BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg residents are being asked to weigh in on how the city should invest $9.7 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding.

The Local Planning Committee is reviewing 19 proposed projects and is seeking public input through an online survey. Residents can review the proposals and complete the survey by noon Oct. 23 at Ogdensburg Public Survey.

The survey allows residents to share their perspectives and identify the projects they believe would have the greatest impact on Ogdensburg.

The proposals represent approximately $24.4 million in total project costs, with about $21.2 million requested through the DRI. Because the amount requested is more than twice the $9.7 million available, the Local Planning Committee will have to prioritize projects as it moves through the selection process.

Community feedback is intended to help ensure those priorities reflect what residents believe Ogdensburg needs most.

Among the 19 proposals are projects involving downtown housing, businesses, cultural institutions, public spaces and streets.

The Remington Art Museum is seeking $4.5 million toward a $5 million expansion at 323 Washington St. The project would add about 5,600 square feet for events, children's programming, classrooms, retail and visitor services.

The Ogdensburg Public Library is proposing a $2.84 million addition at 312 Washington St. that would expand library services and include space for a history museum, exhibits, storage and programming.

Several proposals focus on downtown housing. Projects include renovations that would create or rehabilitate apartments at properties on Ford, State and Washington streets, including a $2.56 million mixed-use project at 402 Ford St. that would create four apartments and three commercial spaces.

Other proposals would improve existing commercial properties and community facilities. BetterCare is seeking $150,000 for an expansion at 203 State St., while St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union has proposed projects at 301 Ford St. and 333 State St. The First Presbyterian Church is seeking funding for improvements to its Mission Center and pocket park.

Three of the largest proposals would focus on downtown streets and pedestrian improvements.

The $4.55 million State Street project would include wider sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and improved crossings. A $4.09 million Isabella Street project would add sidewalks, rain gardens, trees, lighting, public art and other pedestrian amenities while improving the connection between downtown and the waterfront.

A $1.92 million Ford Street project would improve sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and accessibility while creating additional space for pedestrians, retailers and outdoor dining.

The proposals also include a $650,000 Downtown Small Project Fund, with $500,000 requested through the DRI. The fund could support smaller improvements such as storefront work, business startups, equipment, signage and technical assistance.

The projects remain proposals and have not been selected for funding. Private projects require at least a 25% match, while public and nonprofit projects would not have a required match.

With more than twice the available DRI funding requested, public input could play an important role in determining which projects ultimately move forward.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposals and complete the survey by noon Oct. 23 at Ogdensburg Public Survey.