CITY OF WATERTOWN TO COMMEMORATE COMPLETION OF DRI STREETSCAPE PROJECT WITH RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 AT LACHENAUER PLAZA

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Lachenauer  Plaza to commemorate the completion of the City of Watertown’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative  (DRI) downtown streetscape project, which included improvements to Court Street, Lachenauer Plaza,  the 200 block of Coffeen Street, the 200 block of Franklin Street as well as the intersection of  Washington and Stone Streets that surrounds the Governor Roswell P. Flower Monument.  

The project was a top priority of the City during the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and included in  the final Strategic Investment Plan. Funds from the City’s $10 million DRI award from New York State  contributed to design and construction of the improved streetscape elements. The City utilized other  funding sources, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Consolidated Local Street and Highway  Improvement Program (CHIPS) and a National Grid Urban Center/ Commercial District Revitalization  grant, to complete the project.  

The project increased pedestrian comfort and safety within the project footprint and created a more  walkable environment downtown, with the goal of catalyzing increased commercial activity and  furthering the revitalization of downtown Watertown. 

Project components included wider sidewalks, crosswalk enhancements, improved lighting and new tree  plantings. Specific safety improvements on Court Street included reverse angled parking and a narrower  vehicular travel lane to calm traffic. The project transformed Lachenauer Plaza into a more active and  welcoming civic space, with 360-degree views into and out of the plaza. Pervious pavement surrounding  street trees provides superior stormwater management. Finally, on Washington Street, pedestrians are  now able to access the Governor Roswell P. Flower Monument on foot via a new pedestrian shelter island. In addition to the streetscape improvements, the City also recently restored the Public Square Fountain  using part of its DRI award.

The New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative was launched in 2016 to transform downtown  neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and become magnets for  redevelopment, business growth, job creation and economic and housing diversity. The DRI is led by the  Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community  Renewal and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The City of Watertown  was a Round 2 recipient of the $10 million DRI award for the North Country.