Region to receive nearly $19 million in downtown renewal funds

Twenty-three projects in the Finger Lakes region will receive state funding totaling $18.7 million as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program.

Ten Canandaigua projects will receive nearly $10 million, while the villages of Brockport and Phelps will each receive $4.5 million, with six and seven projects, respectively.

“New Yorkers have pride in where they’re from, and the heart of their neighborhoods should be lively, expressive and bold—that’s what we bring forward when we invest in change,” says Gov. Kathy Hochul. “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs continue to unlock opportunities across the state, and the Finger Lakes are going to see tremendous growth from these transformational projects.”

The city of Canandaigua envisions an enhanced Main Street and downtown with a mix of businesses, housing, arts, and public spaces. Projects include funding to enhance downtown, promote business opportunities, and expand housing.

Brockport hopes to transform its downtown corridor into an accessible tourist destination where visitors and residents can socialize. The town’s six projects include financial assistance to property owners and new housing construction.

For Phelps, projects focus on streetscaping and aesthetic upgrades, including beautification and improvements to existing properties, such as the Phelps Hotel.

“The FLREDC is incredibly proud to continue our support of these Finger Lakes communities and their exciting futures through the Governor’s Downtown Revitalization and NY Forward Initiatives,” a joint statement from Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Bob Duffy and DeAnna Burt-Nanna reads. “These 23 selected, community-driven projects will benefit both residents and visitors alike, promoting economic growth and creating a more vibrant downtown, a place where people will want to live, work, and play for generations to come.”

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revival of downtowns and neighborhoods in all 10 New York regions. The initiative has invested in the construction of more than 5,000 housing units; more than 2,000 are affordable or workforce housing. The DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, art, and music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment.

Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $1 billion to 101 communities statewide.

The NY Forward program has awarded $400 million to 77 communities across New York since 2022. 

Here is a closer look at the projects, as outlined by the state:

Canandaigua 

• Establish a small project grant fund to support ongoing revitalization efforts ($600,000)
• Expand Peacemaker Brewing Co. to increase capacity for patrons and live ,usic ($389,000)
• Renovate 100 South Main St. ($1.24 million)
• Rehabilitate the upper floors of 88-92 South Main St. for residential units ($791,000)
• Augment Central on Main as a community gathering place ($1.14 million)
• Transform Phoenix Street as a pedestrian-friendly destination ($1.31 million)
• Establish 97 South Main St. as a hub for creativity and community ($870,000): 
• Enhance Coach Street as an attractive East-West connector ($1.9 million)
• Reactivate the second floor of 143 South Main Street and enhance its facade ($772,000)
• Preserve Canandaigua’s historic City Hall as a civic landmark ($651,000) 

Brockport

• Establish a small project grant fund ($345,000)
• Enhance the Clinton Street streetscape ($1.41 million)
• Revitalize blighted property at 41 Clark St. with new townhomes ($820,000)
• Construct canal-front workforce housing at 60-90 Clinton St. ($1.5 million)
• Create an accessible venue at the Brockport Welcome Center ($286,000)
• Modernize the Brockport Fire Station ($137,000): 

Phelps

• Establish a downtown small project grant fund ($291,000)
• Enhance recreation options at Crooked Bridge Park ($750,000)
• Revitalize the Phelps Hotel with new lodging and dining options ($975,000)
• Enhance the Main Street and Church Street streetscapes ($550,000)
• Create a multipurpose space at the Phelps Community Center ($1.35 million)
• Create new event spaces at Smokin’ Tails Distillery ($292,000)
• Upgrade commercial and residential spaces at 114 Main St. ($292,000)

Narm Nathan is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and a member of the Oasis Project’s inaugural cohort. 

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