troycluster riverwalk accelerator distriW?wzww 1 Ishtaiization I . 0' ,3 W?m :43, . . -- - .30-- I 2&2 -: We?? WM. Patrick Madden Mayor, City of Troy Office of the Mayor City Hall 433 River Street Phone: (5I8) 279-7130 Fax: (518) 270-4546 mayorsoffice@troyny.gov Troy, New York 12180 June 13, 2017 James Barba, Co-Chair James Stellar, Co-Chair Capital Region Economic Development Council Hedley Park Place 433 River Street, Suite 1003 Troy, NY 12180 Re: Downtown Revitalization Initiative application - City of Troy, NY Distinguished Members of the Capital Region Economic Development Council: On behalf of the City of Troy, I am pleased to submit our application for the 2017 Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), a significant investment program which has the potential to spur further economic growth and attract additional investment to the Collar City. With Troy's proposed Riverwalk Accelerator District (RAD), we seek to formalize Troy's emerging identity as a well-known game and software development cluster. After years of disinvestment the City of Troy is now experiencing a period of rebirth and reinvention. Recent private and public investments in Troy have transformed long-vacant industrial factories into residential centers and commercial spaces. These important revitalization and rehabilitation projects have made a significant impact on our efforts to attract families and young people to our city. With the financial assistance of the DRI our community can continue to pursue economic development initiatives which bolster Troy's growing downtown district and serve as a catalyst for future investment across our community. The City of Troy's Comprehensive Plan, expected to be released later this year, calls for a formal expansion of the Central Business District boundary to include the Riverfront District along the City's waterfront border. As a result, the City has developed a plan which bridges these two high-potential development and growth areas to attract and support the creation of an innovative, high-tech hub (RAD) for the game & software development industries for the Capital Region. With over 12 game and development and software companies already located in our downtown district Troy is already formalizing its identity as a technology hub and is strongly positioned to make Troy's DRI proposal a reality. Thank you for your time and I look forward to working closely with you as we continue to support economic development efforts in the City of Troy and across our region. Downtown Revitalization Initiative Application Template Applications for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will be received by the Regional Councils. Applicant responses for each section should be as complete and succinct as possible. Applications must be received by the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council by 4:00 PM on June 14, 2017. Submit your application as a Word Document to NYS-CapitalDist@esd.ny.gov. BASIC INFORMATION Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Region: Capital Region Economic Development Council Municipality Name: City of Troy Downtown Name: Riverwalk Accelerator District (RAD) County: Rensselaer County Vision for Downtown: The vision of the Riverwalk Accelerator District builds on the energy of the larger downtown and embraces our creative economy. The Riverwalk Accelerator District (‘RAD’) will  • Harness the energy of Troy’s technology cluster to catalyze continued investment  • Attract and retain talent in gaming and high tech industries   • Connect corridors to form a greater metropolitan district with amenities and services that attract millennial families and extend their residency  • Expand downtown’s core and access to the waterfront and historic housing to the south  • Activate waterfront property and provide new flexible mixed use development and public space Justification: See next page for “A Measured Approach: Troycluster Q&A and Executive Summary” 2017 DRI Application 3 Page A Measured Approach: Troycluster Q&A and Executive Summary Empire State Development has strategically invested to build prosperity in the Capital Region – where the innovation capacity is tremendous. Troy has heard the message loud and clear and is harnessing brainpower and innovation to take those investments to the next level. Q: What is an industry cluster? A: Creating an industry cluster is a strategic collaboration; a focus of resources between the industry sector, educational institutions and the public sector (City, County, State). Q: What is Troy proposing? A: As we explained through our transformational projects in the Riverwalk Accelerator District, Troy has a critical mass of game development and high-tech industry stakeholders that live, work, and play here. We propose Troy as the ground zero in the Capital Region for targeting game and software development; creating a formal cluster node that Troy sees being an expansive revenue generator for the Capital Region. Q: What’s does “formal cluster node” mean? A: A node is a point from which an idea is transmitted. By formal cluster node, we mean that Troy will make a concerted effort to brand Troy and the greater Capital Region as a game and software development cluster, under the expansive “Tech Valley” branding that already is prevalent in our region. We will move to attract more game development and software companies to Troy, knowing the supportive industries that go along with this that might also choose to locate elsewhere in the Capital Region. Even with centralizing public entities, marketing naturally trends to parochialism – often each municipality and county siloes into protecting their individual assets and suppressing neighboring amenities rather than promoting themselves as a small piece of a larger whole. Parochial thinking is no longer an option if we are to compete as a Tech Valley and compete with major MSA’s. Cultivating the relativity of this relationship will be our strength, promoting our assets and the complementary asset of the entire Capital Region as proximal provides choices for people who want choices. Each Capital Region community has its own individual personality and respective attractions that work better as a synergistic system; greater than the simple sum of its parts. Q: Why Troy? Why not somewhere else in the Capital Region? A: We have the critical mass already (with over a dozen game development and software companies located in our downtown, proximal to our RAD) and the will to succeed at moving forward an initiative that ESD has catalyzed with substantial foundational investments. Most of the technology companies and startups in Troy have settled here relatively recently, and all companies after the initial fiber investment made by the City of Troy in 1999: • Broadway Pedestrian Project (1999) • Gavant Software (2002) • Troy Web Consulting (2002) • 1st Playable (2005) • Agora Games (2005) • Groff Networks (2005) • Apprenda (2007) • Greane Tree Technology Group (2008) • GreyCastle Security (2011) • Ilium VR (2014) • Tech Valley Game Space (2014) • Spaceout.VR (2015) • Velan Ventures (2016) 2017 DRI Application 4 Page Figure 1: The above timeline illustrates our consistent growth; all companies above are still operating today. As you can see, technology moves and grows quickly. Troy wants to pay it forward by matching the investments and continuing the progress of this industry cluster by formalizing its identity as a tech-driven, infrastructurereplete destination for company headquarters. In our research phase for this concept we asked our game development companies why they chose Troy; for many it was the walkable downtown. Amenities are important to attracting workforce. Troy repeatedly wins superlative awards for “walkable downtown” and “best place to live without a car.” For others it was proximity to research and education. Troy is home to America’s oldest technological research university: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is also the home to one of ESD’s three designated game hubs in New York State; and houses Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) program, a baccalaureate of science degree with an interdisciplinary approach to game studies via theory and practical application. The program is among the top 10% of game design schools in the nation according to the Animation Career Review, a resource aggregation website for aspiring game development career professionals. Q: Is Troy big enough for this? A: Yes, because Troy is right-sized for small business. As mentioned above – Troy is home to a critical mass and it can fit scores of additional game development and software development startups in downtown, specifically, our Riverwalk Accelerator District (RAD). Troy is a startup friendly- city – home to several incubators (Severino, EVE, Center of Gravity, IgniteU, Troy Innovation Garage’s Spark Exchange), in fact Troy was recently designated by Wallethub as fifth-best city in New York State to open a small business. According to a study by ESA, 99.7% of American video game companies meet the criteria for small business; 91.4% of American video game companies employ 30 people or less; 100% of video game companies in New York State are small businesses. Troy has plenty of space to locate video game companies with <30 people. Troy has several spaces to put mid-size gaming companies with <30 employees (according to SBA, to qualify as a “small business” a company has <500 employees). Part of our RAD proposal is to create class A office space that could accommodate the growth of these companies. In our proposal we also remove barriers to development - the vacant Taylor apartments, studying the 2017 DRI Application 5 Page foot of the Congress Street bridge to develop a plan to reconnect River Street to the neighborhoods, and removing the salt pile – opening up a sea of developable sites that lend to expansion. There are also successful and software development companies in the Capital District, outside of Troy, big revenue generators like Vicarious Visions, whose employees’ salaries contribute millions of dollars to the regional economy. These employees often come to Troy to use professional networking resources like Tech Valley Game Space (located in Tech Valley Center of Gravity in downtown Troy) and Tech Valley Center of Gravity as a whole. The City of Troy will work with these associations and with RPI to attract conferences and professional events to the area, potentially attracting large conferences; cultivating large business tourism opportunity to a variety of hospitality venues in the Capital Region, such as the Albany Convention Center, which can hold greater numbers than Troy currently has capacity for. Troy is ready and right-sized for the DRI ten million dollar investment to make a transformational difference in our economy. Executive Summary Troy, NY means business! The City of Troy’s local strategy to retain and attract new business is informed by its Comprehensive Plan, the Capital Region Economic Development Council’s Strategic Plan and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The RAD pivots on a larger vision to realize Troy as the gaming and technology cluster of the Capital Region. The Riverside Accelerator District (the RAD) will  • Harness the energy of Troy’s technology cluster to catalyze continued investment  • Attract and retain talent in gaming and high tech industries   • Create an identity for a metropolitan district with amenities and services that attract millennial families and extend their residency  • Expand downtown’s core and reconnect it with the waterfront and historic housing to the south  • Activate waterfront property and provide new flexible mixed use development and public space Troy’s DRI grant application is for a compact and well-defined area in the southerly portion of The Central Business District. It reconnects to and activates the local historic district, the adjacent Riverside neighborhood, and the waterfront to create additional residential opportunities for a burgeoning, walkable downtown, home to a robust mix of consumers, a diverse college and university population, and an educated workforce nurtured by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a world class technological facility. The RAD vision applies the principles from Troy’s Comprehensive Plan, a massive plan for reinvestment in Troy to be released in summer 2017 that was built on exhaustive outreach to stakeholders, forums, design charrettes, and visioning sessions. The main components of this plan that relates to the RAD are to: • Expand the boundary of Troy’s Central Business District • Reactivate Troy’s waterfront • Provide public connectivity to the Hudson River previously cut off by industrial development • Extend Troy’s Riverwalk (an existing multipurpose recreational trail along the Hudson River) Troy’s downtown developed as a prosperous and vibrant city because of its success in manufacturing and the dominance of water-based transportation. Even through the post-industrial decline and exodus of people to the suburbs, the legacy of Troy’s industrial heritage was preserved in the outstanding architecture and urban character which now provides a strong draw for technology businesses and employees. This Character and charm is fragmented by missing fabric, large surface parking lots, and suburban forms of development. Unlike many waterfront cities, this part of Troy looks inward on itself and not outwardly toward the water. The RAD DRI proposal provides expansion for the Central Business District’s boundary as it transforms the river’s 2017 DRI Application 6 Page edge into a unique waterfront that will play a distinct role in the future of Troy’s economy. We have an opportunity to improve connections, remove barriers, and increase access to and from the water by strategic development of publically owned, waterfront properties, and by working with local partners such as Troy’s Local Development Corporation, Troy Industrial Development Authority, private investors and developers to deliver new residential, employment, and recreational opportunities that that fuel reinvestment and broader community renewal. Further, public/private sector collaborations such as Historic Troy 2020, the Troy Cultural Alliance, and the Troy Redevelopment Foundation have been formed to bring together talents and expertise of business leaders, local and state government, academia, arts and culture associations, and the non-profit sector to chart a course for Troy, and to infuse financial and human resource investment into the revitalization of the City. Technology moves and grows quickly. Troy wants to pay it forward by matching the investments and continuing the progress of this industry cluster by formalizing the City’s identity as a tech-driven, infrastructure-replete destination for company headquarters. All told, there are hundreds of employees – median companies averaging 20-25 staff members-- on the high end 50-100; low end 2-10. When dividing out gaming companies alone, we know that, according to ESA (Entertainment Software Association), 99.7% of American video game companies meet the criteria for small business: 91.4% of American video game companies employ 30 people or less. Troy has sustained numerous game, software, web consulting, and cybersecurity companies over the past decade. The Times Union estimated our aggregate tech employee totals at 300. Troy has the goal of being home to at least two dozen new companies or space expansions for gaming companies alone over the next five to seven years which will amount to +/- 720 jobs – infusing over sixty million dollars of income into the regional economy. Along the RAD’s River Street corridor, there are over $65 million in proposed projects, which, but for the investment of the DRI, will be subject to delay, thereby postponing growth. Troy is poised to leverage the $10million DRI award and capitalize on the $86 million of private development projects underway within the RAD and the $317 million in private development projects adjacent to the RAD to attract new companies and residents; develop new mixed use housing and office spaces; create new programs and initiatives; host construction-period and permanent jobs; all in support of its Troycluster approach. 2017 DRI Application 7 Page Table of Contents A Message from Mayor of Troy, Wm. Patrick Madden Page 2 A Measured Approach: Troycluster Q&A and Executive Summary Page 4 (1) Boundaries of the Downtown Neighborhood Page 9 (2) Catchment Area Page 14 (3) Past Investment, Future Investment Potential Page 16 (4) Recent or Impending Job Growth Page 19 (5) Attractiveness of Physical Environment Page 22 (6) Quality of Life Policies Page 27 (7) Support for the Local Vision Page 30 (8) Readiness Page 36 (9) Administrative Capacity Page 41 (10) Other Supporting Documents Page 42 The City of Troy would like to express its gratitude for the stakeholders, partners, and agencies that helped to inform and shape our proposal for this Downtown Revitalization Initiative Round II Application. 2017 DRI Application 8 Page (1) Boundaries of the Downtown Neighborhood Detail the boundaries of the targeted neighborhood, keeping in mind that there is no minimum or maximum size, but that the neighborhood should be concentrated and well-defined. Core neighborhoods beyond a traditional downtown or central business district are eligible, if they can meet other criteria making them ripe for investment. Attach a map that clearly delineates the downtown neighborhood. Troy’s Riverwalk Accelerator District (RAD) is a concentrated strip of Hudson River waterfront connecting Troy’s Central Business District to the Riverside District. The RAD includes the southwest corner of the Central Business District and part of the Riverside District. The RAD is one mile long and ranges from approximately one to two blocks wide. Troy’s Comprehensive Plan calls for a formal expansion of the downtown CBD boundary to include the Riverside District; the DRI funds would facilitate this expansion. 2017 DRI Application 9 Page Page 10 2017 DRI Application Figure 1.1 Map I- The Riven/valk Accelerator District (RAD) 1. 265 River St Pmposed 8. 171-177 luvs Street Art Centerof the Caplal Region A. . Proposed renovation Redevelownent of upper ?oors to I development sle add for prof! of?ce space 1 Monument Sq Underway: 10 Screen Bow 11c OnanasDeveiop'nmt (Grouncbeaidng 2017) Projected compbtion: Fall 2018 10. 125 River St (111A -Taybr Apartment Buildings 1 8:2) Proposed demoilionoidibpidated pcblic housing for of?ce space for gamingnechhub 3. 217-219?ver5trea Proposed mixed use and redevdop'nart ofsite 11. Streetaddge Proposed planning poled to re-envision pedestrian 8: vehicle traffic ?ows. 4. Front Street Parking lot alongthe Hudson River Proposed waerfront developmert site 12. Russell Sage College Land reactivation and integration (cmenly soccer ?elds/surfaceparking) 14. Adams Street- Salt relocation and redevebpment plan '1 5. 10 Fir? Street (Ow ofTroy) First Street Parking Lot Proposed developme? sle 13. Madison St- Smile Site (City of?l?roy) Scolt- site: puUic park along canal as a bufferof heavier uses to south (building under demollion process) downtow revitalizatio ?3 I 6. 189-191 River Street (City ofTroy) Study for in order expander repurposethe State Skeet garage A m" 08'} . 7. Hverwalr Expansion NI lemon I I I I I I (Cit ?no? Underway within th n. mm" m. Sash Troy 15 Proposed: Plan andinstal W. . Fiber Comanicalon and Connectivity Master Han da?ammuk an? hiilm?bu ?hopodeI:m piaygroundabng riverwalk Optics Optks newLi? Map 11. Projects in and Adjacent to The Riverwalk Accelerator District (RAD) Private Investment - Proposed and Underway r; 2 . 1. 444 River Street 2. 4-10 King Street 3. CDTA Transit Center 4. 403 Fulton Street 5. American Theater 6. 13 1hird Street 7. Hendrick Hudson 8. 255 River Street 9. Cannon Building 10. Peck's Arcade 1 1. 53Third Street 12. Takk House 13.The News 14. EOC 15.TRU Hotels 16. Manory's 17.The Hudson 18. Troy Pork Store 19. 6 Franklin 20. DeFazio?s 21. 40 River Street 22. Old Brick mm: mama underwayh and WIDHIEMD Figure 1.2 2017 DRI Application 11 Page The RAD incorporates several other boundaries that are important to illustrate (see map below): • South Troy Brownfields Opportunity Area (410 acres) • Opportunity Agenda Area (Census Tract 407) • Central Business District • Riverside District • Monroe District Figure 1.3 Investment in this area has been hindered by: • A lack of connectivity to the Hudson. Former industrial uses situated on the banks of the Hudson block access to the river. • Robert Moses-inspired, elevated arterial bridge ramp that urges drivers rapidly out of Troy. This 1960’s urban renewal-styled bridge, which introduced high speed ramps, segregated River Street into two distinct areas and has effectively blocked both the movement of people and economic development along the former grid pattern of River Street. • Two dilapidated, vacant and boarded-up, ten-story Troy Housing Authority Taylor apartment towers that have loomed over the RAD threatening future development for over a decade. These boarded-up building were a 1950’s public housing project. Neither the bridge nor the towers are in character with the rest of Troy’s historic building stock or grid pattern. 2017 DRI Application 12 Page • A massive, open salt pile that, while necessary for the region, its use is now out of place and is blocking southward economic development into South Troy’s defined BOA which contains 410 acres. There are more appropriate sites for this use than its current location. With an abundance of open land and waterfront access adjacent to downtown Troy, these lands are a prime candidate for a transformational project. The Riverside District, when connected to the Central Business District (CBD) through the RAD, provides the real opportunity to: • Expand Troy’s tax base with development sites that provide expansion opportunities for existing businesses • Provide opportunity for a commuter rail connection to the Rensselaer Amtrak Station in conjunction with the existing freight line. • Add more than one mile to Troy’s 1.5 riverfront esplanade. • Provide sites for market rate and affordable housing as the district blends into the South Central Neighborhoods of Riverside, Washington Park, and Little Italy. Until there is investment in the RAD, there is no connectivity to the CBD from the Riverside Neighborhood; it will remain unattractive to developers, business owners and employees, and residents. The Central Business District (CBD) is the strength on which the RAD builds. It is the heart of the Technology Cluster and the link to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The southern end of the CBD is an active retail corridor, and the main east west thoroughfares of Congress Street and Ferry Street connect the CBD to RPI. This area has seen substantial RPI-based, public and private investment, but provides some opportunities for infill development that is appropriate for technology businesses with the expansion of fiber into the area. Looking to the future: beyond the RAD boundary Troy’s Comprehensive Plan has created a new planning framework for the downtown: to formally expand the CBD southward into the Riverside district. This BOA area is exciting and rife with possibility due to its broad swaths of waterfront land that could become, for example, home to a regionally transformative project with direct access and views of the Hudson River. We anticipate the DRI to be a stepping stone toward further transformation of Troy’s waterfront southward, as per the framework identified in Troy’s Comprehensive Plan. 2017 DRI Application 13 Page (2) Sufficient Catchment Area The downtown [the RAD] or its catchment area should be of sufficient size to support a vibrant, year-round downtown. It should have a sizeable existing or increasing population within easy reach for whom this would be the primary downtown destination. Troy’s RAD, comprised of part of the City’s Central Business District (CBD) and part of the Riverside District is a small portion of an already vibrant, year-round downtown that is the urban center for the entire city of Troy and its population of 50,150. The RAD is located in the center of Troy’s seven- plus miles of direct Hudson River waterfront, and is easily accessible from the entire City, as well as Rensselaer, Albany, and Saratoga Counties. In fact, 8,000-10,000 people flow into Troy’s downtown for its four-season weekly farmers market. The Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market flows directly into the RAD. Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market runs through much of the RAD. The one mile length of the RAD is a 5-10 minute walk from the center to much of Troy’s CBD. Coming to the RAD from the farthest reaches of the CBD is a 10-15 minute walk. Both inside the RAD and surrounding it are a multitude of retail and tech businesses and a significant residential population base in the CBD, Riverside, Washington Park and Little Italy neighborhoods. Table 2.1 (Source: Pop-Facts Demographics Trend, Claritas Pop-Facts Premier 2017) 2017 DRI Application 14 Page According to Claritas data shown in tables 2.1, the population within one-quarter mile of the RAD has increased by over 9% since the 2000 census, and over 8% within one-half mile. This increase is projected to continue at this rate over the next 5 years. Table 2.2 New Housing Table 2.2 shows the new housing that has been completed within the past two years, or is now planned or under construction in or near the RAD. There is a substantial increase of 561 units near the RAD. Assuming 1.5 persons per unit this represents an increase of 841 residents. Over one-half of this growth is in market rate apartments, an affirmation of the desirability of the district for professional persons. The downside of this rapid growth is that building opportunities will be limited within the CBD without investment in the RAD. In the fall of 2017, the Bowtie Cinemas in partnership with Bonacio Construction will break ground on a ten screen movie theater, within the RAD boundary at its northern end. This development is expected to bring 10,000 weekly visitors to the RAD to see films and patronize downtown retail shops and restaurants. Theater owners anticipate that many visitors will be from the surrounding counties. Indeed, to undertake such a transformative project, the theater owners needed to be confident that they will have a large enough catchment area to be successful. The population of the neighboring communities of Troy (including those across the Hudson River) is 242,297 and the Rensselaer County population is 159,429. This theater will be a new downtown anchor of Troy’s goal of being an 18-hour live, work, and play community. Further, the city is a vibrant year-round community with seasonal shifts of population due to the summer attractions of the Hudson River; Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which moves outdoors from its indoor winter location; the marina and cruise ships, which dock at Troy, and events sponsored by the Troy Business Improvement District. This summer activity complements the school-year influx of students at Troy’s three higher education institutions – RPI, Sage and Hudson Valley Community College – keeping Troy a stable, vibrant year-round destination. By making economic development improvements to its waterfront, Troy can further capitalize on visitor- and tourist- spending, whether from summer outings or parents/visitors at school-related events. Expansion of Troy’s Technology Cluster will in of itself boost tourism dollars. 2017 DRI Application 15 Page (3) Past Investment, Future Investment Potential Describe how this downtown will be able to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas. The RAD is the bridge connecting Troy’s substantial and ongoing downtown investment with the Riverside District. Coupled with over $250 million of investment in the past two years, the RAD investment would provide the needed short-term expansion space, enhancements, and connections to 32 acres of mostly vacant, underutilized land. These lands will collectively serve as the future sites for an extended riverfront business district with flexible office space. This is an imperative pipeline to retain, attract, and grow larger technology cluster companies. Projects in the RAD along River Street will extend Troy’s urban epicenter at Monument Square southward as per the framework prescribed in Troy’s Comp Plan process. River Street south of Monument Square struggles with connectivity and occupancy diminishes as one continues southward. The $18 million construction of a multi-screen Bow Tie movie theater in 2017-18 will be a catalyst to drive transformation. There are 15 projects to further the transformation located along this section of River Street that are proposed with this DRI application. These capital projects are complemented by education and industry driven initiatives that help steward the goal of the Troy Tech Cluster. Our proposed Fiber Communication and Connectivity Master Plan will expand on the 1999 Broadway Pedestrian Corridor’s placement of conduit and fiber on Broadway and a portion of River Street, that is, not coincidentally, the area around which the majority of Troy’s Technology Cluster has located. A continuation of fiber (illustrated in question 8 - Readiness) will activate the vacant office space along lower River Street, the THA Taylor apartment site, and beyond. Our existing cluster that located along the 1999 Broadway Pedestrian Project fiber route consists of dozens of businesses. The City, County and State work as a team with these businesses and their landlords to find appropriate space in which to expand. A major roadblock to their relocation within the City is access to consistent and reliable high speed fiber. Without this, Troy is faced with the prospect of losing the homegrown businesses as they prosper and grow, as well as not being able to compete for new technology businesses. During our DRI stakeholder outreach process, game and software development company owners and employees have shared that they love living and working downtown and wish to remain here to take advantage of affordable rents, access to recreation and downtown vitality – however, they do feel that further investment in flexible spaces, ease of fiber communication infrastructure, and the New York State Digital Gaming Media Production Credit bill would facilitate substantial return on investment. This is a great opportunity to capitalize on prior investment. Along the RAD’s corridor alone, there are over $86 million in proposed projects which, but for the investment of the DRI, will be subject to delay thereby postponing our progress: 2017 DRI Application 16 Page Hendrick Hudson Tru Vision Hotel The News 569 River Street 201 River Street EDCIUGUC {City Station North} American Theater I:led BricI-c. School Gne Lofts 444 River Biyer Lofts LLC yecino Group New ?r?ork, Hudson Fart House Tapestry on Hudson City Station East Cityr Station South City Station 1I.I'r.rest Troylnnoyation Garage Transit Center COG Marriott Courtyard Forage 3 Sundry Building 40 River Street Apartments Daisy Baker Building Dauchyj'Biyer Triangle Dauchy Building [Jauchyf?iyerTriangle LLC - BiyerTriangle Building 15 First Street LLC Columbia Chasan MT LLC Columbia Proctors Realty, LLC 200 Broadway 1510 Sixth ?yenue 501 Broadway Biyer Street 201 Biyer Street 141 Congress Street 239 River Street 2 River Street 2955 Fifth ?ayenue 444 River Street 521?523 Biyer Street 244 Broadway 1522 Sixth Ave Ferry Street 1521 Sixth Ave 24 4th Street 15?25 4th Street 30 Third Street 515 River Street 53 Third Street 40 Riyer Street 33 Second Street 225? 233 Riye Stre et 264-226 Stre et 9 First Street and 15 First S1 20-25 Fourth Street 32-90 Fourth Street 3017 Application comm-mm 5,500,000 3 000, 000 23,400,000 4,000,000 11,000,000 50,000,000 2,500,000 13,500,000 2,300,000 13,000,000 1?3, 200,000 22,000,000 14,400,000 2,500,000 12,300,000 1,000,000 4,000,000 2,500,000 13,500,000 330,000 300,000 2,200,000 55,000,000 2,300,000 2, 300,000 5,400,000 2,200,000 312,430,000 Table 3.1 .J I 33? ?a demolition 3. renoyation {54 units} Millenial class hospitality project rooms} troy Adaptive reuse project using historic tax credits {101 units} Mixed-use with restaurant {13 units} adaptive reuse project {80 units} Mixed-use, tech, residential, parking Historic restoration of single screen luxury cinema ?daptiye reuse {30 units} Adaptive reuse project using historic tax credits {23 units} hdaptiye reuse project {24 units} Mixed?use with floor art gallery 3: studio spaces {30 Supportive housing {33-r units} Student housing Student housing Student housing Co-working and incubator Transit center Co-working, hub, and thincjuhator Business class hospitality project {124 rooms} Mixed-use rehab {4 apartments, 2 work. studios} Mixed-use rehab {4 apartments} Mixed-use renovation {luxury apartments} Mixed?use Mixed-use Mixed-use Office Historic stabilization and office units} Table 3.2 This investment is compounded with New York State ESD’s 2016 award naming RPI as one of three state gaming hubs, making the gaming industry an even more prominent linchpin of Troy and Upstate New York’s economy. These public and private investments, along with the significant investment of the DRI funds would provide the necessary space needed for continued technology clustering. A desired outcome of the DRI funds is to use a portion of the planning process to identify the additional needs and desires of both the current residents and the employees of these companies to create the live – work – play environment substantiated in our proposal. 2017 DRI Application 18 Page (4) Recent or Impending Job Growth Describe how recent or impending job growth within, or in close proximity to, the downtown will attract professionals to an active life in the downtown, support redevelopment, and make growth sustainable in the long term. Most of the technology companies and startups in Troy have settled here recently, and all companies after the initial fiber investment made by the City of Troy in 1999: • Broadway Pedestrian Corridor Project (1999) • Gavant Software (2002) • Troy Web Consulting (2002) • 1st Playable (2005) • Agora Games (2005) • Groff Networks (2005) • Apprenda (2007) • Greane Tree Technology Group (2008) • GreyCastle Security (2011) • Ilium VR (2014) • Tech Valley Game Space (2014) • Spaceout.VR (2015) • Velan Ventures (2016) 4.1 The above timeline illustrates our consistent growth; all companies above are still operating today. As you can see, technology moves and grows quickly. Troy wants to pay it forward by matching the investments and continuing the progress of this industry cluster by formalizing its identity as a tech-driven, infrastructurereplete destination for company headquarters. All told, there are a hundreds of employees – median companies averaging 20-25 staff members-- on the high end 2017 DRI Application 19 Page 50-100 to <100; low end 2-10 staff. When dividing out gaming companies alone, we know that, according to ESA (Entertainment Software Association), 99.7% of American video game companies meet the criteria for small business: 91.4% of American video game companies employ 30 people or less. Troy has sustained numerous game, software, web consulting, and cybersecurity companies over the past decade. The Times Union estimated our aggregate tech employee totals at 300. Troy has the goal of being home to at least two dozen new companies or space expansions for gaming companies alone over the next five to seven years which will amount to +/- 720 jobs – infusing over sixty million dollars of income into the regional economy. According to the 2012 Survey of Business Owners, the city of Troy is home to 2,925 companies. Troy generates nearly a third of Rensselaer County’s retail income yet house less than a quarter of its total firms. Troy also generates nearly half of all accommodation and food service sales in Rensselaer County (45.4%). Table 4.2 Median Income Troy-Rensselaer- United States Gaming companies pay an average salary of $90,000 in the Capital Region. This far exceeds the median income in Troy or Rensselaer County. Growing the game development industry in the Capital Region by branding a concerted effort stands to bring significant revenue. In a meeting with Guha Bala, former co-founder of Vicarious Visions, he stated that his staff salaries contributed $20 million per year to the Capital Region economy. Troy strategically selected the RAD boundary to provide the answers to job growth questions for companies of all sizes that want to be within walking distance to residential and after-work amenities and recreational opportunities: Do you have a gaming company of 30 employees or less which wants to occupy a historic warehouse? We have that. Are you a mid-sized creative sector employer who wants a new waterfront site? We have that, too. Are you a major software company that needs 10,000 + square feet of newly constructed space with access to fiber? Check! Well, we will - the DRI’s fiber proposal and development sites located both downtown and south of the Congress Street Bridge (and further south into the South Troy BOA will facilitate this as well. 2017 DRI Application 20 Page .. L..V oTtroy . pr Tray RPI Innwa?un Hub RPI Emerging Ventures Ecusystem [http:a'fmmpi. httpaffwwign?wnymamf Tha- Eaga Culages' Incuha?mr far Haw Vinturli in Emtrging Scienc-I-i and Ted'lrvulug'la-E Tech Vallay ?anter nf Gravity Tray lnnuva?m Garagl WalletHub? HY LL DESI SHAH. GITIES STAIN A BUSINESS (5) Attractiveness of Physical Environment Identify the properties or characteristics that the downtown possesses that contribute, or could contribute if enhanced, to the attractiveness and livability of the downtown for a diverse population of varying ages, income, gender identity, ability, mobility, and cultural background. Consider, for example, the presence of developable mixed-use spaces, varied housing types at different levels of affordability, walkability and bikeability, healthy and affordable food markets, and public parks and gathering places. The downtown is youthful, eclectic, energetic, and promotes the live, work, play environment demanded by our creative and tech-driven culture. Troy’s youthful vibe is reflected in the data. Troy, the RAD, and its catchment area have millennials. Approximately fifty percent of the population in the census tracts including and surrounding the RAD are millennials (defined as ages 17-39). The media age for the census tracts that include and surround the RAD is 28.2. The median age of the City of Troy as a whole is 30.2. This contrasts with other Capital Region communities (e.g., Hudson; 37.5; Saratoga; 39.8) that have a higher median age approaching/more associated with Generation X. The RAD has both commercial and recreational backbones that attract a diverse population of varying ages, income, gender identity, mobility, and cultural background – all of which promote inclusiveness. One of the RAD projects is to continue the Riverwalk, a publicly accessible esplanade for the RAD section of the city. The CBD and River Street (which runs through the RAD) are known commercial centers which would be enhanced with the infusion of DRI funds. Both of these backbones are inclusive in their relatively low rents, eclectic attractions including shops, culturally diverse restaurants and access to healthy and affordable food. The vision of the Riverwalk Accelerator District builds on the energy of the larger downtown and embraces our creative economy. The Riverwalk Accelerator District (‘RAD’) will:   • Harness the energy of Troy’s technology cluster to catalyze continued investment.  • Attract and retain talent in gaming and high tech industries.   • Connect corridors to form a greater metropolitan district with amenities and services that attract millennial families and extend their residency.  • Expand downtown’s core and access to the waterfront and historic housing to the south.  • Activate waterfront property and provide new flexible mixed use development and public space. The Collar City is an engaged, civic-minded, and forward-thinking community, overflowing with innovative individuals and entrepreneurial spirits, who care deeply about social responsibility, education, equality, and sustainability. The 2017 Times Union “Best of the Capital Region” Reader’s Poll voted downtown Troy the “Best neighborhood to live without a car.” 2017 DRI Application 22 Page The downtown area has experienced consistent growth in high-quality residential, retail, and office space, coupled with high occupancy rates and a rapidly growing creative class. Companies like 1st Playable, Velan Ventures, and WB Games – New York have created a gaming cohort that is pivotal to attract and focus additional private investments for new and supporting business service models, education and research, and startup programs. This cohort acts in concert with the burgeoning high-tech software companies like Apprenda, Greane Tree, and Gavant, all located downtown; paired with clustering game development companies, who are a core industry pivotal to cross-disciplinary jobs in the creative economy. This has created a high-level tech and creative-centered ecosystem that is consistently nourished with new workforce from the surrounding local educational institutions such as RPI, Sage, HVCC, Saint Rose, and University at Albany. Our local talent pool, coupled with the existence of several incubator and co-working spaces creates a culture of innovation in downtown Troy, facilitating knowledge spillovers, labor mobility, and fostering entrepreneurship. The city’s high-tech industries are hitting a critical mass where a substantial investment, such as the one offered by the DRI competition, will make all the difference between success and stagnation. Increasing the quality of life is imperative to retain and attract singles and families. Downtown attractions that are both physical and cultural will be important for the companies who are looking to attract skilled resources from in and out of state. Public Art concepts, such as those being delineated in Troy’s Public Art Master Plan help foster a sense of place and a concept for residents and businesses to rally around. Troy offers an intact historical downtown and complementary amenities that are only present in an urban environment. Troy’s Comprehensive Plan recognizes the intact makeup of this industrial era city: A walkable city, opportunities for socializing, interaction with arts and culture on a regular basis are all quality of life offerings that are not available in suburban locations. The Arts Center of the Capital Region and Bow Tie Cinema’s ten screen cinema are in the RAD footprint and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is one block away from the RAD. 2017 DRI Application 23 Page Why is the technology sector locating to Troy? • Affordability • Proximity to major highways • Proximity to the Adirondacks and other recreational areas • Walkability • Proximity to RPI, HVCC, and Russel Sage • Sense of community • Innovation centers/makerspaces • Waterfront • Farmers’ Market The creation of a Downtown Business Improvement District in 2011 helped to target efforts in business retention, marketing, and beautification. Last year they leveraged their $123,720 assessment budget (5%) into $520,675 through sponsorships, public art, special events, advertising, and contributions. DRI funds would allow a concerted effort and serve as a meaningful catalyst to more formally create a brand and market the district as a game and tech cluster. Cities like Montreal, with similar circumstances with its urban footprint and educational opportunity have seen great success at having branded themselves as clusters – calling themselves “low-cost, high-creativity” – engaging local and regional support to foster growth and ultimately, transformation. Troy and its RAD district have an attractive physical environment that both serves its residents and entices new residents: Presence of Developable Mixed-Use Spaces A large amount of the RAD’s acreage is rife with developable land. North of Congress Street Bridge, there are six parcels ready for mixed-use development, including the large THA Taylor site, River King, 217-219 River Street, and 171-177 River Street. At the southern end of the RAD, a vast majority of the land is now vacant or under-utilized and ready for mixed use development. These include the Scolite site, the Salt Pile, and additional lands, north towards the bridge. Varied Housing Types at Different Levels of Affordability Troy's housing stock is probably one of the most diverse in the region. Multi-family, single family, live/work, condos, suburban, garden style apartments, mansions, Victorian, brownstones, row houses; if you can think it, Troy has it. That being said, the importance, especially in more distressed areas, is the quality of the housing. Troy's motto is "housing for all". It is our responsibility as a municipality to be sure that everyone has access to quality, affordable housing. In the CBD there are numerous market rate housing opportunities. East of the RAD’s southern end are large neighborhoods with detached housing for all incomes. Within ½ mile of the RAD there are over 668 affordable units including 330 affordable senior units as shown in Table 5.1. Table 5.1 2017 DRI Application 24 Page Age Inclusiveness • For youth: In addition to the private sports recreational teams in Troy, in 2017, Troy announced a new Recreation Program for youth. Working with partner New York State agencies and professionally-staffed youth recreation nonprofits, including the YMCA and the Boys & Girls this program offers recreational activities including fishing, swimming lessons, athletics, arts (through partner of The Arts Center of the Capital Region), dance (through Troy Dance Factory), CADS and 3D printing (through RPI). This program is part of a larger initiative to ensure ongoing, year-round access to recreational programming. • For seniors: In addition to the senior housing identified in the table above, the aging population needs access to health care facilities of which Troy has many including: Samaritan and St. Mary’s Hospitals, medical commercial centers and urgent care facilities. Troy Area Senior Service Center is located at 19 Third Street in the downtown adjacent to the RAD and offers first-rate independent living services. Mobility Troy’s complete streets ordinance ensures that mobility is addressed as projects are proposed. In addition to the many parks, trails and recreational areas listed below, Troy seeks to undertake a Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan which will comprehensively inventory and plan for the future of these amenities and has requested funding for this plan in the 2017 CFA round. A goal for this plan will be to make connections for Troy’s many trails and parks (Riverwalk, Uncle Sam, Urban Trails, South Troy Bike Trail but to also define Safe Routes to School). Further, given that the Riverwalk trail along the Hudson River has a completed section within the RAD, and that this waterfront trail further into the RAD in 2018. Healthy and Affordable Food Markets: • The Troy Farmers’ Market: This 80 vendor, year-round regional marketplace attraction is in its 18th season. Both of the market’s seasonal locations are located in or within a few minutes walking distance from the RAD. The market has the mission of creating and operating “a producer-only, year-round, independent, vibrant marketplace featuring locally grown food and locally made products, for the mutual benefit of local producers, consumers, and the community”. They have the inclusive policy of accepting payment of Credit, Debit, and EBT/SNAP Benefits. • Field Goods – Produce Delivery: The Field Goods Company “offers a subscription-based service that delivers produce from small farms to employees and consumers at workplaces and community sites year round.” They deliver to the following sites in and within walking distance to the RAD: o Anchor # 5 Boutique (288 River Street) o Antiques Warehouse (78 4th Street) o Art Center of the Capital Region (265 River Street) o A Space to Grow (216 River Street, Second Floor) o Troy Cloth and Paper (291 River Street) • Capital Roots’ Corner Store Initiative: Capital Roots, headquartered in Troy, developed a Healthy Stores program that “gives fresh, affordable produce a daily presence in urban convenience stores throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties.” o Capital Roots' Veggie Mobile®: The Veggie Mobile “is a mobile market that travels to inner-city neighborhoods throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties. It’s been delivering a large variety of fresh, affordable and local produce to residents with limited access to fresh food since 2007. Designed for energy efficiency, the box-truck runs on bio-diesel fuel and has been retro-fitted with solar panels, which power the market’s refrigerators.” Walkability Already one of the most walkable downtowns in the region, in 2015 Troy adopted a Complete Streets policy that is 2017 DRI Application 25 Page reviewed for every private or public investment in the city to ensure that new development occurs with the pedestrian, bicyclist or person with disabilities in mind. Bikeability In addition to Troy’s Complete Streets policy, Troy is also partner in the Capital Region’s SOBI bike share starting in July of 2017. There will be one bike rental location within the RAD, and three more in elsewhere in the CBD. Public Parks and Gathering Spaces • Scolite site – (a project in this application) near the RAD’s southern border is the Poestenkill River and Canal which empties into the Hudson. This square-shaped parcel has tremendous potential for a public park with one side of the parcel being the Hudson waterfront and another side being canal waterfront. Further, the Canal has historic connections to Troy’s industry which could be celebrated with interpretive signage at the site. The city has a tremendous opportunity to learn about canal redevelopment from communities around the world by attending the World-class World Canals Conference in September in Syracuse, NY. • The 4.5 acre Riverfront Park will also be home to a portion of the Troy Trail, over seven miles of continuous trail running from North Troy to the Menands Bridge at the south. The completion of this trail is designed and funded and will go out to bid in September. Upon completion next year, the trail will include almost 1.5 miles of riverfront trail/esplanade through the RAD. • Adjacent to the CBD, the 80-acre Prospect Park provides Tennis Courts and hiking trails. This spring, a group of volunteers led by the city cleared a trail from the CBD to the summit. • Barker Park, Sage Park, and Kennedy Park provide passive recreation space in the CBD. 2017 DRI Application 26 Page (6) Quality of Life Policies Articulate the policies in place that increase the livability and quality of life of the downtown. Examples include the use of local land banks, modern zoning codes, comprehensive plans, complete streets plans, transit-oriented development, non-discrimination laws, age-friendly policies, and a downtown management structure. If policies achieving this goal are not currently in place, describe the ability of the municipality to create and implement such policies Troy’s downtown, including the RAD, has a high quality of life that has attracted businesses and residents giving Troy the “Little Brooklyn” moniker. Troy and the RAD largely survived Urban Renewal of the 1960’s and 1970’s that ripped out the core of many neighbor cities. Our sense of place has led to the adoption of additional policies, many spearheaded by an active citizen base that wants to ensure that Troy continues to remain a historically intact, walkable and desirable place to be. Policies that contribute to quality of life include: • Comprehensive Plan – Realize Troy – our first Comprehensive Plan in over 50 years has identified four transformative projects that support our proposal for the RAD in addition to the many neighborhood and city-wide recommendations. o Riverfront District (encompasses the RAD and CBD) will establish a welcoming new recreational, entertainment and hospitality precinct from the Green Island bridge entry to the Congress Street Bridge by returning River Street to its grandeur and strengthening the draw of downtown with a number of new signature amenities. o Riverside District runs from Congress Street to the Poestenkill. The goal is to evolve significant vacant and underutilized waterfront lands to create a new mixed-use, waterfront neighborhood fully connected to the historic downtown and the Monroe District located to its south. o Downtown Economic Development Strategy (covers the CDB portion of the RAD) summarizes the opportunities for the Downtown, as well as the challenges it faces, to set the stage for six overarching strategies, each supported by a set of proposed actions. The strategy also provides specific direction for the transformation of two Major Reinvestment Areas on the Downtown waterfront (Riverfront esplanade, marina). o Riverfront Esplanade (covers Troy’s 7 mile waterfront of which the RAD and CBD) a publically accessible riverfront trail which is partially complete down to the RAD’s northern border and is planned to continue south for the entire length of the RAD boundary; and will eventually run the entire seven mile length of Troy’s waterfront. • Modern Zoning Code – The RAD is located partially in Troy’s Historic District and is part of the B4 Downtown Zoning District which ensures that any development is compatible with the historic built environment. To build on that, Troy will commence a city-wide rezoning in the second half of 2017 that will strengthen this process with the creation of specific design guidelines for the Downtown, a rewrite of the Sign Ordinance and strengthening of the Historic Review Committee recommendations. • Complete Streets – Troy’s ordinance, adopted in 2014 and recognized by the National Complete Streets Coalition as one of the best in the nation, is used to review all public and private investment throughout Troy. It has resulted in the addition of bicycle lanes with the repaving and restriping of streets, inclusion of bike racks and enhanced crosswalks and bump-outs to facilitate pedestrian activities. • Transit-Oriented Development – Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will run along the River Street Corridor with access points at the northern and central locations of the RAD. This will further enhance transit which already provides good service to the downtown due to its linear orientation. Further, redevelopment of the THA Taylor apartment 2017 DRI Application 27 Page site will provide a prime location for transit-oriented development as it is located on the BRT line. • Downtown Management Structure – The City’s Senior Administrative staff meets routinely with the BID, businesses and organizations to ensure that the Downtown continues to thrive and attract business, tourists and residents. Providing key support in this process are private not-for-profits, contractors and neighborhood groups including: o Parking – Troy is currently interviewing parking management companies to implement pricing strategies that will manage parking, enforce parking restrictions, and manage and maintain Troy’s parking structures and lots. o Downtown Troy Neighborhood Group – Residentially-led group works in conjunction with the BID and downtown businesses to further enhance downtown quality of life. Committees have been set up to deal with cleaning and activating Troy’s Alleys to support Troy’s residents, businesses, and tourism. o Business Improvement District - The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District is a public / private partnership created in 2011 to contribute to the maintenance, development and promotion of downtown Troy’s commercial district, which overlaps the RAD. The BID’s purpose -- to improve business conditions, attract and retain businesses, generate jobs; and improve the quality of life for those who use the district – is accomplished through four areas of focus including marketing of Downtown Troy: beautification services, business development and retention and special events. The Troy BID is a major strategic partner in the RAD district – you can find their support letter in the Question 10 attachment. • Workforce Housing Strategies: While the Downtown and the RAD already have a large amount of affordable housing units, the Comprehensive Plan calls for development of an Affordable Housing Action Plan to encourage greater affordable options within the Neighborhoods. The Plan will highlight that affordable housing -- including rent-geared to income housing -- will be well integrated within the neighborhoods; mixed with market rate housing where possible; and located in proximity to transit, local amenities and employment areas. • Troy Community Land Bank: the downtown and RAD suffer more from speculative property land banking than from tax or bank foreclosure. The west side of River Street in the RAD has many vacant structures in need of renovation that are current on taxes. The Land Bank actively works immediately to the north of the Business District and east of the RAD with a focus on the redevelopment of housing for owner-occupants and reuse of vacant lots. These programs enhance the properties in areas contiguous to the RAD and downtown. • Draft Healthy Retail Ordinance: Troy, in partnership with a local public health organization, will, through a voluntary incentives program, increase access to and product placement of healthy food and beverage options and their accompanying marketing; and decrease alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverage options and marketing in stores citywide. • Green Infrastructure: As part of its CSO plan Troy recently completed a green infrastructure improvement of installed porous pavement in the area around Monument Square in the RAD boundary. As Troy advances projects within the city it incorporates green infrastructure improvements which help to alleviate combined sewer overflows and flooding. • Climate Smart City: Innovation is clear from the Climate Smart Communities Pledge that it took in 2013 to enhance community efforts toward resilient responses to climate change, adaptation to processes that decrease community energy use, foster the increase of community use of renewable energy, use of climate-smart land-use tools, and support development of green innovation economy. The Climate Smart Communities program is a New York State initiative to help local communities reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, prepare for effects of climate change and save taxpayers money. 2017 DRI Application 28 Page o Energize NY/PACE Finance: Troy also an early adopter of Energize NY’s PACE program which helps homeowners and commercial property owner’s access program financing for improvements that reduce energy waste. o Solar: Earlier this year, the City began the installation phase of a 2.1 megawatt solar energy system, part of Troy’s investment in green energy technology and embrace of climate smart community initiatives. When completed, the system will allow the City of Troy to source one-third of its power needs from clean renewable sources of energy, resulting in significant savings for the City over the next decade. • Age Friendly Policies and Non-discrimination: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy MSA was ranked 28th in an overall index of “100 Best Cities for Successful Aging” by the Milken Institute, which was compiled from data on healthcare, wellness, financial, living arrangements, employment/education, transportation/convenience, and community engagement factors. • Inclusiveness: The RAD is racially diverse. The Census Tracts that make up the RAD have a population that is approximately 70% white and 30% nonwhite. o Troy’s Comprehensive Plan states the city’s goal of “Being an Inclusive City with Opportunities for Everyone.” o More welcoming, Inclusive and Safer Troy Planning Group: On 7 October 2015, over 200 members of the Troy community gathered “to discuss ways that citizens, community members, students, police, city government, business, civic, and religious leaders can work together, honor our diversity, and make Troy a more welcoming, inclusive, and safer city.” The group created a report which “identified the actions that enhance respect and the quality of interactions people in Troy have with one another.” At their last meeting on April 10, 2017 the group determined that it will focus on the youth of our community. • An Inclusive Environment for New Americans: While our major educational centers of RPI, The Sage Colleges and HVCC are sites that can facilitate opportunities for New Americans to enter the country (and offers services such as English as a second language courses), there are others who arrive less fortunate. Troy hopes to welcome New Americans to the RAD and help them gain access to the housing, programs and services offered by the wide range of non-profits in the District. 2017 DRI Application 29 Page (7) Support for the Local Vision Describe the public participation and engagement process conducted to support the DRI application, and the support of local leaders and stakeholders for pursuing a vision of downtown revitalization. Describe the commitment among local leaders and stakeholders to preparing and implementing a strategic investment plan. Identify an initial local lead for the program that will work with outside experts to convene a local DRI Planning Committee to oversee the plan. Public Participation: The RAD plan has been the subject of significant public engagement since 2014 as part of the City’s Comprehensive Planning process, Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and through a Temple University study to design a historic waterfront. There is widespread support for this application from the City of Troy and other local leaders, businesses and stakeholders. The areas encompassed in this DRI application were subject to extensive review during the City’s Comprehensive Planning effort “Realize Troy”. With a launch in September 2014, Realize Troy engaged city residents through a series of events including an Open House and visioning sessions between February and May of 2015. A Realize Troy website was created to present materials and to solicit stakeholder feedback. Riverside District meets Downtown Business Improvement District More recently, in 2017, City administration and staff has been meeting with downtown organizations and developers to further strategize on the specifics of the DRI application. Meetings were held in March to outline the DRI area and on April 7th and 21st, a group of stakeholders including the city, property owners, developers, universities and the Troy Housing Authority met to discuss the most impactful target focus for this project. The concept was discussed publicly at the Troy 100 Forum on May 22nd at Bush Memorial Hall on the Sage Campus and at the June 1st meeting of the Troy Neighborhood Action Council, a city-wide coalition of Neighborhood Organizations. The concept was discussed on June 1, 2017 at a public meeting of the Troy City Council attended by over 100 people. 2017 DRI Application 30 Page Stakeholder Engagement The city has engaged in intensive stakeholder outreach including local gaming and software development company management and meetings with regional game development networking groups to discuss concept feasibility and support. Meetings were held with: • 1st Playable • Warner Brothers – NY • Velan Ventures • Apprenda • Greane Tree Technology Group • Tech Valley Game Space • Tech Valley Center of Gravity • Troy Innovation Garage • Ignite U • Vicarious Visions • Spaceout.VR • RPI Games and Simulations Arts and Sciences Program Director • Public Art Project Steering Committee • Bowtie/Bonacio • United Group • Judge Development Strategic Investment Plan During the many public outreach events for the DRI, we received overwhelmingly positive public support of the plan; all showed interest in being involved with the project. Those who will be involved in the planning process include: • Troy Local Development Corporation • Troy Industrial Development Authority • Troy Business Improvement District • Rensselaer County Industrial Development Authority • Rensselaer County Tourism • Developers (Bonacio, Redburn, United Group, First Columbia, Community Builders, Warren W. Fane, Inc.) • Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce • Neighborhood Groups (Downtown Troy, Riverside, TNAC, Drug-free Troy Coalition) • Troy Housing Authority • Transport Troy (Pedestrian and Bicycle advocacy) • Troy Cultural Alliance • State Agencies including HCR, ESD, DOS, CREDC • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Russell Sage College, Hudson Valley College • Incubators (Troy Innovation Garage, Center of Gravity, Ignite U) • Game development stakeholders (International Game Developers Association, Tech Valley Game Space, Velan Ventures, Gavant Software, 1st Playable, WB New York, Illium VR, Spaceout VR, among others) • Public service and faith based organizations The following letters of support are attached in question 10: • Mayor’s Letter (also included in our introduction page) • Troy City Council municipal in support of the DRI application and the strategic investment plan • Bonacio Construction • United Development Group • Velan Studios/Velan Ventures 2017 DRI Application 31 Page • Vicarious Visions • RPI GSAS Program Director Benjamin Chang • Russel Sage College President Susan Scrimshaw • Assemblyman John McDonald • Senator Neil Breslin • Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino • Rensselaer County IDA Robert Pasinella • Troy Business Improvement District • Troy Local Development Corporation • Troy Housing Authority • Warren W. Fane, Inc. To give you an idea of the enthusiastic support letters we’ve aggregated in the accompanying Q10 attachment please read the letter from Guha Bala, President of Velan Studios and Velan Ventures, on the following two pages. 2017 DRI Application 32 Page A VELAN VFLAN Velon Ventures. Inc. Velon Studios, Inc. Guhn Bah James Barbs, James Stein: Pmident (Co-chain Tmy NY 12180 Hedley Park Place 518.265.9689 433 Rive: Smut, Suite 1003 Wm TtoyNY 12180 June 13, 2017 DeuSin, DomRevinlindonIni?zdve. barium. indosuyclostexs. Where Butthecutentlwelofacdvityis gtowth. skilledso?wueeng'neers, Page 1:12 2017 DRI Application 33 Page w- Ragioneconamyovatheputdecade. success. oftheiobs. Audio: almostiow, aswdl mgionaleeonomic contribution. Vein StudiosdeelanVenmus wholehmudly snppozutheCityofTwy?s application?o: DRIfundinginthise?oa Pluse?dfaetouzch Shandy. Guln Bub 2017 DRI Application 34 Page Strategic Investment Plan Our Strategic Investment Plan will be based on the collaborative effort of public community leaders, private investors, developers, residents, and professional consultants, under the guidance of our comptrollers and procurement office. Priority status will be given to projects that: • Meet CREDC and URI goals • Support the defined RAD vision • Build infrastructure for tomorrow’s businesses • Leverage private funding • Create an active desirable downtown with a strong sense of place • Grow the local property tax base • Create better uses for public space • Attract diverse populations with diverse incomes Local Leads The DRI Planning Committee will be led by the City’s Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Steven Strichman. Mr. Strichman was tasked with completing Troy’s Comprehensive Plan and previously led Schenectady’s Comprehensive Planning effort which structured the zoning foundation that guided the ALCO redevelopment of Mohawk Harbor complete with a riverfront esplanade, the Rivers Casino and over 500 residential units. Mr. Strichman, an RPI alumnis, is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and has 18 years of experience convening and facilitating diverse groups of stakeholders to develop implementable plans for commercial, residential and green improvements. Project planning timelines and respective team oversight will be organized by the City’s Economic Development Coordinator, Cheryl Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy is a certified professional project manager with over 10,000 hours of cross-discipline project experience in logistics, software development, publications, marketing, and multi-year grants administration. Ms. Kennedy specializes in project life cycles, stakeholder management, and scope control, using the knowledge and frameworks of PMI global standards to formalize expectations of project deliverables. 2017 DRI Application 35 Page (8) Readiness Describe opportunities to build on the strengths described above, including a range of transformative projects that will be ready for implementation with an infusion of DRI funds within the first one to two years (depending on the scope and complexity of the project) and which may leverage DRI funding with private investment or other funds. Such projects could address economic development, transportation, housing, and community development needs. While such projects should have demonstrated public support, it is recognized that projects will ultimately be vetted by the Local Planning Committee and the State. Explain how the majority of projects proposed for DRI funding demonstrate their readiness for implementation. The City of Troy has included a mix of ready projects that consist of major planning projects, capital investment projects, mixed-use development and office space, and programs that support the measured approach of our Troycluster. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Gaming Accelerator URI Goal: (3) Talent (4) Lift-off CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Leverage and Collaborate, Open New Doors Gaming Accelerator partnership between game development company and venture capital organization with City of Troy to bring together game industry stakeholders: experienced mentors, educators, students, and would-be entrepreneurs in a fixed-term revolving cohort. Opportunity to be first gaming accelerator in the country that runs full-time and would be an extreme attraction to the independent game development community. Mixed-Use Development Y Lot URI Goal: (2) Gateway (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Bring Cities to Life Riverwalk Public Art Program URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Celebrate/Optimize Surroundings: Showcase our Beauty Mixed-Use Redevelopment Taylor Apartments URI Goal: (1) Next-Tech, (3) Talent, (4) Lift-Off (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Leverage and Collaborate , Open New Doors, Spotlight our Strengths Surface lot in-fill for mixed-use redevelopment that includes parking, retail office, and residential uses along prime 1st street location. 2017 DRI Application As a next step advancing from the Troy Public Art Master Plan funded in 2017 by ESD, slated for completion by January 2018, proposed interactive public art programming that uses art and the river front to create both a visual and mental connection, creating a sense of place in the RAD district. Acquisition of vacant public housing site adjacent to sage college. Demolition of existing building to prepare site for immediate redevelopment into mixed-use development including office space for accelerator, gaming tech hub and public parking garage with EV charger, and living green wall. 36 Page Fiber Communication and Connectivity Master Plan URI Goal: (1) Next-Tech (4) Lift-Off CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Build a Superhighway Congress Street Bridge Study URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Build a Superhighway Study to plan for major project connecting the south downtown to existing fiber networks. Building on the 1999 Broadway Pedestrian Project that lay conduit and fiber down Broadway and a portion of River Street, and a scattering of other sites that are coincidentally now hotbeds for Troy’s game development and high tech clusters. Art Center Capital Project URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Celebrate/Optimize Surroundings, Showcase our Beauty, Spotlight our Strengths Waterfront Reclamation Salt Pile URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Open New Doors, Bring Cities to Life Redevelopment of upper floors in Art Center to include for-profit office space. Salt Pile Site Redevelopment URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Open New Doors, Bring Cities to Life Four local developers have expressed strong interest in redeveloping this eleven-acre site with a mix of commercial and residential uses on a prime waterfront location. This development provides an opportunity for new space for the tech cluster and will include an extension of the riverfront esplanade, and is at the Hudson River terminus of the Poestenkill Greenway. Redevelop 5.5 acre city-owned site that has been the subject of over $2 million of recent DEC, ESD and local remediation funding. At the northern end of the Monroe District, and with direct access on the new Industrial Access road from the south, this site will be developed as flexible office space which will income commercial office component along front street with advanced manufacturing and industrial uses toward the rear of the building Purchase of mobile tourism kiosk and establishment of virtual visitor bureau for downtown Troy, NY. Educates visitors about area attractions by providing virtual tour guides and maps that encourage better wayfinding. Scolite Site URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Open New Doors, Bring Cities to Life Mobile Visitor Information Center Tourism Kiosk URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Bring Cities to Life, Celebrate/Optimize Surroundings, Spotlight our Strengths 2017 DRI Application Study to determine options for Congress Street bridge rehabilitation project to reposition and reconnect lower River Street back to the adjacent neighborhoods. Proposed funding would be to use study costs and options for egress and turning River Street back into a full two-way usage. Assist in payment for relocation of salt pile to alternative site. Prepare site for waterfront revitalization. 37 Page 217-219 River Street URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan goal: Bring Cities to life Proposed renovations and mixed use redevelopment of site. Young Developers Program URI Goal: (3) Talent CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Leverage and Collaborate, Prepare for Tomorrow Establish a young developer’s scholarship fund to help economically disadvantaged Troy youth access the multitude of adolescent and teen game development programs in the downtown. DRI Round II Public Planning Phase URI Goal: All goals achieved. CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: All goals achieved. Execute community participation phase, using charrettes, stakeholder engagement forum, and project committee. Riverfront Esplanade URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Bring Cities to Life, Showcase our Beauty Connect Riverfront Trail from Riverfront Park, through the Bow Tie Cinema site and behind the Judge properties with an Art Trail, Reconfigure Parking lot North of State to allow for continuation of trail along the riverfront. Troy Indie Seed Starter Program URI Goal: (1) Next-Tech, (3) Talent, (4) Lift-Off CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Leverage and Collaborate, Open New Doors 189-191 River Street URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Bringing Cities to Life Competitive seed program funding to attract indie developers, 10 winners per year, required to kick start their own game programs with 25K, and a working prototype before receiving matched seed funding. Must locate in Troy. Russell Sage College Waterfront Development URI Goal: (5) Metro CREDC Strategic Plan Goal: Open New Doors, Bring Cities to Life Proposed development and activation of waterfront (currently a soccer field and surface parking lots). Prime location for a transformational project at a major gateway to Troy and the Russell Sage College campus. 2017 DRI Application Study for stability in order to expand or repurpose the State Street Garage. 38 Page Planning Projects The planning projects addressed in Table 8.1 above consist of the Fiber Communication and Connectivity Plan which expands on the 1999 Broadway Pedestrian Corridor’s placement of conduit and fiber on Broadway and a portion of River Street, that is, not coincidentally, the area around which the majority of Troy’s Technology Cluster has located. A continuation of fiber illustrated on Map I will activate the vacant office space along lower River Street, the THA Taylor apartment site, and beyond. We’ve included a study to determine options for the Congress Street bridge rehabilitation project to reposition and reconnect the historic grid pattern of River Street that was essential to commercial activity success but was interrupted with this Urban Renewal bridge project. It realigns the street to create a single path. We applied for a 2016 CFA for this project and scored high with feedback to reapply and increase our funding ask in our 2017 CFA proposal. Site Control • THA Taylor 1 and 2 We have been in discussions with Troy Housing Authority (as described in their support letter in Q10) and stand ready to acquire the two vacant apartment towers. Demolition will occur immediately upon receipt of a funding commitment. We have three developers interested in this site and an anchor tenant/project identified. • Riverfront Esplanade Construction of the Riverwalk will be bid in September 2017 and the esplanade will be constructed along a two block section as we realign Front Street to the east away from the river. There is a quarter-mile gap from the movie theater to State Street that can be completed with additional funding. • Salt Pile: The property owner is willing to relinquish ownership as part of a larger plan to reinvigorate the neighborhood, contingent upon funding to prepare an alternative site under his control. • Scolite: This site has been remediated with 8.2 Madison Street Fishing Pier near Scolite funding from Department of Environmental Conservation and the building is currently being demolished with funding from National Grid by fall 2017. The site is a main focus within Troy’s Comp Plan and is ideally suited for a park along the Poestenkill and Hudson River and it connects to the recently constructed Madison Street Fishing Pier. • Y-LOT (joint control): Currently it is a joint-ownership (City of Troy is part-owner) surface lot that is appropriate for infill development. • Russel Sage College: At the stakeholder meetings, the College expressed willingness to be a part of the planning process that could involve a future use of their lands, which includes a soccer field and surface parking lots. Programs and Initiatives • Riverwalk Public Art Program: As a component of the Troy Public Art Master Plan funded in 2017 by Empire State Development, to be completed by January 2018, a public art program with interactive programming that uses art and the riverfront to create both a visual and mental connection, creating a sense of place in the RAD district. 2017 DRI Application 39 Page • Mobile Visitor Information Center Tourism Kiosk: The City of Troy has not had a tourism center since Riverspark was defunded; as a variety of organizations such as Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, Troy Cultural Alliance, and various historical societies have risen to bridge the gap in this loss of service; there is readiness to serve and grow our tourism demand. A mobile tourism kiosk allows for flexibility of service and staffing. • Young Developers Program: The City of Troy is home to several constructive programs for adolescents and teenagers who are interested in the game and software development industry. The Arts Center of the Capital Region and 1st Source: www.downtownny.com Mobile Kiosk Playable both support programming (see supporting program documents in Question 10 attachments) that we wish to help grow with special focus to economically disadvantaged Troy youth. • Troy Indie Seed Starter Program The Troy #Indie Game Seed Starter program proposes to set aside DRI funding for a four year pilot program, serving a cohort of up to ten independent game developers per year. The program will assist in alleviating the constraints of time and cost by introducing a match model of fundraising that allows the time and money to focus on developing a quality game prototype. Applicants will be required to deliver a working validated prototype, a business model that includes a timeline and budget, along with requiring crowdfunding 50% of project costs upfront, before applying for the program, which can provide a match of up to $25,000 of a $50,000+ project. See Q10 attachments in dropbox for a complete summary. 2017 DRI Application 40 Page (9) Administrative Capacity As discussed in local vision, Commissioner of Planning & Economic Development, Steven Strichman, and Economic Development Coordinator, Cheryl Kennedy will directly oversee all project initiatives and be the main points of contact on all project teams that are chosen through the DRI committee planning process. Upon project initiation each contractor will work closely with an assigned internal project team to prepare a plan that will formalize the internal project expediter or project manager, and administrative support group. Teams will be issued according to project type and experience. Each contractor will work with the assigned project expediter or project manager to create: • Communication Plan This component will establish the flow of communication, points of contact, milestone requirements, data reporting, and meeting frequency. • Project Timeline Required timeline template will be shared to delineate quarterly phases, deliverable expectations, reporting, and due dates. • Change Log Documents when changes are made, by whom, and the approval process relative to each project in accordance with funding requirements, and how the change affects the timeline. • Evaluation Milestones Ensures adequate monitoring and impact of controlled changes to project plan. • Integration Management Plan Coordinate sequencing for phased projects that interact with existing or new projects. In addition, the City of Troy has acquired Ecivis grant management tracking software. This investment has enabled the City to utilize a powerful cloud-based, grant administration tool which tracks all aspects of the post-award period of grant administration and allows for real-time and efficient communications among and between departments. 2017 DRI Application 41 Page (10) Other Provide any other information that informed the nomination of this downtown for a DRI award. Supporting documents can be downloaded at the dropbox link below: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xiilbpw0qz5vol9/AADDxTAF_vpPQei58gS0cNKya?dl=0 Including: Support Letters Maps (from proposal) Troycluster Approach/Executive Summary Newspaper articles supporting “Troycluster Approach” Troy Indie Seed Starter Other program documents 2017 DRI Application 42 Page