Weedsport eyes $10M prize, seeks feedback on downtown projects
The village of Weedsport is hoping to join five Cayuga County municipalities that have been awarded state funding for downtown projects.
Weedsport plans to submit applications for the state Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward programs. Through the DRI, the village could receive a $10 million prize. The New York Forward grants are $2.25 million or $4.5 million, depending on how many recipients are selected in central New York.
Applications are due Friday, Oct. 18.
The village has 18 proposed projects that will be part of its DRI and NY Forward applications. The list includes improving the former Weedsport Waist & Skirt Co. building, 8936 N. Seneca St., and construct a new mixed-use building at the end of the lot. Restoring the Potter's Pub building and renovating the upper floors of The Sub Shop are among the other private projects.
The public projects include improvements to Trolley Park and Whittler's Green. The village also plans to build a new community center between the Weedsport Fire Department and Trolley Park. History kiosks and streetscape beautification are also on the project list.
The projects would be funded by more than $22.4 million in private and public investments.
"Ranging from restoring historic buildings along the commercial corridor to implementing park improvements, these projects have the potential to help the village and its residents thrive," the village's planners said.
Upcoming events will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the projects and provide feedback. A public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the village office, 8892 South St. A question-and-answer table will be set up during the Weedsport football game at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Weedsport High School.
The DRI and New York Forward winners will be announced by early 2025.
If Weedsport wins a $10 million DRI grant, it will join the city of Auburn and villages of Aurora, Cayuga and Union Springs as awardees. Auburn won its DRI funding in 2018, while the three villages are the most recent winners in the region.
Moravia is a past New York Forward awardee . The village finalized its plan to spend $2.25 million on six projects.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or . Love Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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