Latest news with #NYForward
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hammondsport and Urbana to receive $4.5m in community development funding
HAMMONDSPORT, N.Y. (WETM) — Two municipalities in Steuben County were awarded millions in funding to help better the communities as part of the NY Forward Projects initiative, according to a release from Governor Kathy Hochul's Office. The Village of Hammondsport and the Town of Urbana are set to receive $4.5 million in total funding for six projects designed to uplift the community and local economies. The projects are six out of 31 happening across the state and are part of two programs, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. 'From revitalizing historic landmarks to expanding housing and creating new civic spaces, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward are driving smart, including growth to the Southern Tier,' Governor Hochul said. The town and village were awarded the funding after being recognized for having a strong sense of community and rich history in areas like winemaking while having a unique blend of scenic beauty and local character. Millport to receive state aid to strengthen water infrastructure The following projects were listed for Hammondsport and Urbana as NY Forward Projects: Reconstruct Liberty Street and Mill Street in Hammondsport to be pedestrian-friendly and improve existing drainage issues. ($1,606,000) Replace Champlin Beach Pier to increase access to Keuka Lake. ($1,357,000) Renovate the historic Curtiss School into rental housing and multi-purpose community space. ($885,000) Create a branding and marketing plan and a historic heritage trail with wayfinding signage. ($362,000) Establish a bike-friendly neighborhood coffee shop and cafe at a former service station. ($172,000) Renovate 31 Shethar St. to include additional means of egress to support a restaurant and bar on the lower level. ($118,000) The NY Forward Program was part of the 2022 state budget as a way to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works with smaller communities to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns in the state. Urbana Town Supervisor, David Durepo, is thankful for the support and is hoping to attract new people to the town. 'The New York Forward projects bring a major economic support to Urbana's business community that is reinvigorating a new area to attract customers and families alike,' he said. 'We thank Governor Hochul for her great vision in revitalizing downtown areas in the state that will lead Urbana to become a thriving community for our residents, businesses, and visitors,' Durepo said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millions of dollars awarded to projects in Webster, Macedon
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Multiple Finger Lakes projects, including in Webster and Macedon, have received funding from state programs. Millions of dollars were awarded to 31 transformational projects thanks to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. 13 were awarded for Waterloo ($9.7 million), 11 were awarded for Webster ($4.5 million), and seven were awarded for Macedon ($4.5 million). Many of the projects include development, renovations to certain areas within the municipalities, and grant funds for small businesses and projects. Below is a breakdown of these projects: Webster Enhance Veterans Memorial Park ($1,100,000) Optimize Harmony House ($1,010,000) New conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000) Enhance Wayfinding Signage ($381,000) New gateway to North End Business District ($310,000) New small project grant fund ($289,000) New Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000) Renovate community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000) Upgrade 39 West Main Street ($161,000) Transform 7 South Avenue for retail use ($89,000) Invest in marketing ($70,000) Macedon Relocate ambulance services downtown ($1,250,000) New residential campus at 2 West Street ($920,000) New mixed-use downtown anchor on 103 Main Street ($915,000) Enhance Gravino Park ($740,000) New downtown small project grant fund ($450,000) Bring auto service downtown ($125,000) New restaurant in Masonic Block B&B ($100,000) Waterloo Upgraded recreation facilities at the Waterloo Community Center ($1,658,000) Establish a multi-modal hub and gathering place ($1,372,000) Expand Waterloo Library and Historical Society ($1,271,000) Reinforce Vern's Way as a downtown connector ($1,119,000) Main Street improvements ($886,000) Revamp offerings in the Street of Shops ($845,000) Small grant for Waterloo's downtown revitalization ($600,000) New apartments at 1 East Main Street ($562,000) Develop Grange Food Hall and Entertainment Hub ($519,000) New office space at 10 West Main Street ($320,000) Branding and wayfinding initiative ($250,000) Improve American Legion facilities ($200,000) New artisan shop at 39 West Main Street ($98,000) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Richfield projects to be funded by NY Forward grant
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday, May 16 the awards for five projects in Richfield, a winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award. 'Revitalizing our towns and villages is about giving communities the tools they need to grow and thrive,' Hochul said in a news release. 'The Mohawk Valley is home to an extraordinary array of small businesses and hubs of arts and culture, and by supporting them through these projects, we're helping our communities write the next great chapter of their history.' The Greater Richfield Springs Downtown Area — in the town of Richfield and village of Richfield Springs — "is a small community with an outsized passion for the revitalization of its Main Street," the release stated. Projects will focus on adaptive re-use of existing buildings; increased sustainability and decreased greenhouse gas emissions; support for small business growth in the downtown area; and increase awareness of, and appreciation for, its diverse cultural backgrounds. The five NY Forward projects in Richfield, totaling $4.5 million, include: • Reviving the Elk Opera House for mixed-use, commercial and residential ($1,552,000): Plans are to rehabilitate the historic structure with an updated facade while displaying its original name and year of construction. Five apartments on the second floor will be redesigned for a more cohesive flow, while the third floor will be transformed into five apartments with loft spaces that take advantage of the high ceilings. Energy-efficient upgrades will include the installation of a new boiler. • Revitalizing historic Spring Park ($976,000): The project includes revitalizing the park, honoring its historical significance and original design. "The plan will ensure the park is welcoming, accessible, and engaging for people of all ages and abilities, while also visually reconnecting it to the downtown area," the release stated. The project will reestablish formal walkways between trees, create new meandering pathways, restore significant structures and install interpretive signage to tell the story of the park, the sulphur springs and their connection to Native Americans. • Revamp a cornerstone commercial/residential mixed-use structure ($826,000): The exterior of the building will be renovated, as will five apartments on the front side of the building and the four street-level commercial spaces. All the renovated spaces will get new heating and LED lighting. • Implement the Small Project Fund ($600,000): The Small Project Fund will provide financial support to small businesses and property owners to help cover building renovations, business assistance and soft costs. • Expand 140 Main Street for a cooperative commercial kitchen and new apartments ($546,000): A commercial kitchen will be constructed to support the growth and expansion of the Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative. The project will include the construction of three new apartment units and the rehabilitation of the building's facade. Richfield Town Supervisor Larry Frigault said, 'I'd like to thank the governor and her administration for recognizing Richfield's potential. Our project sponsors will greet this news with great enthusiasm. Everyone is ready to continue the revitalization of Richfield which would not have been possible without this financial support.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Herkimer, Richfield, Boonville receive DRI, NY Forward funds
ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, May 16 that three local municipalities — the villages of Herkimer and Boonville, as well as the Town of Richfield — have received funding for major projects as part of the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs. The three communities will share $19 million from the two programs to work on 19 projects, with Herkimer using the money on the most projects with eight. 'When we invest in our downtowns, we're investing in the heart of our communities. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we're not just funding projects – we're fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that spur economic growth, enhance quality of life for residents and preserve the unique character of each municipality and region,' Secretary of State Walter Mosley said in a statement. These signature programs exemplify our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker, in every corner of our State, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.' Herkimer's projects — funded by the DRI — total approximately $9.7 million and focus on workforce generation and economic development. They include: Enhancing streetscapes in Herkimer's 'Diamond District' by creating a gateway arch at the intersection of Main and Albany Streets. Revitalizing the village's Masonic Temple on Main Street. Revitalizing and updating Myers Park. Transforming Heritage Access at the Herkimer County Historical Society. Creating a Small Project Fund of $600,000 to provide small businesses, non-profits and property owners with grants for improvement projects. Establishing a Downtown Diamond District marketing campaign. Renovating a mixed-use building on Albany Street. Expanding a dentist's office on North Prospect Street to improve access to dental care. The Village of Boonville intends to use its $4.5 million from NY Forward to transform their downtown into a tourism destination. The village intends to use the money for improved pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, expanded small business opportunities, and mixed-use building development. Those projects include: Improvement of signage, sidewalks and lighting. Rebuilding the Boone Building, which will include three new retail spaces and nine apartments. Rebuilding Slim's Restaurant, which will include two new apartments, Reviving Boonville Manufacturing, which will include improving site aesthetics and screening residential uses from the warehouse. Restoring the greenhouses of and expanding Flower Hill Farm, including installing a botanical garden. Renovating the Restore Forward Building, which will include the addition of a commercial kitchen and a woodworking shop. Additionally, the $144,000 allocated will go towards improving the facade of the building, making it attractive to passersby. 'We are incredibly proud and grateful to accept the transformational projects to be included in the Village's recent $4.5 million NY Forward grant from Governor Hochul,' Boonville mayor Judith Dellerba said in a statement. 'This investment in the Village of Boonville is key for our village's future to create a vibrant, walkable downtown to attract new businesses, support local businesses and a welcoming space for residents and visitors. Most importantly, and critical to this community is that we will move forward in a way that preserves the historic charm and character that makes our village so special. We thank Governor Hochul and the NY Forward program for recognizing the potential of small communities like ours and for investing in a future where economic growth and quality of life go hand in hand.' The town of Richfield also received $4.5 million from NY Forward. The town intends to use that money to revitalize their Main Street. Projects to receive Richfield's allocation include: The revival of the Elk Opera House, including updating its facade and redesigning their second-floor apartments. Five more loft apartments will be added on the third floor and a new environmentally-friendly boiler will be installed. Revitalizing Spring Park, including establishing formal walkways and pathways, and installing new signage. Renovation of the Cornerstone Structure, which when completed, will include five apartments and four commercial spaces. Implementation of a Small Project Fund, and Expanding a building on Main Street. That project includes the construction of a commercial kitchen for the Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative. The expansion will also include three new apartment units. 'I'd like to thank the Governor and her administration for recognizing Richfield's potential,' Richfield town supervisor Larry Frigault said in a statement. 'Our project sponsors will greet this news with great enthusiasm. Everyone is ready to continue the revitalization of Richfield which would not have been possible without this financial support.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State announces NY Forward projects for Canton
May 15—CANTON — Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul announced $4.5 million in state funding Thursday for five revitalization projects in Canton to boost the village's downtown area. 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