The list of projects receiving funding as part of the Villages of Cayuga, Union Springs, and Aurora’s joint Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) has been announced.
$9.7 million will support nine projects within the three villages to help improve and revitalize each community’s downtown as well as support the larger Route 90 Corridor along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake.
Village of Cayuga Mayor Don Wilson Jr. said, “It is with great honor and gratitude that the Village of Cayuga receive this investment from the taxpayers of New York. I congratulate our neighbors, Union Springs and Aurora, and look forward to continuing this momentum into the future.”
The following projects will receive funding:
- Redevelopment of Beacon Bay Marina ($2,500,000): Redevelop the existing building into new lodging units, a property manager’s apartment and a small open-air gathering space primarily for lodging guests. The project also includes the installation of new docks to accommodate additional boating activity.
- Improvements to Frontenac Park ($1,338,000): Develop new pathways for pedestrian circulation, new pay station and accommodations for parking. The project also includes repurposing of the house at the end of Factory Street into a recreation office and community gathering space, creation of a new patio for outdoor recreation programming and classes, addition of a new picnic shelter and restoration of lawn areas.
- Transformation of McIntosh Park ($2,083,000): Transform McIntosh Park through renovations that include drainage improvements, paved entrance road and parking, basketball and pickleball courts, relocation of the existing tee-ball field, new benches, construction of an inclusive playground and a new pavilion.
- Development of Mixed-Use Building at 143 Cayuga Street ($1,428,000): Construct a new multi-story, mixed-use building that will include apartments on the upper floors and retail space on the ground floor.
- Construction of a Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park ($773,000): Construct a Southern Gateway Park by repurposing the old railway bed into a durable, shared use, ADA compliant trail. Additional park features include new signage, a new parking area, picnic tables with grills and shade trees. The project will also include an accessible canoe/kayak launch, kayak storage rack and Blueway launch site signage, Blueway Trail kiosk, benches along the trail and a concrete sidewall.
- Development of Marina Gateway and Storefront Entrance, Waterfront Café and Additional Boat Service Facilities ($589,000): Develop a marina gateway via removal of structures at 107 Cayuga Street, new storefront entrance for the Marina show room and construction of triple bay service and parts facility. The project also includes the construction of a waterfront café to be open for year-round use.
- Development of Apartments at 6200 Center Street ($446,000): Adaptive reuse of an existing building at 6200 Center Street into two-bedroom loft style apartments and associated storage spaces for residents.
- Restoration of the Historic Patrick Tavern Building and Development of Tavern Green at 302 Main Street ($363,000): Restore Patrick Tavern including the addition of an historically accurate covered porch along the Village’s Main Street façade. The project also includes the replacement of the roof, windows and doors as well as new interpretive signage, sidewalk connection, bike racks, storage room, new exterior lighting, a stone patio and stone wall and ADA accessible ramps. Behind the building, a new green space will be developed to allow for markets and events.
- Upgrades to Community Center and New Accessible Entrance at 337 Main Street ($180,000): Install a new ADA accessible entryway with improved lighting, signage and a sidewalk connection to existing public walk. The project provides updates to the existing meeting space including the replacement of flooring, new lighting, reconstruction of the kitchen and HVAC installation.
“The selection of these DRI projects marks a pivotal moment for Union Springs,” said Mayor Robert Thurston Jr. “These initiatives are exceptionally important to our community, and we are confident that upon their completion, their positive effects will be felt for generations to come. This investment will be truly transformative.”
Back in February 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced in Syracuse that the three villages would share in the funding. This led to an application period for interested parties to submit projects for potential funding.
Following a series of public meetings and review, the Local Planning Committee submitted its final list of projects to the state as part of its Strategic Investment Plan toward the end of 2024. The state then picked which projects would receive funding.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
