Livingston Manor, Ellenville Receive $4.5 Million NY Forward Awards for Downtown Revitalization

Two local communities will receive $4.5 million each through New York State’s NY Forward program, with Livingston Manor and Ellenville selected to advance projects aimed at strengthening their downtowns, expanding economic opportunities and building on recent revitalization efforts.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Livingston Manor, a hamlet in the Town of Rockland, as one of the latest NY Forward award recipients. At the same time, the Village of Ellenville was also awarded $4.5 million as part of Round 4 of the program.

The awards are part of the state’s broader Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program, which together have invested nearly $1.4 billion in communities across New York. To be eligible, municipalities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program.

“The winners of the Mid-Hudson DRI and NY Forward awards are incredible communities that have demonstrated their commitment to expanding housing and job opportunities,” Hochul said. “Yonkers, Ellenville and Rockland are all unique, vibrant hubs of economic activity and culture. Their proximity to New York City as well as many natural wonders gives residents and visitors a taste of all our great state has to offer.”

Livingston Manor’s revitalization plan highlights the proposed Catskill Art Space outdoor sculpture garden as a cornerstone project. The nonprofit Catskill Art Space said its funding is not dependent on matching funds, allowing the long-planned public art installation along the Willowemoc Creek to move closer to reality.

“This grant is a powerful affirmation of what we have long believed: that art, culture, and community are economic drivers,” said Sally Wright, executive director of Catskill Art Space. “The CAS sculpture garden will be a lasting and freely accessible landmark for residents and visitors alike. This moment belongs to all of us.”

The sculpture garden is envisioned as a free public space where artwork extends beyond traditional gallery walls into the community.

In announcing the award, Hochul pointed to Livingston Manor’s growing reputation as an arts and tourism destination.

“Anyone who’s spent time in Livingston Manor knows why people are drawn to it,” Hochul said. “It’s the creative vibe, the beautiful scenery, the main street that looks like a postcard… This investment will help Livingston Manor remain unmistakably itself, but also enhancing that even more.”

Located at the confluence of the Willowemoc Creek and Little Beaverkill, Livingston Manor has evolved from a community historically supported by logging, tanning and the Catskills resort industry into a destination for arts, outdoor recreation and small businesses. According to the announcement, more than $38 million in public and private investment over the past decade has helped transform the hamlet’s Main Street into a mix of historic storefronts, galleries, breweries, boutiques and restaurants.

Meanwhile, state officials said Ellenville’s funding will support projects to activate vacant properties, expand mixed-use housing, improve public spaces and strengthen outdoor recreation opportunities.

“The Village is working to ensure that its next chapter builds on the resilience, creativity and pride that have long defined Ellenville,” the state’s announcement said.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said the investment will help the village build on its history while creating new opportunities.

“This investment will build on the organic growth Ellenville has made and push forward transformative projects,” Mayor Evan Trent said. “We are excited to work with our community partners, residents, and businesses to leverage this opportunity to strengthen our downtown, support economic development and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Ellenville home.”

Livingston Manor and Ellenville each received $4.5 million through NY Forward, while Yonkers was awarded $10 million through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative as the Mid-Hudson region’s larger DRI recipient.

Image: The Catskill Art Space outdoor sculpture garden has been identified as a key cornerstone of the Livingston Manor revitalization plan (Catskill Art Space).