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SUNY Potsdam Joins Community in Celebrating Village's $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Grant

Potsdam Community Celebrates Transformational Grant, Announced in Ceremony with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul Today

Potsdam, NY (10/22/2019) — SUNY Potsdam officials joined community leaders today, as the Village of Potsdam was awarded a $10 million grant through the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the award in a ceremony downtown.

"This is a historic day for our hometown. This transformational grant will benefit our faculty, staff, students and visitors, as it enhances and revitalizes downtown Potsdam. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to build on Potsdam's reputation as the center for arts, culture and education in the North Country, through support for downtown cultural anchors. The creative and innovative environment found here in our hometown wouldn't be possible without the contributions of SUNY Potsdam faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as of our fellow major employers, Clarkson University and St. Lawrence Health Systems. The proposal's focus on improving our streetscapes, creating a Downtown Riverwalk connecting to our campus, and development of a Whitewater Park will benefit all residents and visitors. We are thrilled today to celebrate the long history and bright future of Potsdam, N.Y.," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.

At the announcement, Esterberg and members of the campus community cheered as Lt. Gov. Hochul announced the award. Esterberg also congratulated numerous SUNY Potsdam alumni and employees who were critical to the proposal's success, including, among many others:

  • Mayor Reinhold Tischler, who is also a PACES Dining Services staff member
  • Village Administrator Greg Thompson '95
  • Village of Potsdam Planning and Development Director Fred Hanss '83
  • Village Trustee and St. Lawrence County Arts Council Executive Director Maggie McKenna '11
  • Village Trustee and PACES Marketing Director Abby Lee '13
  • Chief of Staff and Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicole Conant '08 & '10

To learn more about the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and read Potsdam's successful proposal, visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (center) announced today that the Village of Potsdam has been awarded $10 million through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. She spoke with SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg (left) and others following the ceremony.

Village of Potsdam Trustee and St. Lawrence County Arts Council Executive Director Maggie McKenna '11 speaks with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul following the announcement of Potsdam's $10 million DRI grant.

SUNY Potsdam President Kristin Esterberg (right) joined Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and community leaders at the ceremony announcing Potsdam's Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant.

SUNY Potsdam student leaders were on hand for the announcement. From left, Lucas Hanss '21, Kalis Nunes '20 and Victoria Hocking '19.

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