Unfortunately, the Village of Churchville was not chosen as a recipient of a NY Forward grant in this round of funding. However, the governor’s proposed budget includes funding for a second round, and it looks like this program to help smaller villages has support from the legislature to be included in the final state budget. We will apply again in round two with an improved application and keep our fingers crossed that we are chosen. In the Finger Lakes Region, the villages of Geneseo and Medina were selected and will receive $4.5M each for their revitalization projects. Congratulations to both of them.
The Village has submitted a grant application for the NY Forward grant program, created by the state to invigorate and enliven the downtown of New York’s smaller communities. This new program builds on the success of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Each of the State’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils will have the option of recommending two communities for $4.5M NY Forward awards or three communities, one to receive a $4.5M award and two to receive a $2.25M award.
The Village worked with local volunteers, business owners, and property owners to identify over $3M in projects in our Village Center District that would greatly benefit from an award and will improve the economic viability and quality of life of the area.
Applications were due in September with award recipients to be announced by the end of the year. Should we be chosen to receive this award, it will have a game-changing effect on the Village. Stay tuned!