SEEC ASSISTS VILLAGE OF SCHOHARIE WITH DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE AND NEW YORK FORWARD APPLICATIONS 

Village of Schoharie Seeks Transformative Funding to Revitalize Downtown and Boost Local Economy 

Your Voice Matters! Share Your Vision for Schoharie’s Future by Completing Our Public Survey – Help Us Secure Vital Funding and Shape Our Community’s Growth! 

 

Schoharie, NY – September 10, 2024 – The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) is pleased to announce its support for the Village of Schoharie in applying for two significant New York State funding programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and New York Forward (NYF) for 2024. These programs offer transformative funding opportunities to enhance community development and economic growth. 

Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI): 

The DRI aims to revitalize downtown areas into vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that enhance quality of life, attract redevelopment, and foster economic growth. The program provides $10 million in each New York Economic Development Region to support a range of improvements, including commercial building enhancements, flood-proofing measures, and façade upgrades. These efforts will preserve the integrity of historic districts and align with village-adopted design guidelines that emphasize architectural harmony and local culture. 

New York Forward (NYF): 

The NYF program is designed to invigorate smaller and rural communities, offering up to $4.5 million per community in the Mohawk Valley Region. This initiative focuses on revitalizing downtowns in smaller municipalities, creating appealing and functional spaces that drive economic activity and improve community engagement. 

“This initiative is crucial for enhancing the quality of life in our valley,” said Village of Schoharie Mayor Colleen M Henry. “Our village has a rich economic history thanks to its vibrant small businesses and dedicated residents. The resilience we showed in overcoming the devastating 2011 flood highlights our community’s strength. The NY Forward / DRI grants represent an opportunity to harness this potential for growth. They will enable us to reimagine and improve our greenspaces, transform public parking in the business district, and enhance pedestrian accessibility, paving the way for a thriving future.” 

Proposed Projects and Community Benefits 

The Village of Schoharie’s application highlights several key projects: 

1. Fountain Head Plaza: Transforming underutilized parking lots into a dynamic community space with green infrastructure and enhanced connectivity. This project aims to improve accessibility and support downtown businesses. 

1. Great American Commons: Developing a mixed-use center on Main Street to boost activity, increase sales tax revenue, and provide walkable shopping options. 

1. Building Improvement Fund: Providing grants for commercial building flood-proofing, market-ready upgrades, and façade improvements while preserving historic district integrity. 

1. Firehouse Park: Creating a green infrastructure park for recreational activities and stormwater management. 

1. EV Charging Stations: Installing high-speed car charging stations with solar-paneled rooftops to promote renewable energy. 

1. Crosswalks of Color: Enhancing pedestrian safety and streetscapes with vibrant, recycled glass crosswalk designs. 

1. Village Branding and Marketing: Funding will enhance the village’s branding by developing a cohesive identity and creating high-quality content to attract visitors and residents, showcasing local attractions and positioning the village as a vibrant community. 

“Placemaking is at the heart of SEEC’s mission. As the DRI grant enters its 3rd Round, we’re thrilled to support projects like the Fountain Head Plaza and the Great American Commons. This grant is a game-changer for our community and will set the stage for future growth,” says Executive Director of Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC), Julie Pacatte, “we need the community’s excitement and support for a successful application.”

How You Can Get Involved 

1. Complete the Public Survey: Your feedback is crucial for a competitive application. Please fill out our survey by September 30 to share your input. Survey Link 

1. Visit Our Open House: SEEC will host daily open houses from September 11 to October 4, 2024, at 287 Main Street, displaying project details and application information. 

1. Attend the Village Meeting: Join us on October 8, 2024, for a Village meeting where we will share survey results and project updates. 

1. Contact Us for More Information: For questions or to get involved, please reach out to SEEC at 518-517-1700 or marketing@seecny.org. Take Survey!
    

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About SEEC 

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Schoharie County. SEEC works with local municipalities and leaders to drive development, support entrepreneurial ventures, and promote sustainability through collaborative efforts.

About the Village of Schoharie 

The Village of Schoharie is a picturesque community in the Catskill Mountains’ foothills and along the scenic Schoharie Creek. Rich in colonial and Native American history, Schoharie offers a variety of museums and historic sites for exploration. The village is known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community, providing residents and visitors with year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and skiing. Its idyllic rural charm is complemented by its proximity to Albany, just 30 minutes away, offering convenient access to city amenities while maintaining a serene, small-town experience. For more information, visit www.seecny.org/dri/.

 

Press Contact:
Gabrielle Pacatte, Strategic Communications
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC)
Phone: 518-517-1700
For Press: collab@seecny.org
For Grant Info: marketing@seecny.org
SEEC Website: https://seecny.org/dri/
Village Website: www.schoharievillage.org