GOUVERNUER NY FORWARD DRAFT VISION AND GOALS

As part of the Gouverneur NY Forward application, the community was required to provide a brief statement of their vision for downtown revitalization. As part of the NY Forward Program, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will review the initial vision from the Gouverneur NY Forward application and make modifications to best reflect the unique characteristics of Gouverneur and incorporate community feedback gathered during the immersive public engagement sessions and outreach activities.

In support of the Gouverneur's vision, goals are also established. Goals are intended to be detailed, attainable, and action-oriented, and they should support the vision.

The LPC will be evaluating projects received through the Open Call for Projects to verify whether the projects align with State and Local evaluation criteria, as well as the vision and goals.

Gouverneur's draft vision and goals are written below!

VISION

“Nestled along the Oswegatchie River, downtown Gouverneur will be a safe, friendly and walkable environment, honoring its historical charm, vibrant and expanding downtown business community and its proximity to major regional employers. Through an enhanced quality of life, and increased opportunities for residents and visitors, the village will highlight its rich recreational, cultural, and retail assets, positioning the community as a regional destination.”

GOALS

STRENGTHEN & EXPAND THE LOCAL ECONOMY - Continue the momentum from the NY Forward grant awards and invest in downtown to bring all downtown storefronts into productive use by supporting building renovations, reducing barriers for small businesses, and enhancing/marketing the appeal and economic vitality of Gouverneur’s historic downtown.

ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY RESILIENCY - Improve public spaces, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen downtown’s role as a vibrant community hub.

BECOME A REGIONAL DESTINATION - Attract visitors to downtown by promoting local businesses, cultural assets, and events.

IMPROVE WALKABILITY AND CONNECTIONS DOWNTOWN - Create a safe, accessible, and connected network of sidewalks and walking paths that strengthen connections between key destinations.

NEW YORK STATE REVITALIZATION GOALS

Create an active downtown with a strong sense of place.

Attract new businesses that create a robust mix of shopping, entertainment, and service options for residents and visitors, and that provide job opportunities for a variety of skills and salaries.

Enhance public spaces for arts and cultural events that serve the existing members of the community but also draw in visitors from around the region.

Build a diverse population, with residents and workers supported by complementary diverse housing and employment opportunities.

Grow the local property tax base.

Provide amenities that support and enhance downtown living and quality of life.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support investments that are more resilient to future climate change impacts.

NORTH COUNTRY REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL GOALS

Per the North Country (REDC): "The North Country will lead the economic renaissance of New York State's small cities and rural communities, improve the fortunes of the region’s residents, cherish the region’s vast natural resources, provide access to world class outdoor amenities, and embody a vibrant, resilient spirit.” Goals of the North Country (REDC) are:

Create livable, attractive, and connected communities where people want to live, work, visit, and invest.

Support, grow, and diversify North Country’s major industries to serve domestic and global markets.

Foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that grows and attracts entrepreneurs and companies seeking to market emerging technologies and solutions by creating synergies between research, development, and commercialization.

Develop a resilient and diversified workforce through attraction, training, and retention efforts to meet the needs of our employers, our workers, and their families.

Build a regional ecosystem to support owner occupied and rental housing development and rehabilitation for the region’s workforce in the 80% - 200% Area Median Income (AMI) range to create healthy, sustainable, and diverse communities to support the region’s businesses and employers.

Prioritize the opportunities and threats unique to communities within the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, impacting its economy, communities, environment, and people.

Build the most robust transitioning soldier and spouse retention pipeline in the country.