The Village of Fairport is calling for public and private project ideas to help shape its bid for $10 million through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a program that provides $10 million in matching grant funding for capital improvement projects that revitalize downtown areas.
Eligible projects include new developments, building rehabilitation or enhancements to public spaces, according to the overview of the DRI application.
The village is seeking project ideas that could create or expand housing, improve public spaces, enhance the Erie Canal waterfront and support economic activity.
“We’re looking for ideas that could make a lasting difference in how people experience downtown
Fairport,” said Village Manager Bryan White in a statement. “That could mean bringing new life to a property, creating housing, improving a public space or making it easier to move between the places that make Fairport unique.”
The DRI awards $10 million to one community in each of the state's regional economic development council regions.
Potential proposals include:
- Redevelopment or improvements to downtown properties
- New housing or mixed-use development
- Upper-floor reuse
- Public space and placemaking improvements
- Pedestrian, bicycle or other connectivity improvements
- Canalfront improvements
- Projects that support business growth, tourism or year-round economic activity
In addition to the call for projects, residents and stakeholders can participate in community pop-up sessions, public open houses and a community survey to help shape Fairport's DRI application.
A business and property owner information session will be held at 3 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Fairport Village Hall Board Room. The session will provide information and guidance for property owners, developers and businesses interested in submitting potential private projects.
Anyone who is interested in submitting a project proposal must do so by Oct. 5. The online submission form can be completed at https://fairportoced.org/DRI/.
Hardcopy submission forms will also be available at the Fairport Public Library and the Fairport Village Hall in the clerk's office.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Fairport seeks ideas for projects in $10M downtown grant bid
