Steuben, Tompkins County Projects Awarded NY Forward Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced awards for a total of 31 transformational projects in the Southern Tier as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. 12 projects were announced for Groton, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award, and six projects were announced for Hammondsport and Urbana, also a joint Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

The 6 Hammondsport and Urbana NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

• Reconstruct Liberty Street and Mill Street to be pedestrian-friendly and Improve Existing Drainage Issues ($1,606,000): Increase recreational and economic activity by improving pedestrian access between downtown and the waterfront.
• Replace Champlin Beach Pier to Increase Access to Keuka Lake ($1,357,000): Increase access to Keuka Lake by building a new pier that will attract newcomers and residents to the waterfront and encourage boaters to patronize local businesses by providing additional docking access.
• Renovate the Historic Curtiss School into Rental Housing and Multi-Purpose Community Space ($885,000): Develop a new housing and community space while preserving and upgrading a historic building.
• Create a Branding and Marketing Plan and a Historic Heritage Trail with Wayfinding Signage ($362,000): Create a local branding and marketing plan and develop a historic heritage trail that captures and promotes the unique character of the community and helps connect visitors to area attractions.
• Establish a Bike-Friendly Neighborhood Coffee Shop and Café at a Former Service Station ($172,000): Create a community facility that serves as a destination, rest stop and service station for cyclists.
• Renovate 31 Shethar Street to Include Additional Means of Egress to Support a Restaurant and Bar on the Lower Level ($118,000): Sustain local tourism base by renovating an underutilized historic building to support a restaurant and bar, new kitchen and new wine cellar.

The 12 Groton NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 million, include:

• Restore the Historic Groton Hotel into a Bar and Restaurant with Overnight Stays and Short-Term Lets ($953,000): Complete interior and exterior renovations by addressing water damage, finishing suites and repairing HVAC systems to restore a community landmark and tourism destination.
• Transform a Parking Lot into a Village Green with a Stage Pavilion ($217,000): Transform an existing parking lot into a green space with amenities such as benches, tables and a pavilion and stage for community performances and family activities.
• Create the Owasco Inlet Trail and Pedestrian Bridge to Connect Key Areas of the Village ($294,000): Restore existing pedestrian bridge, construct stone trail, create a fenced-in dog park and install new pedestrian bridge and viewing platforms along the Owasco Inlet to increase access to the Inlet and connect key areas in the Village.
• Re-imagine 184 Main Street as New Apartments ($709,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of a mixed-use building to increase capacity for residential and commercial tenants.
• Expand the Good Neighbor Grocery into a Community Hub, Local Resource and Regional Destination ($257,000): Update building exterior and expand existing grocery store into a community hub by creating new outdoor amenities, including a deck with seating and a greenhouse, to increase capacity for events, serve additional customers, provide new services and create additional jobs.
• Develop a Small Project Fund ($334,000): Create a fund to support the growth and establishment of small local businesses in the NY Forward boundary to improve the downtown for residents and visitors.
• Convert Vacant Former Rooming House into a Multi-Unit Apartment Building ($136,000): Renovate vacant and neglected properties by improving and renovating interior and exterior to create new downtown housing and beautify Church Street.
• Create a New Public Gathering Space, Firehouse Market Square, at 108 E Cortland Street ($416,000): Demolish existing firehouse building and create a new multi-use community space with a pavilion with electricity, a new parking area with EV chargers and seating to increase capacity for public events and foster a sense of community within the Village.
• Build a Loading Dock and Storage Facility at Baker Miller Lumber, Inc. to Support Business Expansion ($239,000): Construct a new pole barn and loading dock to improve safety and to allow for larger product lines for customers.
• Renovate a Historically Significant Building into Apartments ($200,000): Restore a neglected building by repairing brick exterior to prevent further damage and upgrade existing housing units to improve downtown housing options and enhance the visual appeal of Main Street.
• Expand the Groton Historical Building to be Accessible to All Visitors ($260,000): Improve ADA accessibility, enhance exhibit space and upgrade HVAC systems to preserve artifacts and expand community programming.
• Expand Existing Fitness Center into the Groton Athletic Performance Center (GAPC) ($485,000): Expand existing fitness offerings and create new community space by implementing interior and exterior improvements, including new flooring, improved parking, new solar lighting and a new roof.

To see artist renderings of each project, click here.

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