by Lindsay Jones, 3-6-2026
The group has completed three projects using money from New York’s Small Projects Fund, with four more lined up
TICONDEROGA, N.Y. —
Three downtown projects are now complete in Essex County, New York, and the North Country Rural Development Coalition is celebrating the transformation.
The coalition showed off three completed projects on Friday. Staff said these projects are breathing new life into Ticonderoga’s downtown.
The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NCRDC) is a rural preservation company, dedicated to building up rural areas through housing and community development.
“Community revitalization is being proud of the place that you live in,” said NCRDC President and CEO Nicole Justice Green.
According to New York Deputy Commissioner Crystal Loffler, NCRDC was awarded $600,000 from New York’s Downtown Revitalization Project and Small Projects Fund. Green said downtown investment is especially important in Ticonderoga so they can bring in visitors year-round.
“All of these projects are not only needed renovations, but they’re also add to the placemaking and the likability of the downtown,” she said.
Local businesses were able to apply to have their projects funded. The coalition has taken on seven. Jaimee Kuhl, owner of Small-Town Boutique, recently moved her shop into one of the newly transformed buildings.
“It was vacant for years. It’s sad, but it’s good that we’re like, renewing. It looks great. Our locals are very excited,” Kuhl said.
On Friday, the NCRDC led a tour of their progress. Guests visited the Adirondack Trading Post, Sunshine Dry Cleaning, and Small-Town Boutique, buildings, which were all recently renovated using the state funding.
“It’s always exciting to finally come to the community and see the successes and what this money has helped to happen in the downtowns. You know, we see some really dramatic before and after imagery,” said Loffler.
The coalition has four more projects lined up as part of the initiative. The next project will renovate the Adirondack Performing Arts Center in the spring.