Restore New York, Rounds One and Two

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochual announced more than $102 million to be awarded in the first round of Restore New York Communities Initiative. Of the 64 projects to receive funding was the redevelopment of the Crescent Garage at Warren and Eighth streets in Hudson. 

Photo: Evelyn & Robert Monthie Slide Collection, CCHS

The project to convert the building, which started its life more than a century ago as a Packard dealership, into gallery space, office space, artists' apartments, and event space was awarded $1.3 million in Restore NY funds.

A second round of Restore NY funding is coming up, and two projects in Hudson are seeking to be considered: the Pocketbook Factory and the first phase of what is being proposed for the former Kaz site, off South Front Street, behind The Wick Hotel. Because Restore NY applications must be initiated by a municipality, and a municipality can propose only one project in each round, Sean Roland, representing the Pocketbook Factory, and Ben Fain, representing the former Kaz site, presented their projects to the Common Council last night with the hope of getting the City's support.

The Pocketbook Factory has gotten lots of attention as it made its way through a lengthy review by the Planning Board for site plan approval and by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). The building, originally Union Mills, which stood vacant for more than fifty years, is now being restored and adapted as part hotel and wellness center and part commercial and public space.

The second presentation, by Ben Fain, provided a first glimpse into what is being contemplated for another derelict site in Hudson: the much discussed, much argued over Kaz site. 

Phase One of its redevelopment, which Fain called the "centerpiece of the site," is to be a year-round farmers' market and space for festivals. He mentioned specifically a mushroom festival, a wine festival, and a book festival. The space would have a commissary kitchen and storage space and refrigerator space for farmers. Fain shared these renderings.

Speaking of the plans for the rest of the site, Fain said he wasn't ready to reveal them yet but said it would be a "phased project, a mixed use project, with residential and other things that are art related and food related."

The applications for the second round of Restore NY grant funding are due on January 27, 2023. Before that, the Common Council will have to decide which of the two projects will get the City's support.

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