CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County stands to benefit from nearly $1.5 million in state funding to subsidize projects in Norwich, Afton and Greene.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday that $709.2 million in economic and community development funding was awarded through round four of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). The state’s ten different regional councils were established in 2011 to help promote economic development across the state.
The REDC initiative allows community, business and academic leaders to tailor specific strategic plans for the region in order to support economic growth through job creation and the promotion of local business.
This year, the Souther Tier Regional Economic Development Council is slated to receive $80.8 million to fund a total 91 projects throughout the region.
In Chenango County, the big winner is the City of Norwich, set to receive $904,000 of the $1.5 million being allocated for seven projects in the county. Included in the city’s allotment is $250,000 for renovation of seven mixed-use buildings in the city’s Broad Street Revitalization Project, and another $120,000 for renovation of six structures and new streetscape in the Heritage Block Renewal project. Additionally, $534,000 is awarded to the city for improvements to the Heritage Block area parking lot.
The Heritage Block project is a redevelopment initiative to assist private developers in the restoration of dilapidated properties at 42 and 44-46 North Broad St., and four buildings on Lackawanna Avenue. The project also includes design and renovation of the parking lot shared by said properties as well as additional properties at 8-12 Mechanic St. and 38-40 N. Broad St.
“The Heritage Block is a blighted area,” said Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano. “This funding is going to help with some of those properties and make the city more attractive to bring in business ... We’re grateful for the support of Governor Andrew Como, Senator Tom Libous and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch. We would have never gotten this without their support.”
While the City of Norwich is the central beneficiary of 2014 REDC funding, the Save the Sherburne Inn Restoration Project (SSIRP) – a not for profit group committed to restoring the historic inn located on the main square in downtown Sherburne – will receive $500,000 through the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. In 2013, SSIRP also received $500,000 through the same source.
The latest round of funding to SSIRP will enable the second phase of the restoration of the Sherburne Inn. According to REDC, the Sherburne Inn’s reopening will serve the Village and Town of Sherburne, the Souther Tier and Central New York by providing a historical attraction for tourists, travelers, business people, and local residents. The Sherburne Inn will also support farm-to-table agriculture by collaborating with farmers, businesses and universities.
The Village of Afton also stands to benefit through REDC funding. The village is to receive a total $34,925 in funding, $18,455 of which will go toward development of a strategic plan that focuses on economic revitalization in the village. The plan will address low-cost energy technology options, public transportation development, waterfront park development, flood mitigation, water quality and wetland restoration, and the historic restoration of Main Street. Another $16,470 will be allocated to conduct a feasibility and planning study for waterfront revitalization as part of the village’s overall strategic plan.
The Village of Greene is also slated to receive funding in the amount of $50,000. That funding will be used to complete an engineering analysis and planning study for a drinking water extension and asset management evaluation of the drinking water system.
In a statement issued Thursday, State Senator Tom Libous said, ​“Chenango County won big this year – nearly $1 million for revitalization projects in downtown Norwich along with projects in Afton and Greene that will help develop and strengthen our region.”
Libous added, “These investments are a key to our future and as a member of the Southern Tier REDC, I'm glad to see our area building on our past successes to create more opportunities for careers and growth in our community.”
Commerce Chenango also released a statement Friday morning, saying, “For the third year in a row, the Souther Tier was once again a top performer. Our county directly benefits from this impressive accomplishment. Communities throughout Chenango County received funding for important economic development projects, and Commerce Chenango is proud to support these efforts.”