Six specific transformation projects to receive funding through the Village of Brockport’s $4.5 million NY Forward Award were announced on May 15, along with 17 other projects totaling $10 million in the City of Canandaigua and $4.5 million in the Village of Phelps.
Last year, the Village of Brockport was awarded $4.5 million through the state’s NY Forward program to fund catalytic projects in the downtown corridor to spur revitalization. The focus area centered on Main Street and adjacent side streets, encompassing Brockport’s historic downtown corridor, canal front parcels, and portions of historic districts on the Village’s west and east sides. The Local Planning Committee then sought proposals for potential projects and developed a Strategic Implementation Plan.
The projects were reviewed by New York State, and those selected for funding were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth as the village seeks to transform its historic downtown corridor into an accessible tourist destination and a home where visitors, residents, and people of all abilities can recreate, socialize, live, and age in comfort.
Brockport projects to receive funding include:
Establishing a Small Project Grant Fund ($345,000) to provide financial assistance to property owners and business owners in the NY Forward area for building improvements, facade renovations, signage, equipment upgrades, and public art installations.
Enhancing the Clinton Street Streetscape ($1,412,000) to improve the pedestrian experience, enrich its character, and strengthen its connection to Main Street.
Revitalizing the blighted property at 41 Clark Street with new townhomes ($820,000) to diversify and expand downtown housing options.
Constructing canal-front workforce housing at 60-90 Clinton Street ($1,500,000) by converting a vacant lot into an apartment building, activating Clinton Street and the waterfront area, while providing new housing options.
Creating an accessible venue at the Brockport Welcome Center ($286,000) by retrofitting and expanding accessible outdoor seating, enhancing waterfront amenities for events and informal gatherings.
Modernizing the Brockport Fire Station ($137,000) by replacing its outdated overhead bay doors with attractive and energy-efficient full-view doors to enhance the downtown streetscape appearance and operational efficiency. The new doors will allow kids of all ages to look in as they walk by, see their fire apparatus at the ready, and interact more easily with their community volunteers when they are at the station.
Christopher R. Martin, Brockport Fire District PIO, noted that the program requires a 50% match. “The District has budgeted its share, anticipating the grant award. The NY Forward share will be $137,000, with the District share being the same. This will provide substantial savings to the local property taxes of the communities we serve as we maintain our properties.”
Provided information and renderings.
