The Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the Grand Street BID and the Graham Avenue BID are applying for the Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant for East Williamsburg and we want to hear from you!
If awarded, up to $20 million in DRI funding would support a variety of projects to realize a vibrant and inclusive downtown community. You can find more information and examples on the New York State website.
At this stage, we need your input on projects you’d like to see in East Williamsburg to make it a neighborhood where people can live, work, grow, and play in the map area below:
Take The Survey
Take The Survey
Click the button below to take our
East Williamsburg Downtown Revitalization Survey:
A Guide for Community Partners
The NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) provides up to $20 million for projects that transform our main commercial corridors. Do you have a project, similar to the examples below, ready to break ground in the next 1-2 years? Please let us know so that we can include it in the application for East Williamsburg.
Public Improvements & The Public Realm
These projects enhance the look, feel, and function of our public spaces.
Examples:
Streetscape Redesign: Accessibility-friendly paving, pedestrian-friendly lighting, seating, greenspaces, etc.
New Public Plaza: temporary or permanent, on public or private property
Public Art & Wayfinding: murals, sculptures, or a cohesive and cultural signage system
Economic & Business Development
Direct support for existing and future businesses to create economic opportunity in our district.
Examples:
Small Business Grant/Loan Fund: Equipment purchase, technology upgrades, etc.
Unified Marketing & Branding: Focused "East Williamsburg" neighborhood brand to attract visitors and investment
Retail Incubator: Low-cost and cross-cultural programming for local entrepreneurs
New Development & Rehabilitation of Buildings
These projects may construct new mixed-use buildings or upgrade existing building stock.
Examples:
Mixed-Use Development: New development on vacant lot or adaptive reuse of existing commercial or industrial building
Facade & Building Improvement Program: Restoration of historic facades, installation of new storefront elements, climate-resilient infrastructure upgrades
Workforce Development
These projects for job training, skills development, and placement services.
Examples:
Targeted Training Program in High-Growth Sectors
Local Hiring Initiative: A program to connect East Williamsburg residents directly with the jobs created by DRI public improvement projects.