Projects
Learn more about eligible projects and submit your proposal! The Open Call for Project Proposals will be open from July 20, 2026 to September 2, 2026. See below for more details.
Open Call for Project Proposals
Do you have a business or property with an eligible project that could help revitalize the Titus-Hudson-Cooper area? The Open Call for Project Proposals is open starting July 20, 2026 to September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM. See below for more details.
Click the appropriate form below to download.
Town of Irondequoit’s Vision and Goals
The following draft vision and goals were established by the Town of Irondequoit’s Local Planning Committee (LPC) using feedback received from the public during earlier public engagement events. Alignment with the Town of Irondequoit’s vision and goals will be a criteria that the LPC will be using to evaluate submitted projects.
VISION
Irondequoit is a historic, vibrant community situated between the City of Rochester and the shores of Lake Ontario, aptly described by its Iroquois name as, “where the land meets the water.” Dense residential neighborhoods welcome you in with charming homes, walkable streets, and lush tree canopies that create a distinct character.
The family-friendly Titus-Hudson-Cooper area has a unique entrepreneurial energy, with well-lit streets, eye-catching storefronts, and colorful public art. This economic heartbeat of the community pulls you in with its central location, iconic landmarks, local restaurants and coffee shops, live music, and a mix of small businesses and anchor retailers thriving side by side with a connective transit hub just steps away.
Titus-Hudson-Cooper is a destination, both for locals and the broader community. Our residents are deep-rooted and diverse, because Irondequoit is a community that welcomes and values all, from long-standing locals to newcomers.
GOALS & STRATEGIES
Create a walkable, safe community hub that is accessible for residents and visitors, from students to senior citizens alike.
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Invest in pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure that improves connectivity between housing, businesses, parks and public spaces, and the new RTS Transit Hub.
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Improve safety through traffic calming, enhanced crossings, lighting, sidewalks, streetscape improvements, and other measures that support walking and cycling.
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Incorporate universal design and accessibility improvements that expand mobility and independence for individuals of all abilities.
Support a diverse and multi-generational residential community.
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Expand housing opportunities that accommodate residents of varying incomes and household sizes.
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Encourage mixed-use and infill development that strengthens the district’s residential and commercial vitality.
Increase access to amenities and services within walking distance of housing. -
Support housing options for people in all phases of life, including young professionals, families, and older adults.
Strengthen local businesses, entrepreneurship, and economic vitality.
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Support projects that attract new businesses, help local businesses grow, create jobs, and expand entrepreneurial opportunities.
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Encourage the redevelopment and activation of vacant or underutilized storefronts and properties into dynamic destinations that meet today’s market needs and support community vitality.
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Foster a diverse mix of retail, dining, entertainment, office, and services.
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Promote private investment and long-term business sustainability that contributes to the district’s economic success
Reinforce Irondequoit’s identity and sense of place.
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Create a distinctive identity that reflects Irondequoit’s character, history, and community values.
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Create a cohesive destination through placemaking, public spaces, public art, branding, and streetscape improvements.
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Support projects that bolster local culture, music, events, and community gathering opportunities.
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Preserve and celebrate historic assets, established neighborhoods, older properties, churches, and other landmarks that contribute to Irondequoit’s unique sense of place and community character.
Enhance quality of life through community amenities and public spaces
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Expand access to recreation, culture, and community services that serve residents of all ages.
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Enhance public spaces, streetscapes, gateways, landscaping, and wayfinding features that create a welcoming environment.
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Create public gathering spaces that encourage community interaction, outdoor activity, and year-round programming.
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Support projects that make the area more family-friendly, youth-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming.
Eligible Project Types
NEW DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REHABILITATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
Projects in this category may include the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses. All projects should be capital investments or should lead to capital investments. They should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, serving as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community. Proposals to construct or rehabilitate parking facilities will only be considered if they directly support new development in the downtown area.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
These may include projects such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public art, green infrastructure, and other public realm projects that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown.
SMALL PROJECT FUND
A locally managed matching small project fund may be proposed to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects such as facade enhancements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance, or public art. Funds are capped at $300,000 for NY Forward communities. However, a NY Forward community can receive up to $600,000 if there is substantial demand demonstrated for a Small Project Fund. Each project undertaken under the Small Project Fund must individually meet the required matching requirements.
BRANDING AND MARKETING
Study area branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors are eligible projects. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop associated materials. Ongoing operational costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible for DRI/NY Forward funding. This project type is intended for the overall branding and marketing of a downtown, not to provide branding and marketing services to individual downtown businesses or other entities.
Eligible Project Sponsors
NY Forward funding may be awarded to public, not-for-profit, and private entities to implement projects included in the final Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). Each project must have a project sponsor that has both the capacity and the legal authority to undertake the project and to whom the grant funds may be awarded. A project sponsor must be an entity and not an individual. Proposals from project sponsors that are membership-only organizations or religious facilities must propose projects that are available to the public and not just to active members.
Webinars
Certain projects funded through DRI/NY Forward will be required to meet the program’s decarbonization standards and consult with the State Historic Preservation Office. Join one of these webinars to learn more about these program aspects and how they may affect your proposed project.
Decarbonization 101
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August 11, 2026 at 11AM
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September 10, 2026 at 1PM
Registration Link:
Click here to view a recording of the webinar.
Click here to view the presentation slides.
Historic Preservation
How to Submit Your Small Project Fund Letter of Interest
Letters of interest can be submitted via:
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In person or by mail to the Town Hall
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1280 Titus Ave, Rochester NY 14617
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By email to irondequoitnyforward@gmail.com
If you have any questions about the application, please contact Kiernan Playford at kiernan.playford@collierseng.com.
The Open Call for Small Project Fund Letters of Interest will be open until November 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM.