Open Call for Projects
In February 2024, Highland Falls was awarded $4.5 million by Governor Kathy Hochul through the NY Forward program. The NY Forward program is a comprehensive approach to boosting local economies by transforming communities into vibrant neighborhoods.
​NY Forward provides an opportunity for stakeholders and community members to submit projects that may be considered by their Local Planning Committee (LPC) for inclusion in the NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan. Projects should advance Highland Falls' vision and leverage additional investment. Projects may range in cost and scale, from small improvements to large-scale construction projects.
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All projects, including those submitted in the community's NY Forward application, must be submitted through the Open Call for Projects.
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The Open Call for Projects will be open from
Monday, June 17, 2024 to Friday, August 9, 2024.
Submit Your Project
Click the button below to access and complete the NY Forward Project Form. Questions regarding project eligibility, evaluation, or the project forms can be directed to the project team at highlandfallsnyf@vhb.com.
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NY Forward Project Forms must be received by
5:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Small Project Fund
The Small Project Fund is a type of NY Forward project that could help fund smaller-scale improvements such as interior and exterior renovations or permanent equipment acquisition. The NY Forward Local Planning Committee is seeking Letters of Interest from business and/or property owners to show that there is interest in this program. To access and complete a Letter of Interest, click the button below. ​
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Small Project Fund - Letter of Interest Forms must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 30, 2024.
Open Call for Projects - Virtual Office Hours
The Project Team will host virtual office hours to answer questions about the Open Call for Projects process. Each of the office hour sessions will be hosted over Zoom. Follow the links below to join on their scheduled date and time.
Virtual Office Hours #1​
Thursday, June 20, 2024
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM​
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Meeting URL:
https://vhb.zoom.us/j/83316638302?pwd=jCYsRqkkY2MkfQ3L9L8bhKaRjLzbqv.1
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One tap mobile:
US: +16465588656,,83316638302# or +16469313860,,83316638302#
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Meeting ID: 833 1663 8302
Passcode: 166419
Virtual Office Hours #2​
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM​
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Meeting URL:
https://vhb.zoom.us/j/89637415200?pwd=FJJBfXOuGO8ax45vbIHTL9oVNxvKlE.1
One tap mobile:
+16465588656,,89637415200# US (New York)
+16469313860,,89637415200# US
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Meeting ID: 896 3741 5200
Passcode: 453754
Virtual Office Hours #3
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM​
Meeting URL:
https://vhb.zoom.us/j/81096346557?pwd=VdyPv2MrP5jmsTxLASCxMhbaJxRacy.1
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One tap mobile:
US: +16469313860,,81096346557# or +16465588656,,81096346557#
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Meeting ID: 810 9634 6557
Passcode: 722021
NY Forward Boundary
Projects should be located within the NY Forward Boundary, which can be found below. Eligible projects located adjacent to or near the NY Forward Boundary may also be submitted and considered by the LPC in accordance with the project evaluation criteria.
Project Requirements & Eligibility
General Project Requirements
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Location: Must be within the Highland Falls NY Forward Boundary
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Timing: Projects should be able to break ground within two years or sooner of being awarded NY Forward funding
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Financing: Projects should have financing commitments largely secured or be able to demonstrate a clear path to securing sufficient financing; this financing, combined with NY Forward funding, should enable the sponsor to undertake the project without delay​
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Project Sponsors: Every project must have an identified project sponsor; may be public, not-for-profit, or private entities with the capacity and legal authority to undertake the proposed project​
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Size and Scale: Projects must be large enough to be truly transformative for the downtown area​
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Matching: For projects with a private sponsor, there is a minimum match requirement of 25% of the total project cost; however, the LPC may impose additional match requirements as part of the planning process for all project types
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Site Control: The project sponsor must have site control or be in the process of acquiring site control​
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Building Decarbonization: Projects that meet the criteria for new construction, substantial renovation, or a building addition shall include decarbonization techniques
Eligible Project Types
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New development and/or rehabilitation of existing downtown buildings
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Public improvement projects
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Small project funds
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Branding and marketing
Ineligible Project Types
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Standalone Planning Activities: All NY Forward funds must be used for projects that directly implement the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)​
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Operations and Maintenance: NY Forward funds cannot be used for ongoing or routine expenses, such as staff salaries and wages, rent, utilities, and property upkeep​
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Pre-Award Costs: Reimbursement for costs incurred before the announcement of funding awards is not permitted
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Property Acquisition: The cost of property acquisition must be funded by another funding source​
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Training and Other Program Expenses: NY Forward funds cannot be used to cover continuous costs, such as training costs and expenses related to existing programs