*Update – we now have a website! Please go to www.cantondri.weebly.com for more information, or to submit a project or idea.
Canton to Take a Shot at $10M Revitalization Funds
In the 2019 state budget, Governor Cuomo again designated $100 million to revitalize downtown communities around the state. For the fourth year, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) will award $10 million to each of 10 New York communities to help them to develop plans and implement projects that will “transform their downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where residents want to live, work and raise families.”
The DRI is a great opportunity for communities to invest in Real Estate and create more vibrant downtowns.
What do you think would most transform Canton’s downtown district? What would you like to see in a revitalized Main Street? What are your big ideas?
“We are looking for ideas and input from everyone,” says Canton Economic Development Director Leigh Rodriguez. “We have had very competitive proposals over the last few years. We have relied on community input help us focus what the people of Canton really want, and we need to hear from them again this year. Community involvement in this process can make all the difference.”
Three opportunities for public input are planned, all taking place at 7 p.m. in the Courtroom in basement of the Municipal Building at 60 Main Street.
- Monday, May 13 – Main Street Business focus group for people involved in or with ideas for downtown businesses
- Tuesday, May 14 – Community, Arts & Culture focus group – if your passions lie in these areas, come share your dreams and visions
- Wednesday, May 22 – a general interest session to discuss and share ideas and get feedback on the ideas garnered from the focus groups
Ideas and feedback gathered from these meetings will help the DRI team prepare a compelling proposal. Applications are reviewed by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), which, based on the application’s potential for transformation, nominates applications to be forwarded to the state selection team.
If you would like to share your thoughts but are unable to attend any of the focus sessions, please call, email, or make an appointment to meet with Leigh Rodriguez – [email protected], 315-386-2871 x5. Input is also welcome at the Town Board meeting at 6 pm on Wednesday, May 8 and the Village Board meeting at 6:30 pm on Monday, May 20. Both boards meet in the Municipal Building Courtroom.
Last modified: July 9, 2022
