10-02-2025
Canandaigua, Brockport & Phelps receive millions for downtown revitalization
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The winners of the Finger Lakes Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program have been revealed!
Canandaigua will be receiving $10 million after becoming the Finger Lakes winner in the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The villages of Brockport and Phelps were also winners of NY Forward's third round and will receive $4.5 million each.
According to NYS, the City of Canandaigua received the $10 million as it became more of a 'residential and recreational hub of the Finger Lakes region.' The state cites its focus on the semiconductor industry as a major reason for the award.
'I look forward to seeing the projects we supported in our DRI proposal unlock opportunities that create new jobs, add housing, and public amenities in our downtown,' said Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo.
Brockport received its funding for being a 'thriving and culturally rich future for the region' and its efforts to transform its downtown into a tourist attraction. As for Phelps, it is focusing on its streetscaping and aesthetic upgrades.
The Brockport of our NY Forward dreams is one that works for all – young, old, university student, resident, visitor, tourist. The water brings people, Brockporters say, and we will invest in our waterfront to establish Brockport as the premier, inclusive recreation community on the Erie Canal,' said Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman. 'What I'm especially proud of today is that 6 people, including our grant writer, crafted a successful proposal, in-house, in 2 short years.'
'This investment by the state will help push us over the top in our revitalization efforts,' said Phelps Mayor Jim Cheney. 'It is important for small communities, such as the Village of Phelps, to receive statewide taxpayer support such as this, to revitalize and thrive.'
The city and the two villages will be working on plans to revitalize their respective downtowns.
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