Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Michael Lumbis, Planning & Community Development Director
City of Watertown, 245 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-7734
mlumbis@watertown-ny.gov

November 20, 2017

Watertown Downtown Revitalization Initiative

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH $10 MILLION?
The City of Watertown has received funding to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that seeks to
capitalize on the Citys unique riverfront setting, promote renovation and adaptive reuse of
historic properties, improve walkability of the downtown corridor and increase downtown
opportunities for commerce. A Local Planning Committee (LPC) has been appointed to ensure the
Downtown Revitalization Initiative Strategic Investment Plan reflects a unique community vision
to guide and direct public and private investment within and around the downtown area. The
LPC has held two meetings to discuss draft downtown profile, vision and goals and the upcoming
community events.

Mayor Joseph M. Butler, Jr. said, The input and feedback from not only downtown stakeholders,
but from citizens excited about revitalizing our downtown and playing an instrumental role in our
future is what makes this process so unique.

The Watertown Downtown Revitalization Initiative will hold a series of community

events on:

Tuesday, November 28, 2017:

o A Walk & Talk Tour of Downtown
(at Noon Meet at the Empsall Building)
o Movie Night & Conversation about Our Downtown
(7:00-9:00 pm)
Wednesday, November 29:
o Open House to Discuss Downtown Design Ideas
(7:00-8:30 pm)
Thursday, November 30:
o Public Design Review (5:00-7:00 pm)
 All events will take place at the
Empsall Building
122 Court Street, Ground floor
At these events community designers and planners will engage the public in hands-on activities
to develop a vision and discuss design ideas for Downtown Watertown. All meetings are open to
the public and comment periods will be provided throughout the meetings.

Accessibility Accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please

contact Michael Lumbis at (315) 785-7734 or mlumbis@watertown-ny.gov.
Advance notice is appreciated.