Projects Will Reconnect Downtown with the Waterfront with Accessible, Walkable Paths for Residents and Visitors

Project Renderings Available Here

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the groundbreaking of the Village of Potsdam’s $5.26 million Streetscape and Riverwalk projects, the centerpieces of the Village’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The Streetscape project will revitalize Potsdam’s Market Street Historic District, including improvements to intersections, safety upgrades, street lighting, new trees and wayfinding. The Riverwalk project will feature construction of a looped multimodal trail along the Raquette River.

“This groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward for Potsdam as it continues to reconnect its downtown with the natural beauty of its waterfront,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Through strategic investments like these Streetscape and Riverwalk projects, we are helping communities create vibrant, walkable spaces that support local businesses, attract visitors and improve quality of life for residents. Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State remains committed to strengthening our downtowns and ensuring they are engines of opportunity and pride for generations to come.”

Initial construction began in the fall of 2025 on Raymond Street and the Art Walk portion of the Riverwalk, but with the groundbreaking today, the Village begins work on the most visible portion of the project in the core of downtown Potsdam. Streetscape enhancements will increase pedestrian access, improve sidewalk conditions and strengthen connections between downtown and the Raquette River. These improvements will create a more accessible, functional and inviting environment for residents, visitors and local businesses. The Riverwalk will feature new pedestrian and park amenities, skateboard park, shared-use path, and mural walk.

These projects are part of Potsdam’s broader effort to support economic activity and reinforce the role of downtown as a center of community life. By improving the public realm and overall user experience, the Village aims to support existing businesses, encourage new investment and increase activity in the downtown area.

The Village of Potsdam was named the North Country’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the fourth round in 2019. Other DRI winners in the region include Ogdensburg, Malone, Lowville, Massena, Tupper Lake, Ticonderoga, Saranac Lake, Watertown and Plattsburgh.

In addition to the Streetscape and Riverwalk projects, the following DRI projects are also being funded by the DRI in Potsdam:

• Downtown Branding Campaign: Branding and marketing initiative for Downtown Potsdam including brand development, to support implementation of wayfinding, banners and downtown branding efforts.
• Expand the North Country Children's Museum: Business expansion of children's museum onto second floor, including basement and first floor renovations to accommodate an elevator.
• Expand Potsdam Food Co-op: Expansion of the Food Co-op including renovation, equipment and marketing.
• Revitalize the Creative Spirit Community Arts Center: Exterior/interior renovation for new North Country Arts Center including windows, floors, restrooms, walls, elevator and equipment.
• Rebuild Downtown Potsdam Fund: Revolving grant fund including rent assistance, main street renovation, a quick-start grant program, and COVID-19 related capital improvements.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds are a powerful catalyst for Potsdam, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth in the North Country. By bridging the historic village and the Raquette River, these streetscape and riverwalk enhancements create a more interconnected and accessible downtown that invites new investment, supports local small businesses, and leverages the Raquette River as a driver for tourism and community pride.”

State Senator Daniel G. Stec said, "The Village of Potsdam’s $5.26 million Streetscape and Riverwalk projects is a major investment in the future of this community and our region. Once completed, the village will be an even better environment for residents, visitors and the small business community. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this work once it’s completed.”

Assemblymember Scott Gray said,  “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative has been a game-changer for communities across the North Country.  We have seen these investments breathe new life into our Main Streets, support local businesses, and give residents renewed pride in their downtowns. This groundbreaking in Potsdam is another great example of what’s possible when state resources are directed toward the kinds of projects that make a real difference in people’s everyday lives. I congratulate the Village on reaching this milestone and look forward to seeing the finished product.”

North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-chairs James McKenna and Kathryn Morris said, “The groundbreaking of these anchor projects reflects the North Country’s vision for a resilient, vibrant future. By seamlessly connecting Potsdam’s historic district with its riverfront, we are strengthening the local identity vital for attracting residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We are proud to see the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative deliver transformative results that honor our region’s unique character.”

Village of Potsdam Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke said, “Over the past several years, this project has been carefully developed with input from residents, business owners, and community partners,” said Mayor Wilke. “With construction now moving into our downtown core, we are beginning to see that work take shape in a meaningful way. These improvements are intended to support our local economy, enhance accessibility, and create a downtown environment that reflects the strength and character of our community. We appreciate the public’s patience during construction and remain committed to clear communication and coordination throughout the process.”

Lawrence County Legislator Margaret Haggard said, “Downtown Potsdam has always been the heart of our village. From the days when Potsdam sandstone shaped our streets and buildings, to the shops and restaurants we enjoy today, this has always been a place where people come together. This Downtown Revitalization Initiative—supported by the New York State Department of State under Secretary Walter Mosley—is an investment in the future of Potsdam. It strengthens our downtown, connects us more fully to the river, and creates a space that is welcoming, vibrant, and built to serve our community for years to come. It will support our local businesses, attract visitors, and give all of us even more pride in the place we call home. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Secretary Mosley, to everyone who helped make this possible, and thank you to our community for continuing to believe in Potsdam.”

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State. The Governor has proposed another $100 million for the program in her 2026-2027 Executive Budget.