Governor Hochul Announces Downtown Revitalization Initiative Projects for the Village of Schoharie; SEEC to Lead Grant Administration for Borden's Creamery

VILLAGE OF SCHOHARIE, NY | July 2026 — In May, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the six transformational projects selected for funding under the Village of Schoharie's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award, marking a significant milestone in the community's long-term revitalization efforts (details: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-14-transformational-projects-mohawk-valley-part-downtown). The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC), which helped guide the local planning process that led to the award, was asked to serve as the grant administrator for the Historic Borden's Creamery renovation sponsored by the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association.

"This announcement represents years of collaboration among local leaders, business owners, residents, and our state partners to create a shared vision for downtown Schoharie," said Julie Pacatte, Executive Director of SEEC. "We are incredibly proud to have helped facilitate this process and are honored to serve as the grant administrator for a revived community asset." SEEC will help all project sponsors successfully navigate implementation, so these investments move efficiently from award announcements to completed projects that strengthen the community for generations to come.

The projects, totaling approximately $35 million, received $9.7 million in grant awards, representing 27% public to private investment. The Local Planning Committee submitted a balanced slate of proposed investments in housing, healthcare, public spaces, historic preservation, and downtown amenity development. Awarded funding will support the construction of new mixed-use commercial and residential space, adaptive reuse of historic properties, creation of a new public park, rehabilitation of a landmark building, and improvements that strengthen Main Street as a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors. Together, these investments demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, local businesses, and cultural enrichment, making Schoharie a place where families thrive, visitors are inspired, and future generations are proud to call home.

Schoharie's Downtown Revitalization Initiative awarded projects:

$18,859,081 | Construct Commercial Space with a Professional Healthcare Facility at 218 Main Street — a new two-story commercial building transforming a long-vacant site into a modern healthcare and business center, building a larger facility for an expanding dental practice while supporting downtown walkability.

$10,231,365 | Build a New Apartment Community at 218 Main Street — new housing on a vacant lot behind 218 Main Street, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom units for residents of all ages in a walkable downtown location.

$2,500,000 | Flow Through Fountaintown: Improve Pedestrian Access & Connectivity — upgraded pedestrian infrastructure, traffic calming, green space, and signage connecting the Palatine House Museum, Community Pool, Schoharie Free Library, and the Main Street business district.

$1,510,000 | Create Fire House Park at 133 Grand Street — transforming the vacant former firehouse site into a new public park with play areas, shaded seating, gardens, and green infrastructure.

$976,000 | Add and Enhance Community Spaces at the Schoharie Free Library — a new makerspace and kitchen area, updated exterior program spaces including the porch and lawn, and upgraded parking, HVAC, and ADA accessibility.

$870,000 | Update the Borden's Creamery Building into an Accessible, Modern Community Cultural Center

As grant administrator for the update to the Borden's Creamery Building into an Accessible, Modern Community Cultural Center ($870,000), SEEC will serve as a primary liaison between New York State and the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association. The organization will oversee grant agreements, reimbursement requests, compliance reporting, procurement guidance, and ongoing project monitoring to ensure each investment is implemented efficiently, responsibly, and in accordance with state requirements. The renovations to the historic Borden's Creamery Building will involve adding an elevator, completing comprehensive ADA and energy-efficiency upgrades, and modernizing the building's kitchen, safety systems, and theatre and art gallery lighting systems. The project is seeking financing through the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region (https://mycommunityloanfund.org/) and MVEDD's Bridge Finance for Grant Awardees program (https://mvedd.org/bridge-finance-for-grant) to front costs while awaiting state reimbursement upon completion.

The DRI announcement builds upon SEEC's broader efforts to advance strategic economic development throughout Schoharie County. As highlighted in the organization's recently released 2025 Collective Impact Annual Report, SEEC is currently helping facilitate more than $335 million in active public and private investment projects that are creating more than 225 jobs, expanding housing opportunities, revitalizing downtowns, and strengthening long-term economic resilience across the region.

Governor Kathy Hochul stated on May 14, 2026, "Our downtowns are the lifeblood of communities all across the state, from the small businesses to the local restaurants to areas where residents can just gather. With these investments, Mohawk Valley residents can expect upgraded civic, commercial and cultural spaces for families to take advantage of and more housing to drive down costs in their neighborhoods.” 

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a New York State program, led by the Department of State in partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and NYSERDA, that transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant, walkable centers of activity and investment. Since its creation, the DRI has awarded roughly $1 billion across more than 100 communities statewide through a "plan-then-act" strategy that pairs strategic planning with direct implementation funding. Learn more: https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative

About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC)

Founded by private sector leaders, SEEC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison between businesses, local municipalities, and institutional leaders to highlight opportunities, support entrepreneurship, add value to enterprises, and make direct investments that shape more desirable communities. SEEC's vision is to unite legacy-minded investors, bold entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking leaders who will unlock Schoharie County's untapped potential, drive sustainable economic growth, and create lasting community impact.

MEDIA CONTACT
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation
seecny.org | Schoharie, NY