This past June East Williamsburg was awarded a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant from the State of New York - A $20 million transformative grant for the neighborhood. The DRI is awarded to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that act as magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.
The Grand Street BID was proud to successfully submit the DRI application for East Williamsburg in partnership with the Graham Avenue BID and the office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. At this stage of the process, the Grand Street BID is serving on the Local Planning Committee (LPC). The LPC is made up of community leaders and local stakeholders and will help guide how DRI funds will be invested, in partnership with MUD Workshop. MUD has been receiving project proposals from the public since September 17th, and The Call for Projects from the community closes on November 4th. Submit your project now at: eastwilliamsburgdri.com/call-for-projects
DRI funds are expected to support capital projects that will transform the neighborhood’s physical environment in ways that will benefit current and future residents. Strong proposals will:
Advance East Williamsburg’s vision for the future
Leverage additional investments
Demonstrate that the applicant is prepared to identify and execute an eligible capital project
Other NYC neighborhoods in the DRI program have shown a range of what communities have proposed and recommended, from small streetscape fixes to major capital projects. DRI projects in Morris Park in the Bronx included new street trees, planters, and tree guards, a greener pedestrian corridor, rebuilt playgrounds, a public art fund, and a facade improvement fund for small businesses. In Long Island City, a former industrial building was converted into a theater and a permanent pedestrian plaza was constructed.
Submit your project proposal to MUD Workshop through the portal (linked below) before the November 4th deadline!