - rooftop will drive less as destinations become more gardens - shady streets - restaurants - cafes and accessible for everyone, regardless of age or specialty stores - a locally owned pharmacy - income. This will reduce overall traffic congestion commercial and farmers markets - citywide WIFI resulting in environmental benefits and enhanced - historically sensitive bus shelters for the BRT neighborhood livability. Blueline that will connect working residents with regional jobs. The list continues...resulting in a Cohoes that is now evolving into an award-winning,

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Anatomy of a Vibrant Downtown

Promote Compact Growth. The City’s C.O.R.E. Encourage Mix Land Uses. Mixing land uses means promotes compact growth to make efficient use of building homes, offices, parks, shops, restaurants, and developed land. This generally means encouraging other types of development near one another. These development to build upward rather than outward uses can be mixed on the same block or even within and encouraging infill development, and reuse of the same building. Mixing land uses in the C.O.R.E. will underutilized lots. Building within the City’s compact bring more people to an area at various times of day; it form can attract more people to the jobs, homes, and will bring life to the City. The influx of people are avail- businesses already there while also making the most able to support business development, improve safety, of public investments in water and sewer lines, and bring liveliness to an area. Mixing land uses also roads, emergency services, and the like. In this way, it makes it possible for people to live closer to work or to helps promote sustainability. amenities like the corner drug store or café. This gives people the option of running errands by foot or by The City of Cohoes has infill development bike and leaving their cars at home. Because of these opportunities across the City but particularly in the benefits, mixed-use neighborhoods are in demand C.OR.E. The City has been working in concert with the nationwide. As such, with the DRI investment into the Albany County Land Bank to facilitate the process of C.O.R.E., the City will see a boost in property values acquiring, improving and redistributing vacant and and the investment will contribute to the stability and abandoned properties for redevelopment. The C.O.R.E. attractiveness of neighborhoods. This protects the in- also has second-story vacancies which can be filled. In vestment of homeowners and raises revenues for the addition, the City has a number of brownfield sites City. and underutilized properties along its waterfront that can be repurposed. These sites were identified in Waterfront Redevelopment. The City is unique to previous plans and the City is actively working to have seven miles of waterfront property and direct redevelop them. The DRI investment will expedite this access from its C.O.R.E. District. But it also has process.

Welcome to Cohoes: All Roads Lead to Cohoes

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Cohoes Opportunity for Revitalization & Environmental Sustainability (C.O.R.E)

Cohoes Falls. These resources combined with a Focusing growth around a BRT corridor capitalizes on downtown truly make an experience that no other city public investments in transit and provides many can offer. Through improvements to access and benefits, including: waterfront-de- pendent uses for business, and compact mixed-use development along the Mohawk  Increased transit ridership which can lead to and Hudson Riverfronts, the appeal of the City of more transit service (e.g. higher frequency Cohoes multiplies. Developers are already attracted to service), the City’s waterfront. Investment in the C.O.R.E.  More affordable housing as living near transit creates lasting opportunities for waterfront tourism allow people to spend less on transportation and devote more toward housing and other and creates public access, recreation and open space. needs,  Improved access to jobs and economic Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). With Bus opportunity for low-income people and Rapid Transit (BRT) service planned for the Ontario working families, Increased property values St/SR 470 corridor, the City of Cohoes has the along the BRT corridor and within the TOD, opportunity to create a successful transit-oriented  Improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, district. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) thus further promoting these modes, and provides a mixture of housing, office and retail uses  •Reduced household driving resulting in and other amenities integrated into a walkable congestion relief and in turn, reduced air neighborhood located within a half-mile of quality pollution and green house gas emissions. public transportation.

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The DRI investment will be used to create a transit- implemented. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, oriented district along Ontario Street. This auto- transit users, and motorists. It considers the needs of oriented district currently detracts from establishing children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Ontario St as a transit-oriented development corridor Developing “Complete Streets” in Cohoes will help and a gateway into the City. ensure safe, convenient access to schools, jobs, health services, and shops thus supporting economic growth Continue to Create a Range of Housing Choices. The while providing environmental and public health C.O.R.E. District already has a strong neighborhood benefits. Preserve and Create Open Space. base. Building quality housing for households of Preserving existing and creating new open spaces can different sizes and income levels is necessary to allow future development in the C.O.R.E. District to respond to changing demographics. Housing occur while protecting the City’s valued natural constitutes a significant share of new construction areas and providing enhanced amenities for and development in a City and as such, makes a residents and visitors alike. People across the significant economic impact. Adding housing in country want access to natural recreation areas, commercial districts can lead to evening and weekend which generates demand for housing and tourism. activity, thus reinvigorating those areas. More Meeting that demand improves a city’s ability to importantly, the housing options available in a attract employers. Preserving open spaces also community will influence families’ economic makes communities more resilient, protecting them opportunities, costs of living, and daily commutes. from natural disasters, combating air pollution, Diversifying housing options within the City, controlling wind and erosion, moderating therefore, can give everyone more choices about temperatures, protecting water quality, and where to live. DRI investment will be most notable protecting animal and plant habitats. Capital Roots with homeowners. Homeowners in Cohoes are proud. has partnered with the City to develop a “Learning They are ready to invest in their properties but want to Garden” in the City’s C.O.R.E. District to utilize open be ensured they will have a return on their investment. space, but to also promote healthy and affordable food markets. These partnerships along with

investments will continue to provide the unique Provide a Variety of Transportation Options. Pro- quality of life experiences that attract and retain viding a variety of transportation choices, i.e. safe and residents. convenient biking and walking infrastructure, and high-quality public transit improves the quality of life Foster a Strong Sense of Place. Cohoes and its for existing residents and helps attract new growth. C.O.R.E. have a strong sense of place. Its sense of place People gravitate to neighborhoods which are walkable is what drives and attracts people to live in Cohoes. and bikeable. Walking and biking can be convenient, The City through the DRI investment will continue to affordable, and healthy ways to get around. Further, implement projects and neighborhood improvements high rates of pedestrian and bicycle activity contribute that incorporate natural features, historic structures, to an active street life. Having reliable and convenient public art, and place making that further distinguish public transit service gives people the mobility to get Cohoes as an All American City, enriching it for those to work, go to school, visit friends, or make a doctor’s who live there and attracting new residents and appointment. Further, it provides an affordable alter- visitors. Cohoes’ location at the confluence of the native to driving. The City of Cohoes can provide a Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, its rich history and arts variety of transportation options through the DRI in- community provide the foundation for it to emerge as vestment into its C.O.R.E. District. “Complete Streets”, a distinctive and attractive small city. Foremost streets that are designed and operated to provide safe amongst these are its historic architecture, its vestiges and convenient access for all roadway users, regard- of the Erie Canal in the form of ten intact locks, and its less of age, ability or mode of transportation will be historic sites like the Van Schaick Mansion and Matton

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Shipyard. The City also has local artists whom they In addition, travelers to Albany in 2014 spent $958 can engage to develop public art such as memorials, million on lodging, food and beverage, recreation, installations, murals, sculptures and decorative transportation, and other products. Further, Albany features to reinforce the City’s sense of place. County represents 52% of tourism sales out of the six-county Capital-Saratoga Region. The City of Cohoes Promote Heritage Tourism. Heritage tourism is a could benefit from promotion of its cultural resources growing industry not only in the United States but such as its Historic Districts, the Van Schaick Mansion, abroad. The City of Cohoes is the birthplace of the Erie the locks of the Erie Canal and the redevelopment of Canal and is proud to honor its 200th birthday with a the Matton Shipyard, currently the subject of a master year long celebration. The Albany County Convention plan. In addition, the City could build on its nascent & Visitors Bureau reports that for every $1 invested in artist community. marketing and selling Albany County to visitors and conventions, it returns $53 in taxes to the local economy.

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6. Quality of Life Policies

“ The City’s commitment to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between existing parks and trails to the City’s downtown and neighborhoods, which influences adopting a complete streets policy in 2016, upcoming plans for a bicycle lane on Remsen Street, and safety improvements to Cohoes Boulevard/Route 787, is further proof that Cohoes in pro- actively working towards a liveable community for multiple generations and socio-economic groups.”

Honorable Shawn Morse, Mayor, City of Cohoes

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Quality of Life Policies

As means to enhancing the quality of life of its the City through innovative programs and increased residents and presenting a model of livability to the tourism and trade. The IDA’s mission is to “promote, region, Cohoes has used any number of planning tools develop, encourage and assist in acquiring, available to catalyze the renaissance of its downtown. construction, improving, maintaining or equipping The City is always on the lookout for new ways to certain facilities thereby advancing the job introduce policy that will drive forward its strategic opportunities, health, public safety, recreational investment plan, and routinely re-evaluates the opportunities, general prosperity and economic community’s goals, objectives and strategies, evidenced welfare of the people of the City of Cohoes.” by this year’s Comprehensive Plan Update, 2017 Cohoes Proud. These policy tools support the City’s Composed of five members, the not-for-profit CLDC was vision for a quality of life that attracts families, new established to focus on job creation and retention, investors and visitors to Co- hoes. It is the expectation economic development and housing opportunities that the current policies in place, and those that are yet within the City of Cohoes. The CLDC administers to be established will not only help build the Cohoes of Cohoes’ Business Loan Program, which provides low the future, but also will influence the future of the interest loans to businesses to foster economic region. development in the City and help local business expand. Cohoes innovates using a broad spectrum of both traditional and vanguard planning policies. Policies in The effectiveness of these agencies is due to the City’s place are: expert ability to partner. Each agency operates in concert with the other, effectively blending mission and re- Downtown Management Structure & sources with opportunity to assist the City in achieving Development Agencies the envisioned outcome. Most recently the CLDC and In February 2017, Cohoes business owners organized IDA partnered to bring 4 new small businesses to Rem to form a leadership team called the Downtown sen Street, demolish an antiquated building that was Business Advisory Council. This team has a unique a safety hazard to make way for future opportunities, working relationship with the City’s administration to and in coordination with Pioneer create a new environment to attract, retain and expand business opportunities in the C.O.R.E. District and city- Cohoes Proud 2017: City of Cohoes wide. Emerging from the development of the 2017 Co- Comprehensive Plan hoes Comprehensive Plan Update, and building off of 2017 Cohoes Proud is the new Comprehensive Plan for a previous planning charrette, the Advisory Council is the City of Cohoes. The plan provides a foundational coordinating with the Capital Region Chamber of set of recommendations to guide the community, the Commerce to focus on Economic Vitality, Promotion, Common Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Design, and Organization, known collectively as the Appeals, and other boards, committees, and City staff Main Street Four Points. for the next half decade. As a living policy document, it will grow with the City as goals, objectives and Two long-standing key development partner agencies strategies evolve over time. The City received a grant are the Cohoes Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for the development of the plan from New York State and the Cohoes Local Development Corporation Energy, Research and Development Agency (CLDC). Formed under the New York State Industrial (NYSERDA). 2017 Development Agency Act of 1969 the IDA, governed by Cohoes Proud presents a framework and strategy for a Board of five people, operates to support the goals the City to achieve its vision to grow in a more and plans of the City of Cohoes. This includes growing economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable way. The document is the result of decades of community

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planning efforts and policy initiatives ranging from development across the City.

small neighborhood plans and strategic redevelopment plans to larger city-wide initiatives. The Developing a comprehensive plan is fundamental planning process brought together a diverse group to creating a vibrant and sustainable community. of stakeholders and the public through numerous A comprehensive plan articulates a community’s workshops, public meetings, and presentations. vision for the future and sets forth a strategies The City recognizes that the market demand being for change. It provides guidance on how the com- generated by its new residential development is a munity can accommodate physical growth in its catalyst for new development and revitalization in buildings, streets, and infrastructure, and how it Cohoes. Therefore, this master plan update is not can enhance the elements which contribute to its only designed to cull the revitalization principles quality of life such as parks, neighborhoods, and and objectives for growth, but to balance these amenities. Once adopted, the policies of the 2017 with objectives that continue to set the City apart Cohoes Proud will guide the City boards in deci- for its quality of life. The quality of life in Cohoes is sion making and assist with securing future fund- driving local economic growth, and the City would ing to implement key priorities. The 2017 Cohoes like to build on its many assets to bring housing Proud prioritizes community projects, develops and other development downtown and in targeted timelines for completion, increases local commit- areas of the City poised for revitalization. This in ment, and identifies funding sources to support turn will create the critical mass needed to support implementation. In so doing, it can help a commu- the commercial, cultural and recreational ameni- nity maximize its effectiveness at leveraging com- ties today’s workforce desires and spur additional munity assets with outside resources.

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Land Banks ing units, 25% of which will be dedicated for autis- Cohoes is a Land Bank City. Its strategy to buy, re- tic adults capable of independent living with some hab and sell abandoned and disinvested properties support. The project will fill an entire block and will to a developer has brought new life to the City with incorporate offices for professional services such as more in the pipeline. Under the direction of City job training and placement. A second building across Economic and Community Development Director the street will also be dedicated to support services. Michael Jacobson, an expert in Land Banking, the City can work with a selected developer to achieve Smart Growth Strategy results that benefit all income types, which as an Cohoes’ Comprehensive Plan Proud promotes sus- aside demonstrates the City’s commitment to at tainable growth in targeted areas while taking meas- tracting and maintaining diverse populations. One ures to enhance existing neighborhoods. This strate- of the City’s prize land bank projects that demon- gy is informed by nine Smart Growth principles that strates land banking for diversity is Mosaic Village. promote compact growth, mixing land uses, creat- Demolition of a building unoccupied for a decade ing a range of housing choices, providing a variety has opened up a development opportunity project of transportation options, preserving and creating that is a first of its kind in the nation. A partnership open spaces, and fostering a strong sense of place. between the City of Cohoes, 3-D Architects, Autism It is also shaped by the desire to promote the devel- Society of the Greater Capital Region, Albany’s Spot- opment of a sustainable city infrastructure. This ap- ted Zebra Learning Center and the Vecino Group has proach will help repopulate the City while enhanc- spurred the development of 72 mixed income housing its quality of life. It will contribute to the City’s

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tax base, connect jobs and services to public transit aimed at mobilizing downtown revitalization in Co- and housing, and more efficiently incorporate green hoes. infrastructure. Further, people will drive less as destinations become more accessible for everyone, Complete Streets regardless of age or income. This will reduce overall In February, Mayor Shawn Morse reported that traffic congestion resulting in environmental bene- more than $9 million in residential and fits and enhanced neighborhood livability. commercial development will be invested in downtown revitalization in Cohoes in 2017. Since Importantly, Cohoes’ Smart Growth Strategy is January 1st the City has received $1.44 million for closely aligned with specific implementation goals three grants. One is for $450,000 in Complete and strategies. What is notable is the reiteration that Streets funding, which targets construction of new raises up the City’s commitment to maintaining and sidewalks, roads, streetscapes and a bike lane on augmenting diversity, “Help people age in place by Remsen Street, the Main Street in downtown directing income-eligible homeowners to resources Cohoes. Also in February, the City adopted Complete such as Access to Home, which provide funding to Street Policy legislation. Complete Streets Policy (B make homes accessible to those with disabilities.” 1-2) states that the City “shall design, build, operate or that address Complete Streets policy, “Develop a and maintain a safe, reliable, efficient, integrated Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan to make Cohoes and connected multi modal transportation network a safe, convenient and pleasurable place to walk, bi- that will provide access, mobility, safety, and cycle and use transit, and link neighborhoods to key connectivity for all users.” Complete streets design destinations.” Though just two examples of many, will promote improved health, economic growth, each component is deliberately and specifically public safety, recreational opportunity and social equality throughout the

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City of Cohoes, and will ensure that the safety and trailhead is accessible just a few blocks from the convenience of all users of the transportation sys- western boundary of the Downtown C.O.R.E. CDTA tem are accommodated, including pedestrians, reaches Cohoes through bus service that covers bicyclists, users of mass transit, people of all ages Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady and abilities, motorists, emergency responders, Counties. The City of Cohoes will be receiving freight providers, and adjacent land users. The law CDTA’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service known as goes on to address a policy that includes BusPlus, and service is expected to be fully connectivity with the region and implementation operational by 2018. This line will serve the high- tasks projected for one, three and five years. volume transportation corridor along the Hudson River between the Village of Waterford and the While the comprehensive Complete Streets Policy South End of Albany. It is the third-busiest transit went into effect this year, Cohoes has been steadily corridor in the Capital Region with over 2 million addressing safety, walkability, accessibility, boardings per year. Both of Cohoes’ two new BRT connectivity and other key elements of its Complete stations will be located in the heart of Cohoes’ Street policy. In 2016 Cohoes won a CFA CDBG grant downtown, and the City has worked with the CDTA to reconstruct ~1,142 linear feet of substandard to modify the design of the bus shelters to reflect the sidewalks along both sides of Remsen Street, from character and history of the downtown location. All Cayuga to Ontario Streets. The sidewalk project has CDTA buses are equipped with bicycle racks, making synergy with the re-opening of Cohoes Music Hall in it possible to link bike with bus trips. BRT buses also fall 2016. At the time of the grant, it was projected offer free WiFi as a valued amenity to riders. CDTA that 20,000 people would come annually to Cohoes anticipates BusPlus service will be “a catalyst for Music Hall programming. It appears this figure was revitalization of the urban neighborhoods that sur- under- estimated, as in fact ~15,000 people have round its stations.” attended 72 shows featured at the Music Hall in its first few months alone. Senior housing, low income A policy for Transit-Oriented Development is part housing and Cohoes Community Center are all of Cohoes’ Smart Growth Strategy and is closely tied within a few minutes’ walk of the new sidewalks, to the City’s Complete Street policy (pages 135-138 which address safety and accessibility for all. This is of Cohoes Proud 2017), which outlines a plan of just one example of many that demonstrates Cohoes’ recommended actions tied to three primary goals commitment to Healthy Living, Green Urbanism and aimed at integrating the City’s existing and Walkability, which has now been formalized projected multiple mobility options. The City has through the development of a complete streets identified four transit-oriented development goals: policy replete with a plan for implementation. • Make Cohoes more multimodal. • Improve pedestrian safety on major roadways. Transit-Oriented Development - or “All • Integrate land use with transportation. Roads Lead to Cohoes” • Efficiently manage parking in mixed-use centers

Cohoes envisions itself as a multi-modal hub situated at the crossroads of three counties and two Sample strategies tied to these goals including in- active class waterways, the Hudson and the Mohawk stalling bicycle racks near activity centers either as Rivers. As such, the City is uniquely poised to stand-alones or as bike corrals (T3); making achieve its vision. Within 1.5--miles there are three stronger and safer pedestrian connections between regional bike paths: the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway, the Harmony Mills complex, downtown, neighbor- the Delaware Avenue Bikeway on Van Schaick Island, hoods, the waterfront, and other activity centers and the Uncle Sam Bikeway in Troy. The first (T7); and working with the school district to implement “walking buses” to and from school to

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provide school children with safe Comprehensive Plan Update and Zoning transportation (T14). Amendments which will signal the commitment of the City to pursue policy and initiatives that: Green Urbanism & Green Infrastructure - • Build a sustainable land use pattern focused on Putting Environmental Sustainability into encouraging compact growth and promoting the C.O.R.E. mixed-use development in targeted areas; Cohoes’ history with renewable energy dates back • Develop a range of housing choices responsive to its industrial period when some of Cohoes canals to households of different sizes and incomes; were retrofitted as power canals for the operating • Promote alternative transportation modes by mills. Since becoming a Climate Smart Community developing safe and convenient pedestrian and in 2009, the City of Cohoes has taken a number of bicycle on-street and trail networks; actions to decrease community energy use and in- • Support Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in crease the use of renewable energy. These actions anticipation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service are tied to policies that include using local energy in the community; sources, reducing air and water pollution, and • Preserve open space by enhancing existing and cooling the city, to name a few. creating new parks; and • Promote alternative forms of energy, notably Cohoes Proud 2017 was funded by New York State solar power.

Energy, Research and Development Agency (NYSER- DA). Among the requirements of the grant were for Examples of specific initiatives related to Cohoes the City to develop integrated, comprehensive Green Urbanism & Green infrastructure policy planning that addressed Smart Growth goals, include: strategies and implementation. As part of the • Clean Fleets Initiative - The City of Cohoes is Comprehensive Plan monitoring requirements, a pursuing a NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities project metric benefits report was completed. The designation by documenting its Clean Fleets metric benefits report is for the City of Cohoes

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initiative and with the purchase of two code bike lanes, permeable pavers where appropriate, enforcement EV vehicles. tree gardens, signage and pedestrian • Establishing Electric Car Charging Stations enhancements to make alternative modes of • Cohoes’ participation in NY Sun Solar Program transpiration inviting and safe. • Solar Grid Connection - A primary source of • Multi-modal connectivity via the Hudson Mohawk solar is presently working to connect with the Bikeway, the BRT, and waterfront amenities. City of Cohoes. • Participation in Albany Pools, Grants targeting The redesign of Canal Square Park located at the CSO separation for Clean Waters. center of the C.O.R.E. District as the location of the summer outdoor music series Rock the Block that Targeted Districting & Progressive Zoning – a runs for 10 weeks and attracts 1,000 concertgoers. Form Based Code for the Downtown C.O.R.E. The City expects to expand the park, integrating Future economic growth, neighborhood stability and what is now a parking lot adjacent to the park. A natural resource preservation are directly impacted by local bank may sell the lot to the City, which will zoning district boundaries; permitted, accessory, apply for a GEIG grant to integrate the lot with special and prohibited uses; as well as development Canal Square Park. This park will be built to be requirements. The City of Cohoes not only has in environmentally sustainable, with rain gardens, place a progressive zoning code policy, but one that permeable pavement, LED lighting and solar power that the City will improve and update to realize the where appropriate. strategies associated with its downtown revitalization • The demolition of distressed buildings at the project initiatives, as documented in Cohoes Proud corner of Remsen and White Streets and 2017. It is the City’s goal to encourage a mix of uses and developing the newly reclaimed land into a to build densities that help increase the vitality of pocket park with a bike corral. neighborhoods and bolster the success and increased • The City of Cohoes will soon add a second roof revenues for both start-up and established businesses. top garden located across from an existing roof top garden, which will be built as a special Cohoes’ Downtown Core District is mainly mixed use. feature market-rate housing project involving what was the Cohoes Hotel. • Streetscape enhancements with LED lighting,

Lionheart Workforce Housing

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Land along the river is zoned as office and retail Neighborhood and Transit Corridor districts. These commercial and waterfront mixed use. There are standards will maintain the integrity of the public two special district within the DRI Core, the Historic realm while allowing changes to the fabric that may Overlay District that protects the integrity of Cohoes’ occur as new mixed-use development and green beautiful historic architecture, and street to building urbanism projects are developed. The form-based enclosure. One of the newer districts is the Arts and code provides standards for building requirements, Entertainment Overlay, which overlaps with the sites, parking, signage and lighting. Form-based Historic Overlay District. The goal of this zoning places special emphasis on the physical designation is to support the burgeoning restaurant, configuration of the built environment and utilizes arts and entertainment uses within the C.O.R.E. This fics to explain what the desired form and will allow for sidewalk cafes and outside dining, and appearance of development should be—with an eye different building mass regulations to infill and toward creating beautiful, highly livable places. grow. Living Policies to Attract Growth & Build on Cohoes has Incentive Zoning in place to allow for Existing Diversity public improvements in exchange for higher density. One of the essential components of Cohoes’ Down- In the past the City found it challenging to offer town Revitalization strategy is to provide its com- incentives because it had less to offer a developer; munity with the right balance of amenities to attract today, the City has the administrative capacity and new residents, and to build on the City’s already policy in place. Developers are more responsive to healthy diversity. This balance is closely linked to incentives to increase their value and investment, the synergies that are achieved collectively through while providing a public amenity to the City. targeted districting and progressive zoning, smart growth policy, complete street policy, Green Urban- The City of Cohoes’ is currently in the process of up- ism and Infrastructure and Transit Oriented dating its zoning regulations to include form-based Development. Cohoes has a number of projects that policies for the City’s Civic Core, Downtown Core, arise

Proposed Improvements to Cohoes Music Hall

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out of this multi-pronged approach to setting policy that important population. Cohoes’ Smart Growth, Complete permit new, innovative project development. Two Street Policies, Green Urbanism & Green Infrastructure, important Living Policies that Cohoes has identified as Transit-Oriented Development, Living Policies, priority and where project specifics are being worked out Progressive Zoning support the health, safety and well- are access to healthy food and the development of high- being of Cohoes’ elder population. Initiatives rising from speed City-wide Wi-Fi. age friendly policy manifests in a variety of ways:

Foster a Strong Sense of Place is Smart Growth principle • The 2016 CFA CDBG sidewalk grant brought funds to number 6 in Cohoes Proud 2017. Projects and neighbor- reconstruct sidewalks along the northernmost hoods that incorporate natural features, historic segment of Remsen Street, the central path from structures, public art, and place making can help public senior housing and the senior center to distinguish a community from its neighbors, enriching it restaurants, public services, and green spaces in the for those who live there and attracting new residents and DRI area. Se- curing these funds has helped to visitors. One of the identified strategies is to provide WiFi increase the safety of Cohoes’ seniors. citywide. Through this initiative, the City will encourage • Incorporation of mixed-use and mixed-income downtown revitalization by attracting professionals and housing in the downtown core gives empty nesters, millennials to the high speed internet is an amenity retirees and seniors more options for living. The highly attractive to professionals, and supports the City’s downtown offers access to services, culture, aim to sustain a workforce of millennials. Visitors to shopping and restaurants. Cohoes will also enjoy easy, reliable access to WiFi. • ADA accessibility is being incorporated into sidewalk replacement projects as part of the adopted complete Finally, Cohoes has partnered with local groups to streets law. establish a Community Garden within the Downtown

C.O.R.E. With proximity to the Cohoes Community Center, the Co- hoes Housing Authority and the Senior Apartments, the downtown community garden will not only provide freshly grown produce for the community, it will also in association with the Community Center serve as a teaching garden. On another front, Cohoes is working with land- owners and developers to counter the perennial problem of the urban food desert with a plan to integrate an urban market either in or adjacent to the Downtown Core. The call for a downtown supermarket has been documented in several of Cohoes’ adopted plans, is a transformative project, and will become a reality with the infusion of the DRI funding.

Age Friendly Policies

Many residents of Cohoes benefit from the Senior Center and the senior housing located in the C.O.R.E. District. Everything that Cohoes is striving to achieve with its strategic downtown revitalization planning impacts this Historic Remsen Street Sidewalk

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7. Support for the Local Vision

“Five years later, TCB is continuing to invest in Cohoes. TCB is actively pursuing a second initiative as a testament to Cohoes’ extremely supportive and cooperative administration. TCB has already purchased (or has contracts to purchase) 25 parcels of land for an 80 unit mixed income multifamily apartment building. The projects primary focus is on the southern side of Cohoes Downtown Core, the new development will connect the north end project to the south end. Working with the City, Albany County Land Bank, and private property owners, the project will include the demolition of 9 blighted structures.” Susan McCann, VP Development, The Community Builders

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Financial Support for the C.O.R.E. Vision

Cohoes invests in people, and as a result people invest need, rather than have them change their plans to meet in Cohoes. Public and private investment that supports the City’s needs. Cohoes invites new business owners Cohoes’ vision for Downtown Revitalization is to submit their business plans to the City. The plans demonstrated in both the funding received and for the are reviewed and considered on a case-to-case basis. projects realized just this year since the City applied The City looks for business plans that are well to the DRI program in 2016, but is also evident in the developed, and weighs carefully the level of experience commitment of citizens, business owners, residents of the business owner. When Cohoes selects a plan they and key stakeholders who participate in the public then form a partnership with the new business owner. visioning process. This was most evident during the The City will act as an ambassador on behalf of the new drafting and adoption of the City of Cohoes business owner, helping them to fine-tune their Comprehensive Plan this year and in the recent business plan and matching the entrepreneur with organization of Cohoes’ Downtown Business Advisory both contractors and property owners. The plan of Council. The vitality of engagement that this local support does not stop there. The City Council has support represents propels the City forward toward created a local developer fund to support businesses in realizing its reinvention as a true All-America, quality executing their plans during the first, tender stages of of life city, rich in its diversity, economic opportunity, start-up. affordability, cultural and recreational offerings, and environmental quality. The business community has had a longstanding organizational history with a fluctuating history of Cohoes’ revitalization incubator, the Community & activity and reinvention. First established as the Economic Development Office, is responsible for Cohoes Business and Industry Council in 1971 with improving economic conditions in the City. This office 105 members, the council merged with the Albany will serve as the local lead for the Downtown Colonie Chamber of Commerce in 2005. In 2013, the Revitalization Planning Process. The local lead Council dissolved and in 2014 was recreated again as operates in partnership with Cohoes’ newly Choose Cohoes, this time with paying members. reorganized Downtown Business Advisory Council, the Because of Cohoes’ current momentum business Cohoes Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the owners are seeing the downtown coming alive again. In Cohoes Local Development Corporation (CLDC). response, the business supported community reinvented itself yet again. In February Between 2001 and 2017, Cohoes’ economic 2017 Cohoes businesses owners organized to form a development leadership has secured $73,247,594 in grassroots leadership team called the Downtown private and public investment. This has created a Business Advisory Council under the anagrammatic precedent of success that, like bees to honey, is title Choose Cohoes: This amazing new organization drawing to Cohoes new investors, businesses and has a unique relationship with the City’s projects, some the first of their s kind. The synergies administration. In the past, the effectiveness of the created from this investment are lifting Cohoes’ profile business community’s organization has been hit or as a city attractive to young professionals, families, and miss in terms of its effectiveness. The organization retirees. more often has been driven by someone in government. The City of Cohoes believes that a truly Cohoes is ready for business. Investors are coming to effective business council has to be grassroots. The Cohoes attracted by the pro-active, inventive approach energy and ownership of the business community’s the City offers to new start-ups and private developers. success comes from the bottom up rather than the top Cohoes does not wait for investment to come to its door, down. The City took steps to hire a consultant but has created a business friendly policy that will take recommended by the chamber of commerce. Through a risks on new entrepreneurs. Mechanisms have been community forum, the business community organized set into place to give new business owners what they as the Downtown Business Advisory Council. The Council is a business owner led group. The City

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collaborates with the Council in a purely a facilitative role and works in concert with the chamber.

The Cohoes’ Business Advisory Council has developed a clear tri-fold mission: 1.) To focus on downtown and business initiatives; 2.) To create a fertile environment for arts and culture; and 3.) To promote Cohoes as a leisure tourism destination. In a short time this progressive Council has engaged with planning tools such as SWOT analysis to evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats and Opportunities. It has developed a marketing program using tools including social media, Inter- net marketing and research. It has evaluated its business sectors and developed short term goals to support long term results.

Cohoes City Hall

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Local Support for the C.O.R.E. Vision Importantly, these plans are testimony to the long- The City of Cohoes’ has been building on its vision for standing tradition of public participation and the City and its downtown C.O.R.E. through planning engagement process. The story of the City of Cohoes’ projects since 1992. Since then, numerous plans and community engagement is most powerfully illustrated studies have been conducted aimed at revitalizing the over the past year. The citizens of Cohoes have been City by building on its many assets and taking integral to the development and direction of 2017 advantage of emerging opportunities. Each of these Cohoes Proud: City of Cohoes Comprehensive Plan, plans document the evolution of Cohoes’ vision, the foundational document for the City of Cohoes which has been remarkably consistent with regard to Downtown Revitalization Initiative. downtown revitalization. The City’s planning approach is holistic and synergistic. Each plan The 2017 Cohoes Proud was intended to build upon illustrates how each strategic investment is truly a previous plans conducted for the City since adoption series of interlocking parts, and like a mosaic together of the last Comprehensive Plan in 1992, to be creates the blueprint for action and implementation. consistent with regional policies, and to reflect the To date, many of the initiatives outlined in these plans priorities of the Cohoes community. Accordingly, have been realized. The City has a longstanding previous plans were reviewed and their proposed record of follow-through and achievement. actions vetted with the public. The community engagement process for the 2017 Cohoes Proud Plan • Cohoes 2000 was designed to involve a broad range of City • Downtown Redevelopment Plan stakeholders, including residents, business owners, (2002) City staff, and elected officials, as well as regional • Reconfiguration of Cohoes Boulevard Expanded partners representing areas such as economic Project Proposal (2004) development, transportation and sustainability. • Urban Waterfront Rediscovery Plan (2005) Individual interviews and roundtable discussions • Route 470 Corridor Study (2007) provided the opportunity for in-depth conversations • Van Schaick Island Transportation and about particular topics while public open houses held Revitalization Plan (2008) during the day and in the evening, allowed members • State Route 787 Corridor Pre-Nomination Study of the general public to drop in at their leisure to (2009) learn about the plan and provide their feedback. • Delaware Avenue Brownfields Opportunity Area Ultimately, all the input received was used to develop (BOA) Pre-Nomination Study (2011) an overall vision for the City of Cohoes, to hone in on • Cohoes Boulevard Brownfields Opportunity Area focus areas for the update of the Comprehensive Plan, (BOA) Pre-Nomination Study (2014) and to flesh out particular recommendations. • 2017 Cohoes Proud: City of Cohoes Comprehensive Plan (2017)

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8. Readiness

“When I speak with local real estate professionals, property owners/managers, developers and operators, the common theme we all share is that we want to work with municipalities whose building and planning departments enthusiastically work cooperatively with us for the benefit of all parties, including tenants or ‘end users’. Cohoes sets a shining example of such cooperative spirit.” Todd Drake, Empire Real Estate Management, LLC

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Cohoes is Open for Business

Readiness has become a strategic imperative since our separate out and convey their adjoining parcels. Once new administration came into office in January of 2016. this process is complete, the City will merge these Economic and community development is no longer a parcels with contiguous City-owned land currently ‘wait-and-see-what-happens’ approach in hopes that occupied by the City’s Department of Public Works investors and developers find us. Rather, we now see (DPW) facilities. The City’s next step will be to relocate our city as a product which needs to be invested in, its the DPW facilities while at the same time, begin assets identified and packaged and then aggressively sourcing development partners for the Capital region’s marketed to customers who buy into our vision and see premier waterfront mixed-use commercial and our potential. Along with the right “customer service” recreational project. attitude, coupled with smart incentives, we are rapidly becoming a destination of choice for a bevy of new in- While the ultimate layout and programming of the vestors, developers and private businesses. With that project will be confirmed through the DRI planning as a backdrop, the following transformative projects process, the City will focus on providing a waterfront reflect the advance planning and partnering that, with destination that is unmatched in the Capital Region the right infusion of DRI funds, are ready to go. and beyond. The City’s vision includes riverside dining, entertainment and retail, along with a waterfront park Our Waterfront - It’s impossible to think Cohoes and outdoor recreational opportunities. This project and not think water. will be located at the northern gateway to the City’s Two rivers, multiple waterfronts, islands, and the great C.O.R.E District and will be integrated with the City’s Cohoes Falls. It became evident that opening up public pedestrian connections. Not only will many District access to our waterfronts would clearly establish us as and City residents be able to reach this new a destination for boaters, fishing enthusiasts, destination, those visiting the waterfront amenities restaurant patrons who enjoy a river view and those will be able to walk to and enjoy our many other just wanting to stroll down a riverfront path. attractions and services provided in the District and the surrounding areas, including Cohoes Falls. Project A – Waterfront Mixed-Use Gateway Devel- opment Project: Sitting at the confluence of the Route The City of Cohoes is moving forward with initial logis- 787, Ontario Street and Saratoga Streets; and the Route tics and property organization. Financial assistance 32 Bridge to Waterford, is some of the most beautiful through the DRI would enable us to sustain this posi- and truly accessible waterfront properties in the re- tive momentum, moving the site into shovel ready sta- gion. The City has successfully reached agreements tus for one of the most attractive waterfront mixed-use with DCG Development and the Canal Corporation to development opportunities in the Capital District.

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Waterfront Projects

Project B – Delaware Avenue Riverfront Dining and program for this project will involve a truly unique Recreational Access Destination Project: The City’s association of public and private relationships. second major waterfront destination project is planned Specifically, a partnership has been established for Van Schaick Island, on the southern end of the between the City of Cohoes Local Development Delaware Avenue and 112th Street Bridge inter- Corporation, Prime Properties, and the RPI School of section. The current vision includes a mixed riverfront Architecture to design and make the necessary land recreation and dining experience. The public riverfront available for a publicly accessible waterfront feature at park will provide canoe and kayak access with a focus this all important deep water section of the river. The on celebrating our rich waterway and canal history. incoming graduate student class (August 2017) will be The waterfront dining element will be integrated with broken into teams and will be given the creative license the park and unparalleled public gathering and meet- to let their imaginations transform this area into a ing spaces. This section of the river is part of the 200 world class design. At the end of the semester, January year old NYS Erie Canal system and the City will seek 2018, a local team will choose which design is the to incorporate docking space for various sized vessels, winner. Prime Proper- ties has committed a section further diversifying the project’s reach to potential along the entire river front along with an easement to visitors and customers. In addition to access from the connect Delaware Avenue to the waterfront. Prime has river and canal system, the park and restaurant will be also committed an investment of private funds in an within walking distance of the numerous recent water- amount to be determined at a later date. Our LDC will front housing developments along Delaware Avenue, also be infusing additional funds. the island’s traditional residential neighborhoods, Peebles Island State Park and the Van Schaick Island As previously stated, the ultimate layout and Country Club. The Peebles Island Bike Path will serve programing of the project will be market tested and as the major pedestrian and biking connector to the confirmed through the DRI planning process. A DRI new project and out to the surrounding destinations. infusion would provide a sufficient bridge to bring the full project together, allowing initial logistics and The process for planning and designing a more refined planning work to begin in 2018.

Proposed Delaware Avenue Riverfront Dining and Recreational Access Destination Project Site

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Cohoes Falls

Project C – Cohoes Falls View Park Enhancements and Lighting of the Falls: Annually, thousands visit our region’s most beautiful natural resource, Cohoes

Falls View Park. Improving the park and lighting of the falls will transform this already beautiful public space and iconic natural resource into a year round destination. The park is right next door to Harmony Mills and only a 15 minute walk from our C.O.R.E. Dis- trict and the Waterfront Mixed-Use Gateway Project. Given its proximity to the District, and significance of the falls itself, the project will serve as a major economic catalyst for our downtown. An infusion of DRI funds will help facilitate a completion of the project.

The City prepared a feasibility study and a design for the lighting of the Falls and is ready to implement with DRI investment funds. Cohoes Falls View Park

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C.O.R.E District Projects

Project A – Extend our complete street program one being City-owned. The City has recently reached an through to Columbia Street: While the City has made agreement with the two private owners. After the de- significant strides enhancing streets and sidewalks, sign work is done for the parking structure and mixed- there are significant additional investments needed to use residential projects, any additional land needed to provide a safe and attractive experience for our resi- complete the footprint of the parking structure will be dents, visitors and numerous pedestrians and bicy- conveyed to the City. clists we envision traversing our beautiful city. Millions of dollars have been, and continue to be, invested with- This location has “promenade style” access directly to in the C.O.R.E. District, demonstrating the confidence Remsen and White Streets and the parking structure the investor community has in the City of Cohoes to see will be well integrated with the surrounding streets- supporting projects all the way through to completion. cape. The building ready condition of the needed properties combined with the DRI investment will The City begin in August 2017, with the construction of make this project a near term possibility. the first section of the Complete Street program along Remsen Street from Cayuga to Ontario Streets. The first section which is now under contract, will be completed by December 2017 which passes in front of our Music Hall and Canal Square Park as well as the new BRT Sta- tion. The City is currently engineering and designing the next segment of the Remsen Street streetscape enhancements, and with a DRI investment coupled with the City’s CHIPS allocation and landscaping commitment, the City will begin construction as early as the first quarter of 2018.

Project B – Proposed Multi-Level Parking Structure:

Over the years, several surface parking lots associated with past business were constructed. With the ebb Complete Street Program Design and flow of growth in the City, these lots have become underutilized and poorly positioned in relation to the

C.O.R.E. District’s key attractions and destinations. These lots also adversely impact the District’s character, creating a gap-toothed appearance. While surface lots are ideal for infill, their scattered nature and multitude of private owners has been impeding progress for quality infill development.

The City’s goal was to find a location for a parking structure in close proximity to the main thoroughfare and offer the existing lots for mixed use or residential development. Cohoes is proud to have finally found the perfect location for the parking structure and has willing and committed partners. Directly behind 122,

130 and 134 Remsen Street sit three contiguous lots, Future Parking Garage Location

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Proposed Canal Square Park Improvements

Project C – Canal Square Park improvements and set into a world class outdoor performance venue and expansion: Sitting only a few yards from the Music green space, the park is in need of an update and Hall and at the north gateway to the C.O.R.E District, expanded footprint. We have made significant Canal Square Park has truly become our City’s com- progress to date. The City’s Local Development munity meeting place. Rarely is there a park of this ca- Corporation has the contiguous vacant parcel under liber so conveniently located and easily accessible by contract with the seller. In addition, the City a large downtown population. The park is surround- Engineering Consultant has already designed the ed by our senior housing facility, MacDonald Tower improvements to the existing park which includes the along with the community center and senior center to expansion. With a DRI investment along with site the north, Ogden Mills affordable housing to the west work performed by our DPW team and sponsorship and market rate units along Remsen to the east. The contributions by our businesses, developers and park is also two blocks form the Cayuga Street trail- investors, this project could begin in 2018. head for the Cohoes National Heritage Trail leading to Falls View Park. “As with everything else, I want our downtown concerts to be the biggest and the best. I want our Coming off the City’s most successful summer music downtown to be the talk of the Capital Region. A series in the park it was easy to see the inclusiveness Thursday night destination for people to enjoy and and welcoming attitude of our residents and visitors. showcase our Downtown. Well, if you w ere one of

While the park was well integrated into the surround- the over 12,000 individuals who visi ted Canal ing neighborhoods, is was poorly designed, no longer Square this past summer, …” sufficient in size and is crumbling due to age and -Mayor Morse 2017 State of the City A ddress on questionable construction. In order to convert this as- “Rock the Block”. 2017 Choose Cohoes 87

9. Administrative Capacity

“We were impressed with the people, and with the government officials who knew what it takes to get things done. It is no secret that we had projects in other cities that never got built. That’s the difference between cities with officials that wait for things to happen by themselves, and cities with officials that work with you to make things happen.” Larry Regan, Regan Development

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Partnering with Investors

The City of Cohoes has a skilled and experienced full- Grants time staff highly capable of overseeing the DRI plan- Partnering with Investors ning process and implementing the DRI investment The City of Cohoes has a remarkable capacity to attract projects. Under Mayor Morse, the City of Cohoes has and form partnerships with investors. Each of the pro- reorganized, redeployed and redesigned the resources ject initiatives detailed in this Plan thrives because the available through the Cohoes Industrial Development City-Investor partnership creates a foundational rela- Agency (IDA) and the Cohoes Local Development Cor- tionship that powers a project toward its successful im- poration (CLDC), with a single focus to revitalize down- plementation. The Mosaic Village Project is an example town Cohoes. This bold move was part of the City’s of this dynamic. Mosaic Village is an innovative model strategic revitalization plan with the aim to achieve of housing that provides adults with autism spectrum its vision as a quality of life community. This admin- disorder an opportunity for independent living. The istrative transformation was spearheaded by Michael City is partnering with Scott Townsend from 3t Archi- Jacobson, the former executive director of Habitat for tects and members of the Vecino Group to develop re- Humanity and a founding member of Albany County claimed downtown parcels for this project, the first of Land Bank. Under Michael’s leadership, a team of seven its kind in the nation. people working through the City’s Economic and Com- munity Development office sprung into action to cre- Grants have well defined benchmarks that require a ate partnerships with investors, banks and businesses. high degree of administrative capacity. The City has These co-collaborators are making Cohoes’ downtown a proven track record of effectively managing and revitalization a reality. spending these fiscal resources, and meeting the obli- gation to match funds. Between 2004 and 2016 $ has As an offshoot from the development of Cohoes Proud been awarded from a total of forty-five grants. Of these 2017: The City of Cohoes Comprehensive Plan and as a forty-five grants thirty-five are completed - that is ap- response to the tangible momentum that twenty-nine proximately 80% of grant projects completed in twelve # project investments have spurred in downtown Co- years. The remaining 20% are either under contract or hoes, local businesses owners organized to form a underway. This success reflects grant related projects grassroots leadership team called the Downtown Busi- alone, and does not account for the multitude of active ness Advisory Council, an offshoot of the Capital Region initiatives as well as the seed ideas that are in the pipe- Chamber of Commerce. Founded in February 2017, the line. This points to another factor that demonstrates Council has already developed a clear tri-fold mission: the depth and breadth of Cohoes’ administrative capac- 1. to focus on downtown and business initiatives; 2. to ity: its multi-pronged approach. create a fertile environment for arts and culture; and 3. to promote Cohoes as a leisure tourism destination. As Cohoes is no stranger to managing a multitude of pro- a ‘boot on the ground’ entity, the Council activates the jects simultaneously, carrying these projects to their City’s administrative capacity at the grassroots level, completion, while generating new projects. Looking at organizing resources to support project implementa- Cohoes’ 2016 grant history alone illustrates this point. tion. The Council employs every resource it has avail- A CFA CDBG Sidewalk Improvement Grant was award- able to advance the goals of the City using marketing ed to the City in December 2016. The City chose to tools such as social media, Internet marketing and re- manage this grant internally and its status is currently search. It has evaluated its business sectors and identi- under contract. Through Arts CHPGI the City received fied short term goals to support long term results. a grant to fund its participation in the Erie Canal Bicen- tennial Celebration, currently under contract. Through the Council on the Arts- Arts, Culture and Heritage

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New Initiatives - Implementation & Canalway Grant • Resolution 30 2017 approving shared equipment, Program, Cohoes has contracted to construct an in- vehicles and services agreement between the City teractive canal exhibit for the Cohoes Visitor Center in of Cohoes and Green Island time for the Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebration, 2017- • Resolution 31 2017 approving shared equipment, 2025. Through LISC, the City has underway enhance- vehicles and services agreement between the City ments to its vacant building registry adopted in 2009. of Cohoes and Watervliet With NYSDOT TIP funding, Cohoes has implemented • Resolution 32 2017 designating the City as Lead a new traffic signal at Delaware Avenue and Ontario Agency for window repair/replacement and phone Street. With State ED funds, the Cohoes Library has update at City Hall and to implement a web portal received its window rehabilitation. This recap of 2016 at the Senior Center grant awards demonstrates project initiatives ranging • Resolution 34 2017 declaring the City’s intent to from arts and culture, complete street policy, historic act as a lead agency regarding the comprehensive preservation, heritage tourism, smart growth and land plan use alone. What a testimony to Cohoes’ administrative • Resolution 35 2017 - resolution authorizing the capacity! DRI funding application • Resolution 37 2017 approving shared equipment, Policy & Project Synergies Influencing vehicles and services agreement between the City Administrative Capacity of Cohoes and Troy It is important to note that the mosaic of projects detailed above are all directly related to building the One of the best examples of project synergy that show- downtown economy and quality of life that the City has cases Cohoes administrative capacity is the story of the envisioned and supports through its policies. The cor- Cohoes Music Hall. The Cohoes Music Hall was built in porate policies that guide and shape the City’s revitali- 1874 by Nichols and Halcott of Albany and only operat- zation define and further exhibit the City’s administra- ed as a theater for short period of time before it became tive capacity. The City has demonstrated through the the National Bank of Cohoes. The theater remained drafting of new Form-Based Code and newly adopted dormant until the City bought the building for $1.00 in resolutions that it is actively shepherding to implemen- the 1960’s. As the City started to plot its strategy for tation the goals and strategies laid out in Cohoes policy downtown revitalization it was determined that the document Cohoes Proud 2017: The City of Cohoes Com- Cohoes Music Hall would be the lynchpin to the suc- prehensive Plan. The shared service agreements are cess of the City’s strategic downtown revitalization worthy of notice as they substantiate Cohoes’ proactive economic development plan. As such the City has di- approach to partnering with neighboring communities, rected projects and developed partnerships to support the City’s consideration of the best use of its funding the Music Hall’s success. The City spent $30,000 on in- resources and the City’s multi-pronged approach to terior renovations cleaning, updating sound systems, achieving its goals. The following are resolutions from replacing seats, adding stage lights, refinishing floors this year demonstrating the City’s administrative lead and providing a working prep kitchen. This investment and capacity: was to prepare for the expected 20,000 regional visitors projected to come to the Cohoes Music Hall, which • Bond Ordinance #2 2017 for a Sewer System Capital opened the fall of 2016 under the new management of Investment Project $1, 430,000 the Palace Theater. • Resolution 29 2017 for transfer of five City-owned parcels to the Cohoes Local Development Corpora- The City has evaluated that further renovation to the tion exterior is needed. This will include the repair and re-

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placement of historic windows and the addition of a ing ADA compliant curb ramps, painting new striped canopy and lighting, an estimated cost of $666,667. crosswalks, mending street tree wells and offsetting The City had applied in 2016 for New York Main Street them with cobblestone unearthed during construc- Downtown Anchor Grant to cover these costs, but did tion, mounting more wayfinding signage, resetting not receive funding and has committed to applying catch basis, resetting existing bricks along the concrete through CFA again in 2017. sidewalks, and improving stormwater drainage. These physical alterations address the City’s need for side- The Cohoes Music Hall is a City success story. The walk infrastructure that is safe, attractive and accessi- opening of Cohoes Music Hall was expected to impact ble to meet the needs of the community and to attract the entire central business district by encouraging new new investment to Cohoes. The sidewalk project is also businesses to open in proximity to the theater. This has synergistic with Cohoes’ adoption of Complete Street in fact happened. In less than a year the Music Hall is policy. With the Music Hall and new sidewalks. quality fully booked with events ranging from classic movies, of life is increased for residents, businesses, and visi- musical concerts, and theater. Albany’s Park Playhouse tors, and with it new initiatives are seeded. This story has performed here and the venue has become the per- of success provides a strong incentive for new invest- manent residence for Comedy Works. Since it reopened ment. in the Fall of 2016 the Music Hall has run 72 shows, which have brought in ~15,000 people. It is reported The story of the Cohoes Music Hall recounts the effec- that three new restaurants in proximity to the theater tiveness, the quality and the reliability of Cohoes’ ad- have apparently been flooded with theatergoers. It can ministrative capacity, The City of Cohoes has a remark- be said that the opening of Cohoes Music Hall has suc- able ability to partner, to see multiple projects through ceeded in increasing the momentum of its Downtown to implementation, to build momentum through project Revitalization. The City has become a restaurant incu- synergy and to establish policy that enables the City to bator. As preparation for the opening of the Cohoes Mu- implement each phase of its strategic plan for down- sic Hall, the City applied for a sidewalk grant through town revitalization. Cohoes’ administrative capacity CFA in 2016, winning CDBG money to improve existing partnered with DRI funds will unquestionably provide infrastructure by installing concrete sidewalks with the City the resources to complete select projects that concrete curbing edged with existing brick pavers, add- will push the City’s revitalization into overdrive.

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10. Other

“The new administration is investing more public money into downtown infrastructure improvements than the City invested in the past decade. Cohoes Common Council passed Complete Streets local legislation to shape those infrastructure and encourage foot traffic. Concurrently the City, IDA and LDC continue to offer incentives to new investors, businesses and developers in order to develop Cohoes’ economy.” Ralph Signoracci, Chairman of the IDA

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Appendices

Appendix A: Resolution & Common Council Public Hearings Meeting Agenda

Appendix B: State of the City

Appendix C: Letters of Support

Appendix D: News Articles

Appendix E: Data Book

Please visit the following links for supporting plan documents:

• Cohoes 2017 Cohoes Proud - Comprehensive Plan http://www.cohoes.com/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=34&TPID=6391

• Cohoes Boulevard Brownfield Opportunity Area Final Nomination Study - https://docs.dos.ny.gov/opd/boa/Cohoes%20Blvd_BOA.pdf

• BOA Cohoes Boulevard Revitalization Plan Power Point - http://www.cohoes.com/documents/Cohoes%20Blvd%20BOA_City%20Council_Presentation_12%2011%201 2(2).pdf

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Appendix A: Resolution & Common Council Agenda

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Appendix B: State of the City

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Appendices

2017 State of the City

Thank you, Chris Briggs, for that kind introduction, and more importantly, thank you for your partnership as President of the City Council. Thank you to the Chamber audience, and all of you for sharing this special moment with me.

A special thank you to my family, my wife Brenda, the bedrock of our family. My son Christopher and my two beautiful daughters Adrianna and Madison.

Tonight we are joined by many elected local and state officials, our honorable city judges and fellow colleagues. We are deeply honored to have you with us.

When I last spoke with many of you, in this very room last year, we just moved passed a very tough election, and I promised we would move past the political division. Our spirits were high, we believed in the possibility of change and the opportunity to write our story.

So, tonight, my 2nd State of the City, I share with you, our new story.

It started with an idea. An idea that Cohoes, New York could once again be an All America City, that we could re-energize our community, and people would feel the pride in being a Cohosier. So, we rebranded our spirit, and Cohoes Proud was born. I will tell you here tonight, the pride in this community is beaming and our goal of becoming an All America City is within our reach.

Today I can say with great pleasure, that our community is a different place than it was just one year ago.

The evidence is in the night sky above our city that illuminates from the beauty of our bell tower. The American flag shines high from our City Hall, delivering the message that our future is bright and our City is open for business and Cohosiers have the greatest respect for the men and women who serve our country- past, present and future!

My favorite quote is “Dream big or don't dream at all.” Who dreams of winning a two dollar lottery ticket? During my campaign, I shared my bold vision at every doorstep. A vision of a new and revitalized downtown where investors would come to spend millions of dollars on new housing and business opportunities. Where the Arts and Entertainment would flourish and our bars and restaurants would overflow.

Well, as I stand here with you tonight, I can say, that our big dreams of last year are today's reality.

Let me share with you the many accomplishments of 2016:

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 Our Comprehensive Plan is receiving its first facelift in 25 years. With funding from NYSERDA and partnering with The LaBerge Group and the University at Albany Planning Studio, the citizens and the stakeholders; we are well on our way.

 Cohoes Music Hall- the fourth oldest active music hall in the country. Where sadly, the stage has been silent, the seats empty, and the lights dim for too many years. But today, because we dreamed big, the Cohoes Music Hall is now our economic engine. Seeing thousands of visitors passed through its doors to sold out shows and those visitors packing our bars and restaurants and creating a vibrant downtown. All this in the first six months of operation. The Cohoes Music Hall has quickly become a premiere destination in the capital region. This did not happen by accident; it happened when Holly Brown and Owen Smith from the Palace Theater came to visit our music hall. We shared our vision and our big dreams for the rebirth of the City, and how the music hall would be the driving force behind the resurgence of our downtown. I'm excited to say that several weeks after that visit we become partners with the Palace Theater and the story written. Holly and Owen, thank you for believing in Cohoes Proud and taking a chance on us. The partnership has been more that we could have ever hoped for. I can't wait to see what the next few years bring.

 The Cohoes Hotel- Once the crown jewel for the wealthy and powerful who visited Cohoes while doing business at the great Harmony Mills, has sadly, become downtown's biggest eyesore. Over the past ten years, we have seen this beautiful structure filled with drugs, rodents and slowly decay from its days of glory. But today, because we dream big and our vision and commitment to revitalizing our downtown is not looked upon as political rhetoric. Rather a genuine strategy with the political will and courage to think out of the box. The calculated risk to fight through the bureaucracy that often leads to the status quo and the commitment to put our money where our mouth is! Paul and John Bonacquisti and their team will invest over 3 million dollars to restore the Cohoes Hotel back to its days of glory with new world class apartments. Also adding a new addition to the hotel, which will house twenty-three new market rate apartments that fit into our plan to repopulate our downtown. In addition to the 3 million dollar renovation of the Cohoes Hotel, Paul and John have just purchased the Harmony Market Place which consist of three buildings on Remsen Street and will invest tens of thousands of dollars in each of these properties. Paul and John, thank you for believing in Cohoes Proud and our vision of a new and thriving Remsen Street. With people like you believing in us we can't miss! I look forward to standing with you and your team as we become that All America City once again.

 The Remsen Street Project- by Capital Companies NY. Number 122 & 130 Remsen Street on the west side and 95, 103, 109 & 113 Remsen Street on the east side are all under contract with one of the Capital Regions most successful young developers. Thirteen (13) months ago, Cohoes, New York wasn't even a dot on the radar of Capital Companies - nevermind Remsen Street. But after spending an afternoon with us and listening to our vision of how Capital Companies could be part of the transformation of

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our downtown, owner of Capital Companies Daniel Oh agreed. Following that agreement, Oh has since invested well over a million dollars to purchase all of these properties and will spend millions more in renovations. Furthermore, Danny is looking for more investment opportunities throughout our community that he will turn into top notch housing and business opportunities. Danny, it is awesome to have you as one of our partners. Your commitment to the City of Cohoes in just a few short months is incredible. Thank you for trusting in us, and thank you for taking such a huge leap of faith on a street called Remsen.

 Mosaic Village – Scott Townsend from 3t Architects and members from the Vecino Group take our slogan on Cohoes Proud to a whole new level. The Mosaic Village is an innovative, supportive and integrated model of housing that offers independent living for adults with autism spectrum disorder. This is the first project of its kind to ever be announced in the entire United States and with hopes of funding on the State level will someday soon be a reality.

 “Rock The Block” concert series- As with everything else, I want our downtown concerts to be the biggest and the best. I want our downtown to be the talk of the capital region. A Thursday night destination for people to enjoy and showcase our Downtown. Well, if you were one of the over 12,000 individuals who visited Canal Square this past summer, you know we ROCK THE BLOCK and it's only getting better. Soon, we will release our 2017 line up. If you like great music, I suggest you get yourself some dancing shoes and come on down!

 The Facility Dude- Last year I shared with you that for the first time in the City's history our residents would have the ability to go to the City website and fill out their personal work order. Requesting things like pothole repair, streetlight replacement, and garbage pickup. I'm proud to say, the employees of the DPW answered over 700 citizens requests for assistance and fixed their problems with 48 hours of their request. Also, the program allowed us to track all of the work we do as a city, and by having a better tracking system from a-z, we completed over 4800 work orders and saved $75,000 in do it. Great Job DPW employees, especially Comissioner Radliff.

 Safe Streets Initiative + 2nd Shift of Detectives = a crime drop rate of 40% in our downtown and 33% citywide. New Assistant Chief Tom Ross, Captain Todd Pucci and Chief Heslin, you have made our city one of the safest in the Capital Region. You and all of your officers should be very proud! I know we are proud of you.

 The Cohoes Fire Department as always is the first call people make in time of need; this year was not different, over 3300 calls for assistant in 2016 and I'm proud to say we have the best fire department in the country. You may see a new gold color firetruck, with Cohoes Tiger logo on it around town. It's just another way of showing pride for our community.

 Citywide improvements of many aspects occurred in 2016. From new modern blue and white street signs that are easier to read and see, paving of a dozen major roadways to

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new sidewalks along City Hall, I need to take this opportunity to thank Director of Operations Ralph Signoracci for all his hardwork and dedication to both visually enhance and priortize many safety aspects throughout our City.

 Recreation Department 2016- we had the opportunity to partner with my good friend Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. Through this partnership, we were able to bring to the City of Cohoes for the first time real AAU sports. We had over 100 kids partake in our weekly Karate program; we may have the toughest kids in America. We offered basketball, soccer, and tennis clinics. We had a full slate of summer programs for our community. Not just for kids, but adults alike. We hosted the park to park golf game and this coming weekend, a winter carnival. Even our beloved dog community has a Howl-o- ween party. Overall 2016 was a great year for family recreation, and 2017 will only be better. Thank you to Dan Hytko. You are one dedicated man and your comment to this community is second to none.

 Project Clean Streets –There is nothing more important than the appearance of your community, it is the first thing people notice when entering our city. Will they see garbage and broken windows, or will they see a gateway that beams with pride? I don’t have to tell you what our choice was. New legislation passed by our Common Council to change the code requiring stricter fines on absentee landlords and educational classes for others was the first step to clean up our streets Melissa Cherubino and all the code officers and staff, we are a cleaner city today than ever before because of your hard work and dedication.

 Quite Zone- Finally, after many years of hard work the quiet zone is now in place and now every resident will have to invest in alarm clocks. The horns that once blasted throughout the community have been silenced. This improvement is especially benefecial to both residents and developers who would shy away from doing business in our city due to the loud train horns. A special thank you to our former Mayor and my Uncle, George Primeau who jumpstarted this project.

 Cayuga Plaza Towers- Anchoring our northern entrance to downtown is our 200 unit senior housing complex. The building has just sold to a downstate developer and a 20 million dollar renovation, and expansion will begin next year. Preservation Development Partners has seen our community burst with economic development opportunities and knew it was best to also get onboard the Cohoes Proud bandwagon.

 LDC and IDA policies and by-laws have been updated and are now in compliance with the Authority Budget Office and Public Authority rules and regulations.

 The LDC and IDA have partnered to acquire a line of credit to allow us to strategically acquire properties integral to our cities vision before they go on the market.

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As you can see, we have been very busy over the past 12 months rebuilding our community, and believe me; we are just getting started! Most communities would be thrilled to have just one of the many great projects we have underway. But, for me, I will never be satisfied. We will work day and night until we receive that All America City status. Then and only then will I kick back, have a cigar and a glass of wine. Just for one day! And then back to work!

The success of our City is not squarely on my shoulders or that of the City Council. Indeed it rests in the hands of our hard working dedicated City employees.They are the ones I credit with the success of our community. They are the ones that make us Cohoes Proud. They are the ones who will lead us to an All America City. On behalf of all the citizens on Cohoes, thank you for what you do every day to make us a better community.

Here we are in 2017, just a few months into the new year. The question is how can we compete with last year? How can we do better than 2016? Is it even possible? Well, let me tell why we will be better. It all starts with Michael Jacobson (MJ), the Director of Economic Development and his staff. (Debbie Jacques, Melissa Cherubino who is our Director of Building Planning and Grant Writing and Garry Nathan our City Engineer) . MJ is the mastermind behind every one of the projects that I share with you tonight…

I guess my greatest accomplishment as Mayor was convincing MJ to come and be my partner.

1. Grants 450,000 new complete streets from Cayuga St to corner of Ontario and Remsen Street. New sidewalks, roads, streetscapes, bike lanes will be installed so people, bikes, cars, and buses can live in perfect harmony.

2. We also received funding to improve our historic visitors center to include a working canal lock model and river with other interactive kiosks to celebrate and educate our rich canal history.

3. We also just receive word that the City received $850,000 from Bridge NY for repair to the culvert on Columbia Street.

Now if that was not enough for the first six weeks of 2017, let me share with you two major developments that are being announced for the first time here at the State of the City. A real game changer, one in the heart of Remsen Street and one that sits at the gateway into our downtown.

1. Number 12 White Street (Corner of Remsen and White)-currently a vacant lot that was reclaimed by the Cohoes Local Development Corporation with hopes of future development. This lot was once the home of the Cohoes Movie Theater where sadly it has been vacant for many years and one of our community eyesores. However today, it will rise again and be know as Remsen Place. A beautiful four story mixed use building with 20 rental units and 9,000 square feet of commercial space. A welcome addition to our community and a staple to our plan to repopulate our downtown as we continue to reinvest in Cohoes. Thank you to Dan Odabashian and Eric Moses of Remsen Place Apartments and partners Paul Halvax and Scott Townsend.

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2. 100 Mohawk Street- A gateway corner to our downtown that once housed HSBC Bank will once again see new life after years of deterioration. I can't tell you how excited I am to announce for the first time tonight that Pioneer Bank will become part of the Cohoes family. Pioneer Bank is not just another bank, they are truly part of the community. Their reputation as the premier community bank is not in words alone but their actions. Thank you Thomas Amell, Frank Sarratori and David Farstad that you for believe in us, and seeing that we are a community on the rise and well on our way to being an All America City once again.

3. And finally, I have saved the sweet new addition of our community to the end….. and if you can say this three times fast, you will win a treat!!! Cake Street Sweets will be our newest addition to Remsen Street. A new specialty bakery that will be housed at the former Harmony Market Place. Congrats to Kayla Renfroe and welcome to Cohoes. We are proud to have the opportunity to sample Cake Street Sweets delicious treats tonight as they were gracious enough to provide the refreshments.

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Appendix C: Letters of Support

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Appendices

THE ASSEMBLY CHAIR Subcommittee on Effective Treatment STATE OF NEW YORK COMMITTEES ALBANY Aging Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Cities JOHN T. McDONALD III Higher Education Real Assemblymember 108th District Property Taxation Ways and Means

June 6, 2017

As the Assemblymember for the 108th Assembly District, former Mayor of the City of Cohoes, business owner in the downtown core and a lifelong resident of Cohoes, I strongly support Cohoes’ Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application as I believe now is the time for the DRI investment in Cohoes. Cohoes, by virtue of its compact downtown and the ongoing efforts of its community leaders, espouses the same values and goals as those outlined in the Regional Economic Development Council’s Regional Guidance. Consider the following list of Cohoes’ attributes that make its downtown core ideal for the DRI award:

1. A well-defined, sizable downtown core with ample opportunity for growth. 2. Attractive, historic mixed-use buildings and necessary services in a walkable downtown that serves a diverse population. 3. Continued growth as Cohoes ranked second amongst growing cities in NYS Capital Region with a 2.3% population increase. This follows the first increase in the population of the city at the 2010 census and the first increase since 1930. 4. Public support that rallies around downtown investment as evidenced during public hearings, neighborhood meetings, charrettes and social media commentary. 5. Ongoing investment in the downtown confirmed by the long list of public projects, private investment and grants administered over the past ten years. 6. High quality of life principles reflected in the recently updated Comprehensive Plan, upcoming zoning code amendment and Complete Streets legislation. 7. The readiness to implement projects proven by investment in preliminary site designs, a plethora of studies, site control of key properties by willing partners, secured funding, and developer and investors’ commitments.

I firmly believe the time is now for the City as the leadership in the community is serious about economic development and are adhering closely to past and current plans for economic development that reflect the will of the community, hence no opposition. The City of Cohoes Economic Development team continues to work with the Albany County Land Bank, Cohoes LDC, Cohoes IDA, Choose Cohoes business group and private investors to ensure an additional $50 million in private investment improvements to the downtown. As one can determine, the City of Cohoes has all the tools at it’s disposable to implement development. The city still struggles with household income, in spite of the fact that since 2000 the city has seen significant residential growth by over 2000 housing units, as evidenced by its increase in population. Still household income continues to lag behind the region due to low income census tracts that have not garnered the attention for prime redevelopment. Many of these properties lie within districts that are eligible for historic tax credits among many other programs and therefore will be synergistic with the DRI Funds to provide a strong return on the state’s investment.

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For the above mentioned reasons and beyond, I am very supportive of this year’s application and encourage the review committee to take a close hard look at this application and the City of Cohoes. You will not be disappointed.

Sincerely,

Member of Assembly John T. McDonald III

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June 1, 2017

Dr. James Barba Dr. James Stellar Capital Region REDC Co-Chairs 433 River Street – Suite 1003 Troy, NY 12180

Dear Dr. Barba and Dr. Stellar:

In Albany County, we are lucky to have a strong municipality with the historical charm of Cohoes as one of northern-most municipalities. The Spindle City is a great example of how a river community that bustled with activity decades prior, can reinvent itself as the industries that drive the economic success of our region change today.

Take a look at downtown Cohoes and you will see a flurry of activity from new residential, to storefronts, to regionally respected businesses. Working directly with our Albany County Land Bank has ensured private investment as sites are put back on the tax rolls, while serving as home for new small businesses.

I applaud the renewed focus on revitalizing downtown Cohoes, specifically Remsen Street. With this renewed excitement, I believe the City of Cohoes is the ideal candidate for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and I am proud to support their application.

Sincerely,

Daniel P. McCoy Albany County Executive

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10 Cayuga Plaza Cohoes, NY 12047 518-235-2420 www.cohoesseniorcenter.org

June 9, 2017

To whom it may concern,

The Senior Center and Senior Services Association support the City of Cohoes Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application. Cohoes Senior Center serves a group of seniors who live predominantly in neighboring senior housing in McDonald Tower, Cayuga Plaza and Ogden Mills. As a community-based organization located in the downtown corridor, the population served by the Senior Center will benefit greatly from the transformational downtown projects.

Many of the seniors suffer from mobility impairments, but need a place to congregate during the day. Canal Square Park and the Music Hall, located one block south of the Senior Center, fulfill that need. The City will reconstruct access to the Park as Remsen Street receives a Complete Street upgrade.

Seniors also use the necessary services clustered in the downtown. Residents can access government services such as City Hall and the Post Office, pharmacies, restaurants, hair salons, convenience stores and doctor/dentist offices within three blocks of the Senior Center. Within a mile south, residents benefit from gift shops, a bakery, professional offices, clothing stores, nail salons and banks.

The downtown revitalization projects contemplated by the City will greatly enhance quality of life for seniors and all Cohoes’ residents and visitors. Mingling the populations at community events in the downtown core supports seniors better than any segregated programming. Transformational projects under the DRI can create the environment to cultivate collaborative community programming.

Respectfully yours,

M. Boeckmann Monika Boeckmann Executive Director

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June 9, 2017 f or art de sign + cul ture

119 re: letter of support remsen street co ho e s , new y ork 1 2 0 4 7

telephone 518 229f o2r17a3rt de sign + culture To Whom It May Concern, www.thefoundrysite.com

I support the City of Cohoes application for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative on behalf of “Choose Cohoes,” the Downtown Business Advisory group, and The Foundry for Art Design + Culture.

Why? Cohoes’ new Mayor and his administration both bring a renewed commitment and energy to our downtown core. As a result the timing has never been better to put this award to visibly good use. Co-

hoes business leaders’ sense of hope has never been higher as we are beginning to see years of disinvest- ment turn around. y The evidence? Recent announcements and significant interest from developers and new businesses tak-

ing a second look at Cohoes and what it has to offer. Rehabilitation of the Cohoes Hotel. Expansion of creativit

f o the Cohoes Music Hall. New construction slated for the Mosaic Village mixed-use development. Cohoes downtown features many more opportunities for (re-)development. Part of the newly updated s comprehensive plan and zoning code updates includes a reduction in downtown parking and an increase on alternative transportation. Electric vehicle charging stations, bike lanes and a CDTA BRT line bus stop will encourage the walkable downtown originally constructed in this section of Cohoes over

100 years ago. manufacturer

What do stakeholders think? The spirit of our residents and investors is high as evidenced by their kind words of support both in person and by way of social media. City officials held business and developer’s roundtable discussions as well as public meetings with residents reflect that support. What we hear? Cohoes residents and developers support downtown redevelopment. Residents and developers know that attracting visitors downtown lifts the City. In fact, residents and developers feel City Officials heard and addressed their concerns.

To that end the City hired a consultant to develop a new comprehensive plan reflecting stakeholders’ suggestions. Proposed zoning Code updates will enforce the ideas generated through public meetings. Changes proposed create neighborhood scale mixed-use and increase density in the downtown while reducing parking reliance.

[email protected] At the same time the City invested in infrastructure improvements. The City repaved several downtown streets, creating a complete streetscape that welcomes the public. The Mayor implemented the Quiet Zone to stop the train whistle in the middle of the night. Cohoes thinks of the unseen quality of life is- sues: water tank upgrades and culvert replacements.

The ten million dollar DRI award would leverage tens of millions more in private and public dollars.

As more projects take place more developers take note. So to award Cohoes the DRI would be to truly w

make a visible difference in our goal to be the downtown of choice in the capital district. of

desk

s pa rr o Sincerely, a from the al an Alana Sparrow Founder + Creative Director

a new york state minority women-owned business

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June 9, 2017

To whom it may concern;

I submit this statement on behalf of Cohoes Music Hall in support of the City’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application.

In the fall of 2016, City officials formed a partnership with the Palace Performing Arts Center to take the Cohoes Music Hall to a new level. Under Palace leadership, the Music Hall’s event schedule has already seen significant growth and attendance has soared, with standing-room-only events becoming more frequent. Diverse program offerings range from classic movies to concerts, musicals, plays, family shows and comedians.

Collaboration between the City and the Music Hall continues with plans for streetscape improvements and the redevelopment of both the Canal Square Park and the first floor of the Music Hall. Streetscape improvements that will be underway in 2017 will improve the curb appeal of the Music Hall as well as the guest experience. The City will convert the Music Hall’s first floor into a restaurant capable of servicing the general public as well as attendees of events. Canal Square Park renovations will create a beautiful outdoor community space that will accommodate plays, concerts and other events. The synergy created by complementary projects such as the restaurant and park are invaluable to a venue like the Music Hall.

Cohoes’ resurgence is due in large part to the administration’s recent strategic decisions and willingness to invest in the City. These decisions reflect the commitment of City officials to listen to community leaders and stakeholders, and address their concerns responsively and responsibly.

As management of the Music Hall, we have confidence that Cohoes officials will continue to foster opportunities for mutually beneficial projects. It is our hope that the DRI will become a part of that momentum.

Sincerely,

Holly Brown Executive Director Palace Performing Arts Center, Inc.

The Palace Performing Arts Center, Inc. Administrative Offices: 518-465-3335 dba The Palace Theatre Box Office: 518-465-4663 19 Clinton Avenue Fax: 518-427-0151 Albany, NY 12207 www.palacealbany.org

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June 7, 2017

To Whom it May Concern:

Re: Letter of Support for the City of Cohoes

I am writing to communicate my strong support for the City of Cohoes’ application for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant for New York state funding assistance. With this generous $10 million grant, Cohoes intends to develop plans for and implement transformational projects to catalyze future investment in Cohoes. The DRI, which Governor Cuomo introduced in 2016, invests $100 million in ten downtown communities to ‘unlock dormant potential in ways that create and propose the resurgence of urban areas throughout the state’. Cohoes is already on a path to do just that, and this grant would provide tremendous opportunity to continue its revitalization.

Over this past year, 3t has worked closely with the City of Cohoes and various team members to develop a project that will be the first in the state. A housing development offering units catering to those on the Autism Spectrum and it is now on track to be built in 2018 in downtown Cohoes; along with market rate apartments, supportive services, and on-site daycare. There are several reasons that this site, and Cohoes specifically, was chosen for this transformative project:

• Cohoes, once a manufacturing hub of textiles, cotton and water power, has seen a similar decline as other capital region cities. Rich in history, beautiful buildings, and a real sense of community, Cohoes has seen similar cities’ (Glens Falls, Troy, etc) experiencing successful resurgences that have instilled a sense of hope and great potential that Cohoes can do the same. • Our firm had been located in Albany for several years before moving to downtown Troy. We see through our projects and everyday business that Cohoes is up and coming and the next City in the Capital Region to do big things. Developers appear to be flocking to the City; like 3t when they see the city they might feel, see, and think the same and with that, the City of Cohoes is welcoming them and supporting them.

I strongly believe that this grant will result in immediate and long term revitalization and economic benefits that will span beyond the community and the City of Cohoes. Your close and careful consideration to awarding the City of Cohoes with this year’s DRI is genuinely appreciated and is much deserved.

Sincerely,

Scott Townsend Partner, 3tarchitects

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Developers Comments

Richbell Capital Capital District Properties 8 Paddocks Circle Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Office: 518.786.7100 Mobile: 518.365.9629

William M. Hoblock, Esq. Executive Vice President

Melissa, as an active real estate development company, we chose the City of Cohoes for a large scale residential community due in large part to its pro-business attitude. City officials took a proactive role during the entitlement and development process that made a generally uncertain process much more certain. I commend the City of Cohoes for being a municipality that is truly open for business, welcoming of good, responsible development and leading the way for economic growth in the Capital Region.

Bill Lexington Hills

Uri Kaufman Harmony Mills

We chose to invest in Cohoes because of the incredible history surrounding us in every structure, and because of the enormous potential it had as a successful bedroom community 15 minutes from Albany.

We were also impressed with the people, and with the government officials who knew what it takes to get things done. It is no secret that we had projects in other cities that never got built. That's the difference between cities with officials that wait for things to happen by themselves, and cities with officials that work with you to make things happen.

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Larry Regan Regan Development Lion Heart Apartments

The city of Cohoes provided a welcoming environment that actually sought out our workforce housing development to service the needs of the local community and the region. All of the departments and the leadership of the city work closely with us as developers to come up with a plan and design that benefited not only the community but our residents as well. The city is a great place to do business. We strongly support the city and its efforts to grow and continue to be a regional example of how public and private interest can come together to benefit all.

Paul Bonacquisti President

98 Niver Street – Suite 200 ▪ Cohoes ▪ New York ▪ 12047 (518) 238-2115 Office ▪ (518) 238-2117 Fax

Cohoes is rich in history, very centrally located, and has many old and historically significant buildings that are just waiting for rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. It also has Remsen Street, with plenty of opportunities for people to live, work and play. In my opinion, potentially the best “Main Street” in the capital district.

Todd Drake Empire Real Estate Management, LLC Real Estate Marketing & Property Management 720 4th Street Watervliet, NY 12189 518.369.7247 office 518.320.8584 fax www.empirerealestatemgt.com

When I speak with local real estate professionals, property owners/ managers, developers and operators, the common theme we all share is that we want to work with municipalities whose building and planning departments enthusiastically work cooperatively with us for the benefit of all parties, including tenants or "end users". Cohoes sets a shining example of such cooperative spirit. I find that everyone we work with, from building and codes to the Assessor's office provides us with helpful insight, guidance and service. This contrasts starkly with many other local cities and towns, often cited during those conversations. Recently I spoke of this with Ralph Signoracci, and I'll repeat my sentiments here: I find it refreshing to work with a municipality that offers responsiveness and cooperation, and that is earnest about getting things done.

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Todd Curley

Prime Companies chose the City of Cohoes in large part for its multifamily-based residential development and commercial real estate investment potential. With a location proximate to major cities and highways, a landscape filled with beautiful river views and lush parks, and historic buildings ready to house the next great startup - all managed by local Government officials who support companies with a vision for the future - Cohoes has it all.

Tom Amell President/Chief Executive Officer 652 Albany-Shaker Rd., Albany, NY 12211 T: 518.730.3051 F: 518.730.3051

Pioneer Bank made the decision to acquire a piece of property in Cohoes to establish a new branch location solely based on the economic momentum that is clearly building in that community. We firmly believe that Cohoes is a city on the rise once again and Pioneer Bank wants to be part of that resurgence.

Daniel C. Oh Capital Companies NY

I chose to invest in Cohoes for two reasons. First, there's so much potential in the beautiful historic buildings in downtown Cohoes. Second, the people; both residents and the city who have been phenomenal to work with and are truly working hard to improve this beautiful City. Their passion is contagious and it seems like momentum is building with each day - it’s so great to see. As far as the city has come, it still has a long way to go, so if awarded this grant I'm confident the city will put it to great use.

Francine Kellman Preservation Development Partners

Preservation Development Partners is proud to be a part of the revitalization of Cohoes.By helping seniors live better and more comfortable lives we have played a small part in maintaining the history and institutional knowledge of the City.

Nathan Marks Hudson Development & Property Management

I chose to invest in the City of Cohoes for many reasons, amongst them being a centralized location, a pro business environment, value in restoring two architecturally historic buildings, and opportunity to be involved in the revitalization of a city with a great past and a promising future.

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Appendix D: News Articles

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Appendices

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Pioneer Bank moving Watervliet branch, investing in Cohoes development Page 1 of 2

The Record (http://www.troyrecord.com)

Pioneer Bank moving Watervliet branch, investing in Cohoes development

Pioneer Bank moving Watervliet location, getting new space in Cohoes

By Nicholas Buonanno, [email protected] , @NickBuonanno on Twitter

Friday, March 31, 2017

COHOES, N.Y. >> Officials from Pioneer Bank recently announced plans for new locations in the Spindle City and also in the city of Watervliet.

Groundbreaking for the Watervliet project, which will replace Pioneer’s current branch on Second Avenue, is planned for April. Once completed, the bank will operate a 2,500-square-foot banking center in the building alongside a 3,000-square-foot Stewart’s. The banking center will become a tenant of Stewart’s.

Stewart’s Shops purchased the property to be developed from Pioneer, and the existing bank branch will remain open during construction, with the expected completion of the project to be finished sometime this summer.

“I’m glad they’re staying and reinvesting to make their business more efficient,” said Watervliet Mayor Michael Manning.

Pioneer Bank also announced it will be adding a new location in the city of Cohoes at 100 Mohawk Street, which once housed First Niagara Bank but has been deteriorating over the past several years that it has been vacant.

During his State of the City speech in February, Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse made the original announcement about Pioneer Bank coming to the community and he was thrilled to have them invest in the city.

“Pioneer Bank is not just another bank; they are truly part of the community,” said Morse during his second annual State of the City address. “Their reputation as the premier community bank is not in words alone but their actions.”

Pioneer Bank officials said they wanted to invest in these cities because they have good market shares in them.

“Watervliet, Cohoes, and Green Island, that entire market and that entire corridor is really a cornerstone of what Pioneer Bank has been about for many, many years,” said Pioneer Bank President and CEO Tom Amell. “We really see that as a great opportunity because we currently have a large

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market share in that area and we also see a resurgence and growth in that area, specifically in Cohoes, so we made the decision that we wanted to invest in that market.”

Amell said the bank partnered with the city of Cohoes to purchase that old First Niagara Bank vacant property. He said part of the arrangement after the bank purchased the property was that it would invest in remodeling the interior, and part of the agreement was that the Common Council would contribute $50,000 towards the façade of the building. Amell said the remodeling of the new Cohoes location should also be ready sometime this summer.

On Tuesday night, the Cohoes Common Council voted with a 5-1 decision to allow $125,000 to be transferred into a designated economic development fund account, with $50,000 expected to be going towards the Pioneer Bank project.

“Simply, what we did last year was we set up an economic development designated fund in order to use that money for economic development as the director sees,” explained Morse. “When we took over we had some funding set aside for another purpose that we no longer needed it for, so we renamed that fund.”

The one vote against transferring funds into the economic development fund was Councilman Randy Koniowka from the 6th Ward in Cohoes.

“I think obviously Pioneer Bank is certainly a great local bank and I’m very pleased to say that they are coming to Cohoes. However, I just have a serious philosophical disagreement with my colleagues as to public funds, taxpayers’ dollars, being given to a bank,” explained Koniowka after Tuesday night’s meeting.

With these two new locations and investments, Amell said bank officials decided that they will soon close the Green Island Pioneer Bank branch on George Street.

“We took a close look at our customer base in Green Island and we have the entire market share there, but what we found was most of our transactions were occurring with customers that lived equally as close or closer to Cohoes or Watervliet or downtown Troy,” said Amell. “With closing this facility we will still be able to accommodate our customers since they could get to three of our other facilities equally as fast.”

Last year, Pioneer Bank sold two adjacent buildings that they owned on 2nd Street in downtown Troy, so that they could move its headquarters from Troy to a brand new location in Colonie. The bank branch on 2nd Street is still open at the same location though.

The new headquarters and banking center is located at the corner of Albany-Shaker Road and Wolf Road in Colonie.

URL: http://www.troyrecord.com/business/20170331/pioneer-bank-moving-watervliet-branch-investing-in-cohoes-development

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Historic renovation, addition planned for Hotel Cohoes Page 1 of 2

The Record (http://www.troyrecord.com)

Historic renovation, addition planned for Hotel Cohoes

By Nicholas Buonanno, [email protected] , @NickBuonanno on Twitter

Sunday, May 15, 2016

COHOES >> Within the next few weeks, the old Hotel Cohoes building will begin its transformation into an apartment building.

At the next planning board meeting on June 13, developer Paul Bonacquisti, president of 100N5, and his partners, Sean Curtin and John Bonacquisti, will seek approval for their proposed Hotel Cohoes Project.

“The Hotel Cohoes project is one we feel will significantly kickstart the regeneration of an amazing downtown main street, Remsen Street,” said Bonacquisti.

Once the project moves forward, the old hotel at 143 Remsen St. will be renovated in two phases. Phase one is scheduled to begin this fall and include an historic renovation of the existing building. During this phase, the building will be divided up into six apartments.

“We are hoping to save as many of the building’s exterior and interior features as possible,” said Bonacquisti.

Some work will be done outside the building, as well. The existing courtyard will be maintained and turned into a community space for building residents. The outdoor area will also include enough space for a garden, patio and cooking areas.

Soon after the first phase is completed, phase two will begin, including construction of an addition to the existing building. That addition will include as many as 20 additional apartments, as well as commercial space on the ground floor of the White Street side of the property. All of the units will include high-end features, such as hardwood floors, washer and dryer, granite counters, off-street parking, community and fitness rooms, and a rooftop patio.

The estimated budget for the project is around $2,750,000, according to the developers, and the estimated time frame for the renovation is about 10 to 12 months.

Michael Jacobson, the city’s director of economic and community development, believes the project will be good for a variety of reasons.

“First and foremost, the Hotel Cohoes, which is really in the crosshairs of our downtown area, has had kind of a tainted reputation for many years for it being a boarding house,” said Jacobson. “It kind of

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has been an eyesore for our city and that has been a big disappointment not only to this current administration, but also past administrations.”

He went on to add how important it is for the city to have developers like the Bonacquisti’s and Curtin who are willing to work so well with the city.

“I think private investors and organizations like 100N5, LLC, are actually buying into [Mayor Shawn Morse’s] mantra of ‘Let’s be easy to do busy with and create a good working environment for ourselves and for our developers,’” said Jacobson.

The project is viewed as part of the city’s larger mission of revitalizing the downtown area. Along with the recent announcement of Albany’s Palace Theater coming in to manage the historic Cohoes Music Hall, city officials see Remsen Street bouncing back.

“Not only is a wonderful historic landmark going to be restored to all of its architectural beauty, it’s also going to be expanded,” said Jacobson. “Putting 20 something apartment units downtown is really exciting for the city.”

Nicholas Buonanno can be reached at 290-3941.

URL: http://www.troyrecord.com/general-news/20160515/historic-renovation-addition-planned-for-hotel-cohoes

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Music Hall sees increased attendance, prepares for new comedy series Page 1 of 2

The Record (http://www.troyrecord.com)

Music Hall sees increased attendance, prepares for new comedy series

By Nicholas Buonanno, [email protected] , @NickBuonanno on Twitter

Thursday, March 2, 2017

COHOES , N.Y. >> Since the Palace Performing Arts Center took over the historic Cohoes Music Hall last year, the fourth oldest active music hall in the country has since seen an increased number of guests visiting the hall for many different kinds of performances.

“Just a short time ago, this stage was quite bare and the seats were very empty and the lights were pretty dim,” said Mayor Shawn Morse during an announcement at the Music Hall Thursday afternoon. “The city of Cohoes recognized that this music hall was one of the most important parts of the community and we needed to figure out how to resurrect it.”

In the first six months since the Palace took over management of the Music Hall, Morse indicated that, since that time, over 7,000 patrons have enjoyed a show at the revitalized hall. The Palace management team has exceeded their goal of hosting over 60 live events in the Hall in this first year of management.

“The Palace Theatre has certainly exceeded our expectations and has become our economic engine that drives success to our downtown,” said Morse.

During the news conference, the Palace management team also announced new information about upcoming programming initiatives at the Hall. Palace Executive Director Holly Brown announced a new partnership with Comedy Works.

Comedy Works is owned by Tommy Nicchi, and for years they have been bringing local, regional and national names in comedy to the Capital Region. Brown noted that Comedy Works will bring a regular series of comedians to a “Comedy Works at the Cohoes Music Hall” series.

Nicchi announced that the comedy series will kick off with three events: Nick DiPaolo on March 25, Hacksaw Jim Duggan on April 22 and Gilbert Gottfried on May 13. Palace officials hope to see at least one live comedy event at the Cohoes Music Hall on average each month.

“We have been working hard to bring in events to this gorgeous space,” said Brown. “I am very excited to discuss this announcement because I know Tommy will be bringing in great comedians into the music hall.”

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“The Comedy Works is completely blown away that we are able to make this happen,” added Nicchi. “When I found out that this was a possibility, I jumped on. We have the ability to bring first class talent into this room right here.”

In addition to the new comedy initiative, Brown also announced the Palace team’s excitement at bringing musical theatre back to the Cohoes Music Hall through an on-going partnership with Park Playhouse.

Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Owen Smith said that the first of these musical theatre presentations will kick off this weekend with the classic rock musical “Godspell,” to be performed by students in the Park Playhouse II training program, and later next month with the Sondheim classic” Into the Woods”, also to be performed by Playhouse students.

“The Cohoes Music Hall provides us with a venue in which to significantly grow our programming outside of the summer season,” Smith said, “and especially allows us to engage our students with performance opportunities year-round.”

Smith said that Park Playhouse plans to bring four musical presentations to the Music Hall next season, two of which will be performed by students, while two will be performed by professional casts. Production titles and dates will be announced later in the spring, ahead of the Playhouse summer season.

Tickets for all these upcoming shows are now on sale at the Cohoes Music Hall Box Office, the Palace Theatre Box office, or by calling 465-4663.

URL: http://www.troyrecord.com/general-news/20170302/music-hall-sees-increased-attendance-prepares-for-new-comedy-series

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The Saratogian Blogs: In The Biz: New luxury apartments contribute to Cohoes revitalization

New luxury apartments contribute to Cohoes revitalization

$2.7 million dollar investment turns historic building into new style of living

Warehouse 71 Ribbon Cutting and Open House

Thursday, August 20th at 4:00pm

71 Canvass Street Cohoes, NY 12047

On Thursday August 20th at 4:00pm, Bonacquisti Brothers Construction and Paragon Residential Management will host a community event to celebrate the revitalization taking place in the city of Cohoes with the introduction of the Warehouse 71 apartments. The event will feature a ribbon cutting and open house providing the community a look into this newly renovated historical building of luxury apartments.

Warehouse 71, a $2.7 million dollar investment, is an “Adaptive Reuse” project that renovated a historical warehouse originally built in 1883. Adaptive Reuse is the process of reusing an old building for a purpose other than what it was originally built or designed for. The Warehouse was built by C.M. Blaisdell to serve the textile and knitting trade in the bustling city of post-Civil War Cohoes. Close attention was paid to maintaining and preserving the original structure and interior features of the Canvass Street Warehouse.

“Our goal was to be respectful of the original building and its Architectural features, while transforming it in to a modern and unique facility.” – Paul Bonacquisti, Bonacquisti Brothers Construction.

The luxurious apartments feature affordable pricing and high end finishes including granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, washers and dryers in every unit, exposed brick and wood beams, high ceilings, and large “tombstone-style” windows. Each of the 22 apartments is unique from the rest giving this building character that can’t be found in most modern day apartment communities.

“These new apartments are a great addition to our revitalization efforts in the City of Cohoes. This community will help to bring more residents to the area and we thank Bonacquisti Brothers Construction for making this investment in the City of Cohoes.” – City of Cohoes Mayor George Primeau.

“Preserving and restoring historic buildings such as Warehouse 71 give the community character while providing functionality at the same time. This building will serve as a historical marker in Cohoes, NY for years to come.” – Julian Adams Bureau of Community Preservation Services – NYS Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation.

The principal owners include Paul Bonacquisti, John Bonacquisti, and Sean Curtin. Bonacquisti Brothers Construction has specialized in both residential and commercial construction since 1985 and has worked extensively on projects throughout New York State. Paragon Residential Management has more than 20 years of experience having helped finance, develop, and/or manage over 3,000 multifamily units.

For more information about Warehouse 71, please call 518-640-4080 or visit

www.warehouse71lofts.com

posted by Lauren Halligan at 11:51 AM

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http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/State•Cohoes•unveiling•safety•improvements•for•11196221.php

State, Cohoes unveiling safety improvements for deadly street

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Brittany Knight, a Cohoes High School sophomore, was killed when she was hit by a car Thursday night, June 16, 2016, on Interstate 787, the city school district announced Friday morning.

COHOES - A $15 million project is being put in place to improve safety on Route 787, a busy thoroughfare that has been the scene of fatal crashes involving pedestrians, State transportation officials and city leaders will announce Monday.

The announcement of the project is expected to happen at 11 a.m.

Last year, Mayor Shawn Morse outlined the goals for improvements on the stWreetA N T i nT O G E T response to three pedestrian fatalities on the major commuter route in 17 years. N E WS

G ET BREA K I N G N EWS

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Some work has already been done, including the installation of a 35-second walk signal that halts traffic in all directions at Bridge Avenue and Route 787.

That's where 16-year-old Brittany Knight was killed by a vehicle as she tried to cross last year.