CITY OF WATERTOWN, NEW YORK

PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

SUITE 305, CITY HALL
245 WASHINGTON STREET
WATERTOWN, NEW YORK 13601-3362
TEL. (315) 785-7741
FAX (315) 785-7829

MICHAEL A. LUMBIS
PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

For Immediate Release Contact: Geoffrey Urda

July 18, 2022 Planner, (315) 785-7725

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

STREETSCAPE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN THIS MONTH –
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY ON JULY 21 AT LACHENAUER PLAZA

A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday July 21, 2022 at Lachenauer Plaza
to commemorate the start of construction on the City of Watertown’s downtown streetscape project.
Improvements will occur on Court Street, Lachenauer Plaza, the 200 block of Coffeen Street, the 200
block of Franklin Street and the area on Washington Street that surrounds the Governor Roswell P.
Flower Monument.

The project is part of the City’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Strategic Plan, and funds from
the City’s $10 million DRI award from New York State will help pay for construction. Other funding
sources include money received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Consolidated Local
Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and a National Grid Urban Center/Commercial
District Revitalization grant.

The goal of the project is to increase pedestrian comfort and safety within the project footprint and create
a more walkable environment downtown, acting as a catalyst for increased commercial activity and
furthering the revitalization of downtown Watertown.

Examples of treatments include wider sidewalks, crosswalk enhancements, improved lighting and new
tree plantings. Specific safety improvements on Court Street will include a narrower vehicular travel
lane and reverse angled parking. A transformation of Lachenauer Plaza will create a more active and
welcoming civic space.

The City anticipates that construction will be substantially complete in June 2023. The City will make
every effort to keep affected project areas open during construction. However, short segments of
roadway and sidewalk are subject to temporary closure as project needs may warrant.