O’Mara applauds state funding for projects in Montour Falls and Waverly

Elmira, N.Y., May 17—State Senator Tom O’Mara, a member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, today applauded the release of funding for a series of projects in Montour Falls and Waverly through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward economic development programs, which flow through New York's Regional Economic Development Councils.

Six projects were announced for the village of Montour Falls in Schuyler County, a Round 1 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.  Nine projects were announced for the village of Waverly in Tioga County, also a Round 1 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

O'Mara said, "The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs have had an enormously positive impact on communities I represent across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. These critical state investments have helped our local leaders move forward on projects to bolster local communities and economies, spark economic growth and opportunity within the tourism sector and other small businesses and industries, ease the burden on local property taxpayers, and strengthen the overall quality of life for community residents and families."

The six NY Forward Projects for Montour Falls, totaling $4.5 Million, are:

> Enhance Walkability and Comfort on Main Street through Streetscape Improvements ($971,000): Improve walkability and pedestrian comfort along Main Street with enhanced crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, curb bump-outs and sidewalk extensions, street trees, green infrastructure, benches, signage, public art installations, and gateway arches;

> Build Townhomes on Vacant Lot in Downtown Montour Falls ($916,000): Construct new townhomes on a vacant plot of land on N Genesee Street. These townhomes will be long-term rentals in the heart of downtown Montour Falls;

> Build a New Dental Office and Apartments on Catharine Street ($685,000): Construct a new building on vacant property that will house an established dental practice, space for a commercial business, and new long-term apartments on Catharine Street. The building will include room to expand the dental practice;

> Preserve the Historic Brick Tavern Museum and Incorporate Accessibility Improvements ($792,000): Preserve the historic Brick Tavern Museum through interior and exterior improvements and a building extension to provide a space that is amenable to preserving the museum collection and that will ensure accessibility for all visitors;

> Develop a Small Project Fund to Help Local Businesses ($200,000): Implement a grant fund for small projects in the NY Forward boundary that will support building renovations, facades, interior build outs, permanent equipment, awnings, and signage;

> Improve Street Lighting on N Catharine Street ($936,000): Upgrade existing street lighting on Catharine Street to include infill pedestrian-level lighting to create a more comfortable environment for pedestrians at night.

The nine NY Forward Projects for Waverly, totaling $4.5 Million, are:

> Enhance Walkability and Comfort on Broad Street through Streetscape Improvements ($960,000): Provide physical streetscape improvements on Broad Street including but not limited to enhanced crosswalks, new sidewalks, pedestrian-level streetlighting with arms to hang flags or planters, curb bumpouts, signage, landscaping, street trees, benches and enhanced parking and open space;

> Renovate East Waverly Park ($1,196,000): Create a family and youth focused recreation facility with new pickle ball courts, a splash pad, walking trails, fishing holes, softball field, basketball court, playground, new parking area, and rehab of existing restroom and kitchen;

> Establish Waverly Waterfront Access and Trails ($795,000): Create a new park on land bordered by the Chemung River that will encourage paddling, boating, fishing, hiking, and passive recreation in the Village of Waverly;

> Renovate Soprano’s Market and Build an Outdoor Seating Area ($420,000): Upgrade the established Soprano's Market with a new outdoor patio, additional site lighting, new siding and insulation, roof replacement, and rehabilitation of the parking lot;

> Upgrade Historic Building and Create Upper-Level Housing Above an Established Sports Bar ($156,000): Build new fully furnished apartments on the vacant upper floors of a historic building on Broad St that also houses an established sports bar and create an outdoor deck in the rear of the building to be used by residents;

> Convert a Victorian Home into a Multiuse Residential and Commercial Space ($300,000): Complete the final phases of a conversion of an historic Victorian home and neighboring vacant lot into a mixed use building with commercial space, upper floor apartment, and green space for outdoor gatherings;

> Construct a Multiuse Commercial Building in Downtown Waverly ($317,000): Construct a new mixed-use commercial space on Cayuta Ave to house a café, offices, retail shop, and rentable conference room;

> Improve Fitness Center on Broad Street ($156,000): Raise the interior ceiling at an established fitness center on Broad Street to allow for better air circulation in gym and other improvements including new glass doors and windows and new drainage onsite to prevent ice caused by flooding onsite;

> Develop a Small Project Fund to Help Local Businesses ($200,000): Implement a grant fund for small projects in the NY Forward boundary that will support building renovations, facades, interior build outs, permanent equipment, awnings, and signage.