Open Call for Projects
The Open Call for Projects provides an opportunity for community members, property owners, and business owners to submit projects for consideration for funding through the DRI.
The submission period will be open to the public between July 17th and September 4. Have questions? Review this recorded information session. You can also view the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
If you plan to apply, please submit Initial Project Interest Form found below.
Applicants must complete a submission form with required information, which will be available online or in hard copy at accessible locations. If you plan to submit a full submission form,
The project team is seeking projects that are ready to be implemented in the near-term that are transformational and are feasible. More detail below!
Open Call Open Now
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Open Call Open Now ✳︎
Initial Project Interest Form
If you plan to submit a project for consideration during the open call, please complete this general interest form. This form will help to inform the project team and the LPC of the types of projects to anticipate during open call, and establishes a connection between potential project sponsors and the project team to ensure continued communication throughout the process.
A description of “Project Types” and FAQ can be found below.
Eligible Project Types:
Public Improvement Projects: These may include projects such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public art, green infrastructure, and other public realm projects that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown
New Development and/or Rehabilitation of Existing Downtown Buildings: Projects in this category may include the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses. Projects should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, serving as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community.
Branding and Marketing: Examples include downtown branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop marketing materials. This project type is intended for the overall branding and marketing of a downtown, not to provide branding and marketing services to individual downtown businesses or other entities.
Small Project Fund Interest Form
The Small Project Fund is a type of DRI project that could help fund a range of improvements in a downtown, such as building improvements (e.g., facades, interior fit-out, HVAC, etc.), business assistance (e.g., permanent equipment acquisition), or public art.
For the Small Project Fund to be included in the slate of proposed DRI projects submitted to the State, it is important to document interest in it. The DRI Local Planning Committee is seeking letters of interest from business and/or property owners to show that there are property and/or business owners interested in participating in this program. The interest form can be found below.
However, submitting a letter of interest does not guarantee that a community will apply for a Small Project Fund as part of DRI. The project sponsor (e.g, the municipality or business improvement district) will also have to demonstrate interest and capacity to implement a Small Project Fund. Additional information about eligibility and requirements for the Small Project Fund can be found on Page 1 of the form.
Letters of interest can be submitted:
Via email to: rensselaerdri@gmail.com
Submitted as a hard copy mailed or delivered to:
Thomas Hulihan, Planning Director
62 Washington St, 2nd Floor
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Frequently Asked Questions
There will be project sponsor webinars for decarbonization and historic preservation related to project submissions.
The Decarbonization 101 Webinars will be held on August 11th at 11:00am and September 10th at 1:00pm. The registration link can be found here.
The DRI/NYF and Historic Preservation webinar will be held on August 20th at 1:00pm. The registration link can be found here.
For additional event information visit the calendar page.
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The Open Call for Projects provides an opportunity for community members, property owners, and business owners to submit projects for consideration for funding through the DRI.
Applicants must complete a submission form with required information, available online or in hard copy at accessible locations.
The project team is seeking projects that are ready to be implemented in the near-term that are transformational and are feasible.
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Private, non-profit, and public entities are eligible to submit applications.
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Eligible activities include:
Interior and exterior building renovations for commercial and mixed-use spaces
Upper-story residential improvements
Business assistance/permanent commercial machinery and equipment
Soft Costs - architectural, engineering, environmental
Public Art Program
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Project Sponsor Contact Information
Project Location
Existing Conditions
Project Title and Description
Property Ownership
Funding Estiamte
Capacity
Project Readiness
Timeframe for Implementation
Supplemental Information
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Open Call Application Duration: July 17-September 4
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Application forms will be available in-person and online
Online: Once open, there will be a form on this website to fill out.
Hard Copy: Mail or hand deliver to - Thomas Hulihan (Planning Director) 62 Washington Street, Second Floor Planning Office, Rensselaer, New York 12144
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There will be a minimum total project cost and a project match requirement for private projects. Additional information on this will be posted here.
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The form will be provided in additional languages upon request.
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Think of the Interest form as your
"Intent to apply” which includes very basic information, how to contact you, and what kind of project you plan to submit. The full open call form is more detailed and is your official submission for consideration. The interest form helps the consultant team and the LPC to connect with potential project sponsors and better anticipate the range of projects being submitted.