Seward Delivers Funding for New Homer Village Hall

HOMER, 12/06/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined officials from the Village of Homer to announce a $150,000 state grant to fund the purchase and renovation of the former Lackawanna Railroad freighthouse for use as the new Homer Village Hall.  

“Local village officials are on the front lines when it comes to assisting residents with day-to-day issues and it is important to ensure they have a professional working environment,” said Senator Seward.  “Homer’s new office complex will effectively meet the needs of those who have business with the village while also repurposing a piece of local history.”

Village of Homer Mayor Genevieve Suits said, “The people of Homer are incredibly grateful to Senator Seward for his support of the village hall project.  The new building meets our growing space needs and will be an important community asset.  Thanks to Senator Seward, we will now be able to make the move without placing an additional burden on village taxpayers.”

The $150,000 capital grant secured by Senator Seward through the State and Municipal Facilities Program will be used to purchase and renovate the historic Lackawanna Railroad freighthouse located at 44 James Street in the village.  Once work on the now vacant building is complete, the village will have over 3,000 square feet of office space, more than tripling the amount of space at the current office location.

The new building will include a conference room to accommodate monthly meetings currently held at the fire station.  Plans also call for a secure storage space which will enable officials to relocate records and other village materials now housed at three rented storage areas.

“I am extremely pleased to partner with the Village of Homer on this office project that will increase efficiency, consolidate village services, and provide a fresh, new focal point to serve the public,” Seward concluded.

Work on the project is expected to be begin on January 1^st, 2017.

-30-