DRI Proposed Projects

DRI grant funds can be used as gap funding for eligible capital projects that have the potential to increase economic vitality and growth in the downtown.

Updated 5/28/25 NYS announced final Long Island Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards via press release.

The Town of Smithtown has already taken significant steps toward revitalizing Kings Park with aggressive housing and economic development goals to catalyze future transformation through the DRI. The DRI projects will help to support the Town’s vision to create a walkable, mixed-use business district centered around the Long Island Rail Road station with access to restaurants, commercial development, community space and new diverse housing opportunities.

The 8 Smithtown DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

  • Implement Main Street and Pedestrian Improvements ($4,500,000): Implement streetscape and pedestrian improvements to increase walkability and safety for both pedestrians and drivers along Main Street. Improvements may include utility line relocation on Main Street, bulb-outs, reduced curb cuts, widened sidewalks, accessible pedestrian ramps and high-visibility crosswalks. The streetscape improvements would also provide a reconfigured parking lot near 75 Main Street.

  • Install Town Green and Library Outdoor Learning Area with Connections to Local Trails ($1,435,000): Convert an underutilized municipal parking lot and parts of the library's open space into a new park. The new, expanded park will feature a gazebo/stage, a multi-functional outdoor learning area, a new playground community garden and seating. The park will have expanded pathway connections to the Hike and Bike Trailhead.

  • Transform 26-34 Main Street into Mixed-Use Development ($900,000): Construct a three-story mixed-use development at the heart of Main Street with new retail and community facility spaces and approximately 16 apartments. Building will be further set back from Main Street to widen sidewalks and improve pedestrian experience by Russ Savatt Park.

  • Rehabilitate the Historic Mixed-Use Building at 4 Main Street ($850,000): Renovate the restaurant, apartments and outdoor seating areas of a historic building on Main Street’s most prominent corner. Exterior renovations include lighting, signage, landscaping, windows and insulation. Interior renovations include upgrades to HVAC, flooring, ceilings and equipment.

  • Restore the VFW Building for Community Events at 40 Church Street ($728,000): Complete restorations to enable community facility usage and events including roof, sidings, foundation sealing, windows, sewer connection, new signage and an awning. Interior work includes electrical, HVAC, flooring, painting, plumbing, generator and fire safety.

  • Establish a Small Project Grant Program to Support Capital Improvements ($600,000): Create a small grant fund that will help small businesses and property owners improve exteriors and interiors including signage and awnings, windows, entrances, patios, doors and sidings.

  • Implement Branding, Marketing and Signage Strategy for Kings Park ($400,000): Utilize marketing services to attract businesses and create a cohesive visual identity. This includes the re-design and installation of wayfinding signage, a new web and media presence and new programing strategies.

  • Create a Pedestrian Pathway from LIRR Main Street and Russ Savatt Park ($287,000): Create a pedestrian walkway from the LIRR Station to Main Street via Russ Savatt Park to guide pedestrians and visitors. The walkway will be improved with landscaping, crosswalks and lighting.

Updated 11/26/25 Final slate of recommended projects announced at Local Planning Committee #6 Meeting on Nov. 14, 2024. The Local Planning Committee recommended 14 projects to be considered for the State’s DRI award. From the projects listed below, the State will award up to $9.7M in funding in Winter-Spring 2025.

Updated 10/31 Project evaluations were open until Tues. Nov. 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.

Updated 9/12 A project evaluation survey form and a summary of project proposals that were presented at Community Meeting #2 on 9/12 was available through Mon. Sept. 30 @ 11:59PM ET. This survey is now closed.

Updated 6/19 The Open Call for Projects Form and Small Projects Form were both released on Friday, June 7 after Community Meeting #1. The form is available through Friday, July 19, 2024. An updated version of the form is now available.

Proposed DRI Projects must ultimately be located within the DRI Area. The DRI Area may be amended by the Local Planning Committee before the completion of the DRI process. Below is a map of the DRI Area. Please check back to this website to see the most up-to-date version of the DRI boundary.

Additional Information

  • Public Improvement Projects:
    -     Streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, public art, etc.

    Small Project Fund:
    - Range of smaller downtown improvement projects, including façade improvement, building renovation improvements, or public art. Funds are capped at $600,000 for DRI communities.

    New Development and/or Rehabilitation of Existing Downtown Buildings:
    - Mixed- use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses.
    - Should have visible and functional impact on downtown (provide employment opportunities, housing choice, and/or services to the community).

    Branding and Marketing:
    - Creation of downtown branding and marketing projects that target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or other visitors.
    - Costs associated with this category should be one-time expenses (e.g., creating marketing materials).
    - Ongoing costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible.

  • Planning Activities:
    DRI funds must be used for projects that directly implement the DRI Strategic Investment Plan, which will be published at the end of the DRI planning process. Utilizing DRI funds for additional planning is not the goal of the program.

    Operation and Maintenance:
    DRI funds cannot be used for on-going or routine expenses, such as staff salaries and wages, rent, utilities, and property upkeep.

    Pre-Award Costs:
    Reimbursement for costs incurred before the DRI plan is complete and / or before funding awards are announced is not permitted.

    Property Acquisition:
    A DRI project profile may include the cost of acquisition in the budget of a larger development, but it must also show that the acquisition itself will be, or has already been, covered by another funding source.

    Training and Other Program Expenses:
    DRI is a one-time infusion of funds, and cannot be used to cover continuous costs, such as training programs, that would cease to exist once the DRI funds have been expended.

    Expenses Related to Existing Programs:
    DRI is not intended to supplement existing programs or replace existing resources

  • Who is eligible to receive funding for a project in a DRI?

    There are no restrictions on the types of entities that may receive DRI funding to undertake projects in the final DRI plan. Selected projects will enter into contracts with a relevant state agency.

    How are grant awards determined? Are there pre-determined project grant amounts?

    Grant awards will be determined on a project-by-project basis. Applicants should clearly indicate project funding sources, including the potential project gap that would need to be filled by DRI funding.

    Will the funds be provided on a reimbursement basis or upfront?

    Funds will be administered through the appropriate state agency. While there may be some variation between agency administration and the project type, awarded project funding will only be provided on a reimbursement basis.

    May funds be used as match for NYS or federal grant funding?

    The DRI funds may be used as match for other grant funding if permitted by the granting authority. However, the priority is to fund projects that are ready for implementation. Therefore, DRI funds should not be held as matching funds for other grants whose award or implementation cycles are in the out-years.

    How and when will funds be disbursed and by what agency/agencies?

    Projects selected for DRI funding will be assigned to the appropriate state agency or authority to manage implementation of the project. The state agency or authority selected, and method of funding disbursement will be dependent on the specific project.

  • Kings Park is a vibrant and close-knit community with an active LIRR station at its center and close proximity to regional innovation and employment centers. It is the gateway to some of Long Island’s most pristine recreational amenities including waterways, greenbelt trails, and Sunken Meadow and Nissequogue River State Parks.

    [What will we do?] Building momentum off our sewer expansions and Route 25A streetscape improvements, Kings Park will continue to attract public and private investment that enhances the downtown’s unique charm and character, creates a vibrant and walkable business district, and introduces diverse and mixed-use development that meets local needs.

    [Where do we want to be?] These investments will help rebrand, revitalize, and market downtown Kings Park as a regional recreational destination. Kings Park will become a more pedestrian-friendly environment and a place where residents, commuters and visitors will want to shop, dine and explore the nearby scenic and natural areas.