The Village of Nyack has officially received final approval from New York State for nine transformational projects that will move forward under the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant program, marking a major milestone in one of the most ambitious revitalization efforts in the village’s recent history.

The approval clears the way for a broad series of projects focused on waterfront redevelopment, downtown improvements, small business investment, pedestrian enhancements, and community infrastructure upgrades designed to reshape Nyack’s future.

Nyack was originally selected in March 2025 as one of the Mid-Hudson region’s winners of the highly competitive NY Forward program, a state initiative aimed at helping smaller downtown communities accelerate revitalization and economic growth. Since then, village officials, residents, business leaders, and members of the Local Planning Committee spent months refining proposals through public workshops and planning sessions before submitting final recommendations to the state.

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul officially announced approval of the transformational Mid-Hudson projects, including the nine Nyack initiatives moving forward under the NY Forward program.

Among the approved initiatives are projects aimed at strengthening Nyack’s connection to the Hudson River waterfront, including improvements to pedestrian access, public gathering areas, and redevelopment opportunities surrounding underutilized waterfront properties, including the former River Club marina site. Village officials have long argued that reconnecting downtown Nyack with the waterfront is critical to the community’s long-term economic future.

Several projects also focus on beautifying and modernizing Nyack’s downtown core through upgraded sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, pedestrian safety enhancements, and traffic-calming measures intended to further strengthen the village’s identity as one of the Hudson Valley’s premier walkable downtown destinations.

Part of the NY Forward funding package will also support local businesses and property owners through storefront improvement programs, building renovations, and efforts to reactivate vacant or underutilized commercial spaces throughout downtown Nyack.

Long-discussed improvements along the Route 59 corridor entering the village were also included in the approved project list, with officials exploring upgrades focused on aesthetics, traffic flow, pedestrian accessibility, and gateway infrastructure to create a more attractive entrance into Nyack.

Additional projects focus on community and cultural investments, including improvements tied to civic gathering spaces and tourism-related venues such as the Angel of Nyack event space and other community-use facilities aimed at expanding public programming and visitor activity.

Village planners also discussed initiatives connected to workforce housing support, sustainability efforts, and projects benefiting volunteer firefighters and essential workers.

The announcement also represents a significant achievement for Nyack Mayor Joe Rand, who has made economic development, downtown revitalization, infrastructure investment, and smart growth central priorities during his administration.

Supporters say the successful NY Forward approval process demonstrates the village’s ability to secure major state investment and move forward on a comprehensive redevelopment vision at a time when many municipalities are struggling to attract outside funding.

With implementation of the nine projects expected to begin rolling out over the coming months and years, village officials say the investments have the potential to strengthen Nyack’s downtown economy, improve quality of life, expand tourism opportunities, and position the community for long-term growth.

For many residents, the announcement represents more than just infrastructure upgrades, it signals growing confidence in Nyack’s future and increasing recognition of the village as one of the Hudson Valley’s most dynamic communities.