New York Main Street Program Honored with National Award for Innovation

ALBANY, NY (10/28/2009)(readMedia)-- The recently expanded New York Main Street program which improves downtowns, traditional Main Streets, and surrounding neighborhoods has received national recognition from the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA).

COSCDA, a national organization based in Washington, D.C., gave its 2009 President's Award for Innovation to the New York Main Street Program for its effective integration of programs and funding sources that address critical housing, community and economic development needs around the state.

Last year, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal integrated the New York Main Street program with the New York State Community Development Block Grant program to cut bureaucracy and make the programs more efficient and easier for communities to access. DHCR's new Office of Community Renewal oversees both programs.

Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said, "We're very honored by this award and I want to thank COSCDA for the recognition. The New York Main Street program makes local economies stronger and communities more vibrant. By bringing New York Main Street under the same roof as the NYS Community Development Block Grant program, we are providing local communities with 'one-stop shopping' to more fully and efficiently address their community development needs."

Ed Geiger, COSCDA President, said, "We are extremely pleased to recognize the New York State Main Street program. It demonstrates the effectiveness of revitalization efforts in core communities that can be replicated around the country."

Dianne Taylor, COSCDA Executive Director, said, "COSCDA delights in recognizing the New York Main Street program with the President' Award for Innovation. This project demonstrates the integration of housing, community and economic development. We salute Commissioner VanAmerongen's vision to blend funding resources in an effort to restore the economic viability in many of the States' small and rural communities."

Commissioner VanAmerongen said that much of the program's success stems from the support local elected officials and community and business leaders have shown for its goal of encouraging investment in projects that provide long-term economic and affordable housing opportunities. This widespread support led Governor Paterson to sign legislation recently converting NY Main Street from an agency initiative into a statewide program and expanding it to allow local governments to apply. Previously, only not-for-profit organizations were eligible for funding, which hurt a number of communities that need funds for downtown improvement but lack the not-for-profit network needed to apply. The new law also increases the maximum grant award from $200,000 to $500,000.

"I want to thank Governor Paterson for the commitment he's shown to local economic development and affordable housing by strengthening New York Main Street so that it can make an even greater difference throughout the state," said the commissioner.

Since the program's inception in 2004, DHCR has conducted seven competitive funding rounds, issuing 265 awards in 175 communities in 61 counties, totaling more than $61 million in New York Main Street investments throughout the State. The program has also provided $8 million for relief of some flood-damaged main streets in 2006.

-30-