As part of the Hudson Gateway Connector planning process, the Open Call for Projects will identify ideas that advance the community's vision for downtown revitalization.
The DRI program is designed to fund transformational projects that have the potential to create an immediate, positive effect on a community's downtown. The Local Planning Committee will evaluate potential projects for funding and recommend projects to the State. The State will award up to $9.7 million in grants to projects that advance the community's vision and goals for downtown. Awarded project sponsors contract with the appropriate state agency and are expected to break ground within two years of award.
Opens September 10, 2026 · Closes October 16, 2026
Full details on eligibility, evaluation criteria, and how to submit will be posted here as the window approaches.
Questions in the meantime? Reach the DRI planning team at Yonkers_dri@nelsonpope.com, or use the feedback form.
The project should be aligned with State and local goals and demonstrate strong community support.
The project should be well-developed and poised to proceed in the near-term in a way that will jump start the redevelopment of the DRI area.
The project is likely to have a significant positive impact on the revitalization of the downtown by attracting other public and private investment at a scale appropriate for the DRI community.
The project will result in secondary benefits to both the community and project developer, beyond its primary goal — generating additional economic activity, growing the local property tax base, improving quality of life, enhancing accessibility, and/or creating healthier, more comfortable, and productive buildings.
Investment of DRI funds in the project would represent an effective and efficient use of public resources.
Projects must be able to break ground within two years or sooner of receiving DRI funding.
Projects must be large enough to be truly transformative. Standalone projects must be at least $75,000 in total cost; smaller projects can be submitted as a demonstration of demand for a Small Project Fund.
Every project must have an identified sponsor — public, non-profit, or private — with the capacity and legal authority to undertake it. Membership-only organizations and religious facilities must propose projects open to the public.
Projects should have financing largely secured or a clear path to securing it, enabling the sponsor to move expeditiously alongside DRI funding.
Private-sponsor projects require a minimum match of 25% of total project cost. No minimum applies to public or not-for-profit projects, though the LPC may impose additional requirements. Small Project Fund matches must be at least 25% per project.
The sponsor must have site control or be in the process of acquiring it. Leased or rented sites require the property owner's written agreement.
DRI funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, after expenses are incurred or, in some cases, after full project completion. Sponsors should be prepared to demonstrate financial capacity while awaiting reimbursement.
Recorded webinars for project sponsors on DRI program requirements.
This webinar will familiarize applicants with DRI's decarbonization compliance requirements and provide an overview of decarbonization strategies.
This webinar provides a guide to the SHPO technical review process required for DRI funded projects.
The Local Planning Committee will develop a vision statement with corresponding goals and revitalization strategies to guide decision-making about future development and investment in the DRI area. The statement below is from the City's DRI proposal and will serve as a placeholder until the LPC approves a final version.
The Hudson Gateway Connector envisions a downtown that completes Yonkers' evolution into a fully connected, inclusive, and innovative river city. By restoring historic infrastructure and reimagining the waterfront for public life, the initiative will strengthen the physical, social, and cultural connections that define Yonkers' identity. New spaces for recreation and creativity will showcase the city's leadership in transforming its industrial past into a model of urban innovation and sustainable waterfront design.
The district's true potential lies not only in redevelopment but in integration, ensuring that the prosperity along the waterfront is open to everyone. Yonkers will strengthen these connections, transforming its riverfront into a shared civic front porch that reflects the community's greatest strengths: its diversity, creativity, and enduring sense of place.
Localized goals supporting this vision will be developed by the Local Planning Committee and posted here once established.