We Won!
It's official!! The Village of Webster, New York has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul to receive $4.5 million through the NY Forward community revitalization program! The Webster Economic Development Alliance is spearheading this collaborative community-building effort amongst the Village, School District, and Business Improvement District. As part of the competition process, the Village submitted an application of our Vision to improve our Downtown business district. Press Release.
Village of Webster 2023 Funding Application
Village of Webster NY Forward Boundary Area (map)
What does this mean?
In short, this means that the Village of Webster has secured up to $4,500,000 in New York State funding from existing programs of the following state agencies to support approved public-sector and private-sector revitalization projects:
- New York State Department of State (DOS)
- Empire State Development (ESD)
- NY Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
- NYS Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The NY Forward (NYF) program uses an innovative "plan-then-act" strategy. All communities awarded NYF funding will undertake a targeted, community-based planning exercise. The process begins with the development of a downtown vision and goals and an assessment of the downtown area, and then shifts to identifying and developing proposed projects. This process is anticipated to begin in April 2024, and be completed by October 2024.
At the end of the planning process, communities will identify a slate of projects that are aligned with the State’s and locality’s goals for the NYF program. These projects are then submitted to the State for funding consideration.
NY Forward Program Overview (link)
How will the funding be used and how will decisions be made?
Over the next several months, the Village, with assistance from NYS and local partner organizations, will undertake a strategic planning process to identify those projects that will help the community achieve its goals for downtown revitalization.
The Village of Webster’s application promoted a Vision for Downtown "as the cultural and entertainment hub of the broader community. We envision Main Street as a compact and walkable corridor that celebrates its storied history with comfortable and safe streets, lively businesses, engaging public spaces and flexible outdoor venues that foster a unique identity and a sense of arrival into the Village. Main Street and the surrounding areas will be improved to enrich our community’s quality of life by providing a broad variety of destinations for all members of the Webster community to experience, enjoy, and appreciate."
To finalize how and where to invest these funds, the Village of Webster will be paired with a consultant team and a project manager from the DOS who will guide us through a targeted, community-based planning process focused on the development of a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP).
The SIP will build upon the community's NYF application, including the preliminary community vision for revitalization and the proposed project list. The planning process will refine the vision, develop actionable goals and strategies, and identify a suite of complementary and transformative projects to help our community achieve its vision for downtown revitalization.
This will include a public Call-for-Projects where businesses, property owners and residents can propose projects for funding consideration. See more information in the link below about the Project Identification Process and an example of the Call for Projects utilized by other NYF communities.
NY Forward Project Development Process
The consultant team will compile the SIP for submission to the State for review by a multiagency team that will identify a final list of projects approved for NYF funding. It is anticipated that a subset of the projects submitted in the SIP will ultimately be awarded funding by the State.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
It is expected that NYF funds will be used for capital projects that will transform the physical environment of Webster's Business District in ways that will benefit both current residents and future generations. Certain non-capital projects or projects that could lead to capital investment in the future may also be considered to the extent that they will contribute to the revitalization of downtown. Please see the link below for a description of eligible and ineligible project types.
Property upkeep is an ineligible use of funds unless it can be highlighted as part of a larger revitalization effort for the property. An extensive façade improvement, weatherization or energy efficiency project may be considered as part of a larger building rehabilitation project. Yet, standalone activities and deferred maintenance projects such as structural/foundation repair, window replacements, roof replacement/repairs, facade repairs and similar activities are not eligible. Business startup expenses, equipment, furniture and other personal property expenses are also not eligible. Property acquisition is not eligible.
How and when will funds be awarded?
Following the State's review of our Strategic Investment Plan, project awards will be announced by the State. It is anticipated that initial awards will take place no earlier than Spring 2025.
Generally, projects are unlikely to be awarded funding in excess of 50% of the total project cost, yet all funding awards are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Local Project Committee. The goal of the LPC is to maximize the impact these dollars will have on the overall revitalization of our community.
Project contracts will be negotiated and executed between project sponsors and relevant State agencies shortly after the award announcements. The contracts will be administered by a variety of agencies and authorities, with the majority held by the DOS, ESD, and HCR.
In general, awarded project funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis. Therefore, successful applicants will need to provide proof of capacity to finance and complete the project upfront. All projects awarded funds must begin construction within 2 years of Award.
Next Steps
Local Planning Committee Formation
In each community selected to participate in the NYF program, a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives intended to represent diverse interests is convened to oversee the planning process and the development of the SIP. Over the course of the planning process, the LPC — with significant support from the State team and a consultant team — will work closely with the local community to:
- Review and refine the vision statement included in the NYF application.
- Establish goals and strategies to achieve the community’s vision.
- Identify, develop, and evaluate projects that could advance the community’s vision, goals, and strategies for revitalization.
- Develop detailed project profiles for each project that the LPC recommends for NYF funding.
Public Engagement
- There will be a minimum of three public workshops, along with a series of Stakeholder Meetings to expand awareness about the NYF planning process, proactively solicit community needs, opportunities, and project ideas, and seek feedback from individuals and groups associated with and/or impacted by the proposed projects.
NY Forward Public Engagement Process
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