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Logo Courtesy of Romenewyork.com

ROME, N.Y. — The City of Rome is launching its first Waterfront Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee meeting to kick off a new phase of community-led development.

According to the City of Rome, the meeting will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on July 9 in the City Hall Lobby at 198 N Washington St. and is open to the public.

Rome recently received a second $10 million DRI award from Gov. Kathy Hochul, this time focused on the waterfront district east of downtown, including parts of Little Italy and the industrial waterfront along the Mohawk River and New York State Canal.


Rome Secures $10 Million DRI Grant; Utica and Morris Get $4.5 Million NY Forward Grants

The State of New York awarded Rome $10 million and the mayor gave the Secretary of State a hand-painted skateboard, a nod to the skate park at Bellamy Park and more recreation to come.

The first committee meeting will introduce the DRI planning process, outline steps to identify major public and private projects, and begin an open call for projects.

The Local Planning Committee, made up of local business, institution and community group representatives, will lead the plan’s development.

Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan and Charles Green of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council are serving as co-chairs.

Rome’s first DRI award in 2017 focused on downtown and the Central Business District.

The 2026 award aims to transform vacant and underused properties into recreation, tourism and waterfront destinations, supporting housing, industry and tourism in the area.