NY Forward & DRI Grants Breathe New Life into Central New York Main Streets
As a Central New York real estate broker deeply invested in our community, I’m excited to highlight how state-funded NY Forward and Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grants are transforming Main Streets across our region—starting here in Cortland, Homer, and Groton. I was fortunate enough to be part of the process of awarding in Groton.
Cortland, as the Central NY winner of a $10 million DRI award, is accelerating redevelopment in its downtown area. With strategic infill and revitalized historic buildings Cortland is positioning itself as both a gateway to the region and a magnet for SUNY students, tourists, and young professionals alike.
In Homer, the Village was awarded a $10 million DRI grant in May 2023—Round 6 winner in Central NY—a milestone that set the stage for eleven transformative downtown projects totaling $9.7 million Among the standout efforts: a boutique hotel conversion at the historic Manor at Briggs Hall; an expanded riverwalk and festival-ground upgrades along the Tioughnioga River; and the conversion of the “Little White Church” into a vibrant cultural center.
In Groton, the community clinched a $4.5 million NY Forward grant in March 2024, joining two dozen smaller villages receiving targeted funding. The plan encompasses 12 projects, including the renovation of the historic Groton Hotel into a bar, restaurant, and overnight lodging; the creation of an Owasco Inlet trail and pedestrian bridge; mixed-use housing on Church Street; and a small‑project fund to support local business improvements. These revitalizations promise to re-energize foot traffic, enhance property values, and boost quality of life.
As a real estate professional, I’m witnessing firsthand the shift: buyers and investors are drawn to towns with vibrant downtowns and renewed public spaces. Homeowners are enjoying improved curb appeal and long-term equity gains.
For sellers, this means timing matters; listing as infrastructure upgrades complete could net higher offers. For buyers, today’s opportunities include charming historic homes, newly built condos, and stylish mixed-use units near redeveloped corridors.
Central New York’s Main Streets are undergoing a renaissance—and local real estate is right alongside them. Whether you’re selling a treasured home in Homer, seeking a city home in Cortland, or buying in revitalized Groton, now is a moment to lean into this wave of state-backed renewal.
Kristopher Buchan, NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker
