BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM — The Village of Potsdam will celebrate the completion of its Downtown Revitalization Initiative Streetscape and Riverwalk projects with a community ribbon cutting and celebration on Thursday, Oct. 15, from noon-2 p.m. at the corner of Raymond and Market streets, near 35 Market St.

The event will mark the completion of major improvements to downtown Potsdam following an extensive period of planning, design, and construction, a press release from the village said. 

“This is really a celebration of how far we have come—and all the great things the Village of Potsdam has ahead of us,” said Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke. “We would like to welcome all community members, business partners, local organizations, and, of course, the hard-working contractors, staff and volunteers who have helped to see our Downtown Revitalization Projects through, from day one to today.”

The Downtown Streetscape project includes improvements along Market, Raymond, and Maple streets, including new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, drainage improvements, and other public-space upgrades. 

Improvements along the Riverwalk strengthen connections between downtown, Fall Island, and the Raquette River and create new opportunities for recreation, placemaking, and public art.

The projects were developed through Potsdam’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative funded by the New York State Department of State and represent a significant investment in the long-term vitality of the Village’s downtown core.

In addition to celebrating the physical improvements, the October 15 event will highlight Potsdam’s local businesses. 

Food for the celebration will be provided by local restaurants, and downtown businesses are being encouraged to join the celebration and help showcase a newly completed and reopened downtown.

“This project has always been about more than sidewalks and streetscape improvements,” said David Thurlow, the Village’s Director of Planning and Development. “It is about creating a downtown where people want to spend time, where existing businesses can succeed, and where new businesses and investment are encouraged. After a challenging construction period, we’re excited to celebrate what has been accomplished and turn our attention toward building on that investment.”

The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance to help the Village plan for attendance at bit.ly/3U7MdfS.