State offering $18M to boost local planning and development

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The New York Department of State is offering $18 million in funding to assist local planning and development projects. 

The money is to be awarded through three of the department’s programs, including its Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning Program, Brownfield Opportunity Area Program and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, according to a DOS statement. 

Most of the funding, $14 million, is to be doled out through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), which provides grants to communities to develop plans and adopt policies and local laws on activities and development, identifying land and water uses and projects to revitalize their waterfront areas. After an LWRP is approved by the DOS and adopted by a local community, or is substantially complete, the community can apply for project funds that support the plan, according to the statement. Statewide there are currently 114 municipalities with approved LWRPs.  

The Smart Growth Planning and Zoning Grant Program is offering $2 million for communities to develop comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances that incorporate smart growth principles, such as walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly streetscapes; compact, mixed-use community design; vibrant downtowns; a diversity of housing options for all incomes, ages and abilities; safe, accessible public spaces; ample parks and outdoor recreational opportunities; and clean energy, among others. 

There is another $2 million available through the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program to help transform brownfield sites into community assets that generate and support new businesses, jobs, housing and public amenities. Besides being eligible for an additional 5 percent brownfield developer tax credit, approved BOA plan can receive grants for pre-development activities that include environmental, housing and economic studies, infrastructure analyses, marketing strategies, public engagement and zoning, countywide brownfield inventories and assessments, phase II environmental site assessments and regulatory updates. Currently, there are 74 designated BOAs in the state. 

All three of these community planning and development programs are funded through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund. 

“New York State is an unparalleled leader in sustainable community development, and those revitalization efforts start right here at the Department of State,” New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley said in the statement. “The department’s suite of planning, development and infrastructure programs continue to play a critical role in reaching the ambitious economic, environmental and housing goals set by Governor Hochul. We encourage communities across the state to learn more about these diverse funding opportunities and apply for any program that could benefit their area.” 

The Department of State website at dos.ny.gov has more information about the planning and development programs.