Waverly, Montour Falls are state's first NY Forward $4.5M winners in Southern Tier
Two Southern Tier villages are the region’s first-ever winners of NY Forward funding.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that Waverly in Tioga County and Montour Falls in Schuyler County will each net $4.5 million from the new program. NY Forward complements the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The Village of Johnson City in Broome County won the latest $10 million DRI award on Wednesday.
NY Forward provides an avenue for smaller communities to apply for funding that supports revitalization plans for their downtowns.
Projects can include building renovations and redevelopment, new construction, the creation of new or improved public spaces, and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities “that enhance the feeling of small-town charm.”
More:Johnson City nets $10 million Downtown Revitalization award from NY state
How the NY Forward funding will impact Waverly
Waverly plans to utilize its NY Forward funding to transform abandoned and underutilized buildings, create more housing and health care opportunities, and invest in greener public amenities. The projects will support its vision to create a more appealing downtown that attracts new businesses and grows the local tax base while providing diverse housing and job opportunities.
Waverly’s project area covers its Downtown Central Business District. The village plans to leverage its existing environment of independently owned boutique shops and restaurants, along with recreational gems like Waverly Glen Park and Two Rivers State Park, “to epitomize the vibrancy of small-town America.”
Village Mayor Patrick Ayres said the grant will be “transformative” for Waverly.
"The NY Forward grant funds might also encourage additional community stakeholders to invest their own capital into projects, extending the impact of the grant,” said Ayres.
More:Here's the story behind that O'Brien's sign you see from I-86, and what's next for the Waverly inn
How the NY Forward funding will impact Montour Falls
Montour Falls plans to utilize its NY Forward funding to encourage new construction that incorporates green building principles, preserve and restore historically significant buildings, and encourage the growth of small, locally owned businesses. The village also aims to increase the number of residential options available downtown.
Montour Falls restaurants, breweries and boutiques benefit from a close proximity to Shequaga Falls, a popular regional attraction complemented by nearby trail systems. The village said it aims to “leverage its growing culture of sustainability and environmental awareness along with its historical charm, entrepreneurial spirits, friendly and walkable atmosphere and proximity to major regional employers like the New York State Fire Academy to create a vibrant downtown.”
How projects will be selected
Both villages will now start developing Strategic Investment Plans led by a Local Planning Committee. The committee will consist of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Projects must be ready for implementation. The projects will be selected based on having “the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Waverly Montour Falls state first NY Forward winners in Southern Tier
