The job scene

the resources they need to thrive is critical to New York’s economic resurgence,” Governor Hochul said in a press release last week. “These investments will help the Village of Cooperstown, Sharon Springs, and Dolgeville develop their downtowns, improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and create new jobs and attract businesses to expand economic opportunity across the region.”

NY Forward is a central component of the state’s economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York’s downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature—focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development.

“We are very pleased that Governor Hochul and the mohawk Valley Economic Council has created the NY Forward program, and it is perfect for a village like Cooperstown. This $4.5 million award for this small village, which has different components and needs, will make a big difference,” Tillapaugh said.

The village’s grant application identified six priority concerns that could be resolved by projects within the NY Forward guidelines:

• encourage development of apartmentstyle housing

• ensure greater business diversity for

New housing projects on the horizon and the Village’s successful Planned Development Districts were also outlined in the grant application.

So what’s next, now that the funds have been secured?

Cooperstown, Sharon Springs and Dolgeville will begin the process of developing Strategic Investment Plans to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead these efforts, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with each community’s vision and that are poised for implementation. Funding will be awarded for selected projects from the Strategic Investment Plan that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

“The Department of State is not just turning us loose,” Tillapaugh laughed. “Danny Lapin, a revitalization specialist with the state, has been assigned to help us. We will be meeting with him next Tuesday.”

Ultimately, Tillapaugh and her team are nothing less than thrilled.

“Grants are the only way to meet our growing needs. We applied for five years, getting nothing. The DRI just wasn’t a good fit. NY Forward, though, is ideal for a community like Cooperstown, and this award further recognizes the importance of Cooperstown as an economic engine for the region,” she said.