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.