The Grand Street BID is ecstatic to announce the $20 million award of the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) for East Williamsburg!
The DRI was created to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. It is a transformative state revitalization award that the community helps allocate to build projects like affordable housing, enhanced public spaces, educational centers, and much more.
The Grand Street and Graham Avenue BIDs partnered with Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso’s office to submit an application for this grant. We were joined by Governor Kathy Hochul and several neighborhood partners to announce East Williamsburg’s DRI award earlier today! The next steps include the formation of a Local Planning Committee made up of community leaders and local stakeholders who’ll guide the investment of DRI grant funds.
A Local Planning Committee made up of community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation and will advance the community’s vision for its downtown so that it can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.
We are excited to share more information on the DRI as the process begins - stay tuned to our website and socials for more information!

