Welcome to the City of Ogdensburg’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The City of Ogdensburg will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country region’s winner of the ninth round of Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding from New York State!
New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a cornerstone of the State’s economic development program.
The DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. The DRI is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority with support by a team of planning consultants.
Thinking of submitting an application? Get a head start and follow our guide!
Curious about the program, its process and timeline?
Ogdensburg is a charming rural community defined by its strong character, rich heritage, and extensive opportunities for growth and success.
History
Located at the US-Canadian border along the St. Lawrence River, Ogdensburg has been the site of prominent international affairs for centuries and hosts an abundance of social, cultural, and historical resources. Ogdensburg was first settled in 1749 then incorporated as a city in 1868. Located at the heart of Downtown, the Library Park Historic District is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Additionally, there are 9 other actively listed structures and sites located around Downtown. These notable landmarks reflect Ogdensburg’s distinctive and rich history, and serve as important cultural assets that may help the City establish its identity and define its vision for the years to come.
Attractions
The City displays its civic pride by hosting several events throughout the year that attract both residents and out-of-towners alike. Popular annual events bring thousands of visitors to the City, such as the Wine, Beer, Food & Artisan Festival in February, the Car-B-Que in June, and the Siege of Fort La Presentation during Founder’s Day Weekend in July. Notably the Ogdensburg International Seaway Festival, the oldest international festival in the country, hosts a week-long celebration sprawled throughout the City with a wide variety of activities such as live music, local artisanal and farmers markets, and recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming and golfing in a family friendly atmosphere.
Recreation
Wedged between two iconic rivers, Ogdensburg boasts a unique advantage in its geographic location. The St. Lawrence River, the largest west-east river in North America, fronts the entirety of Ogdensburg’s northern city limits and meets the Oswegatchie River beside its Downtown. These rivers offer plenty of year-round recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, ice fishing, and even scuba diving. St. Lawrence County also offers plenty of other outdoor activities right within Ogdensburg’s reach, such as the hiking trails at the Jacques Cartier State Park 15 miles away, or cross-country skiing at the Saddlemire or Kip Trails in Canton just a 25 minute drive away.
Downtown Ogdensburg
As one of the most populous communities in St. Lawrence County and an entry point to one of the US-Canadian border crossings, the City of Ogdensburg serves as a regional hub. The City strives to be an ideal place of residence, work, and leisure for people of all ages and backgrounds. The proposed DRI boundary* is, by design, compact to showcase the desire to improve the pedestrian experience within the core of Downtown and make it inclusive for those living and navigating through it.
*This boundary is subject to change following the first meeting of the Ogdensburg DRI Local Planning Committee.
