State announces NY Forward projects for Canton
The funding, awarded through the NY Forward program, will support projects focused on creating a regional destination with diverse housing, arts and cultural attractions, local businesses and recreational offerings.
The projects include:
— $2 million to redevelop the former Midtown Plaza into a mixed-use space featuring housing, an entrepreneurship center, and community amenities.
— $1,096,000 to upgrade the Village Green with improved pathways, lighting, seating, and plantings.
— $807,000 to transform a partially vacant building on Riverside Drive into a commercial fitness center and studio.
— $497,000 to expand Nature's Storehouse on Main Street into a community health hub.
— $100,000 to upgrade the TAUNY Center to improve accessibility and functionality.
Canton Mayor and Local Planning Committee Co-Chair Michael E. Dalton expressed gratitude for the funding, saying the projects represent investments that "leverage public and private commitment in our community." He also credited local residents for their work in developing the project recommendations.
The New York Forward Local Planning Committee, which consisted of Dalton, Kathryn A. Morris, co-chair, North Country REDC co-chair and St. Lawrence University president; Josh Vink, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York; Brian Coakley, North Country Savings Bank; Ariane Palmer, Palmer Real Estate; Connie Jenkins, Canton Church and Community Program; Katie Berry, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce; Dave Nelson, United Helpers; and Kirk Davis, Con Tech Building, started meeting in May of 2024 to develop a strategic investment plan for the state money.
That plan was submitted to the Department of State last November.
The committee picked nine projects worth about $8 million, for the state will reduce to $4.5 million.
The four projects that did not make the cut included:
— Upgrade of the Riverside Drive streetscape and Gouverneur Street gateway signs
— The Tick Tock revival
— Establish a small project fund
— Canton branding and marketing initiative
"A lot of effort went into this," Dalton said of the committee's work.
Dalton said the final decision was up to the state and all the projects submitted were worthy.
"There's other money out there and we will pursue it," he said.
Clark and Yen Maine of Nature's Storehouse said they had been working on the plan while waiting to hear about the funding and plan on closing on the building next door, where the expansions will happen next month.
"We can start getting some more detailed architectural plans and get contractors lined up once we get the grant letter," Clark Maine said
Yen Maine said they will post on social media soon, asking customers for suggestions.
"I know people have plenty of thoughts," she said.
Clark Maine said they had been working on other grants and were determined to find a way to complete the project even if the New York Forward money didn't work out.
"This (expansion) is really important to Nature's and to the Canton Community," he said
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