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City of Dunkirk
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)

$10M Towards Revitalization

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a comprehensive approach to boosting local economies by transforming communities into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work, and raise a family. In its sixth year, the program is investing $100 million across the state, or $10 million in each region. The downtown districts that receive the funding are chosen by each of the State's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs).

The City of Dunkirk is the DRI winner in the Western New York region and has been awarded $10M towards improvements that will help transform the downtown area. With technical assistance provided by the State and guidance from a local planning committee and the public, the City of Dunkirk will develop a Strategic Investment Plan that identifies specific projects that align with a unique vision for revitalization of the downtown area. This website contains the information, documents, and announcements about the DRI as they become available throughout the process.

News & Announcements

Click for more information about each meeting, including meeting materials and summaries.

Public Workshop #3

Thursday, November 2
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Dunkirk High School Cafeteria
75 West 6th Street
Dunkirk, NY 14048

See All News

DRI Boundary

The Dunkirk DRI Boundary defines the downtown area where partners will focus their planning efforts. To download a pdf version of the boundary map, click here.

Projects

Projects for consideration for funding were accepted through an Open Call for Projects process, that was open from June 13, 2023 to July 21, 2023. In total, 27 eligible projects were submitted for LPC consideration. The LPC will be reviewing and evaluating these projects over the coming months to develop a final slate of between $12 and $15 million in funding requests to include in the Strategic Investment Plan. Projects included in the DRI Strategic Investment Plan will be reviewed by New York State and may receive funding. 

Proposed Projects

Proposed projects that are being considered for DRI funding are detailed in the right-hand gallery. Projects are presented in descending order of the amount of the DRI funding request.

Overview of Dunkirk DRI Proposed Projects:

  • Projects Proposed: 24
  • Total DRI Request: $29,396,000
  • Total Project Cost: $138,279,000
  • Project Types:
    • 3 Public Improvement Projects
    • 3 New Development Projects
    • 17 Redevelopment/Renovation of Existing Buildings
    • 1 Small Projects Fund
    • 4 Example Small Projects

Documents & Resources

Dunkirk DRI Project Materials

Dunkirk DRI Final Vision Statement, Goals, and Strategies: Click here.

Open Call for Projects

Local Planning Committee Meetings

Public Workshop #1 Materials

Public Workshop #2 Materials

Public Workshop #3 Materials

 

DRI Resources

 

Community Resources

 

 

Partners

Partners

The DRI accomplishes its goals through a unique state-local partnership that includes the Local Planning Committee (LPC), state agency staff, and a consultant team. The LPC is led by two co-chairs, the Mayor of the City of Dunkirk, as well as a representative from the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community. The state agencies involved with the DRI process are the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS), Empire State Development (ESD), Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). The state agency staff ensures that the process and deliverables are consistent with the goals, priorities and requirements of the Initiative. In addition, the state agency staff, together with the consultants, provides expertise, guidance, and technical assistance to develop a strategic investment plan that will achieve the vision and goals for revitalization of the downtown as approved by the LPC.

The members of the Local Planning Committee include:

  • Honorable Wilfred Rosas, Mayor (Co-Chair)
  • Michael Metzger, WNY Regional Economic Development Council (Co-Chair)
  • Liz Cardona, Dunkirk Housing Authority
  • Rebecca Ruiz, Chautauqua Center
  • Nathan Aldrich, Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth
  • Gina Paradis, Chautauqua County Land Bank
  • Dan Beckley, Advanced Production Group, LLC
  • Rebecca Wurster, Chautauqua County Dept. of Planning & Development
  • Thomas Panasci, Pizza Village
  • Miriam Lugo-Alfaro, Dunkirk High School
  • Frank Torain, Open Door Church of God in Christ
  • Virginia Harper, Resident
  • Ellen Luczkowiak, Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce
  • Beth Starks, Jamestown Community College

Contact Us / Contáctenos

Enter your contact information to join our mailing list and stay up to date on the DRI process. You can also leave us a comment or submit your ideas.

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