Albion village wants to pursue Main Street grant

ALBION – The Village Board wants to pursue a state grant that would provide money to renovate and spruce up downtown buildings.

The board hasn’t decided how the grant would be managed or administered. It is considering options, including having Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti work as the grant administrator.

“We definitely don’t want to miss out on the opportunity,” Mayor Dean London said at Wednesday’s board meeting.

Adam Johnson, president of the Albion Merchants Association and owner of a downtown building, urged the village to pursue the Main Street grant in the next round of state funding this year.

Medina was approved for a Main Street grant in December and will work over two years to implement the grant. The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is administering the grant for Medina.

The grants provide matching funds for building owners for smaller projects such as painting to more costly interior renovations. Johnson is working to renovate his building so it can be used for a restaurant.

“It would be a great help for the businesses,” Johnson said about the grant.

Village Board members are expected to discuss the grant more during a 7 p.m. Feb. 24 meeting.

In another downtown issue, Lisa Stratton updated the board on efforts for flowers in planters and hanging baskets.

Stratton, owner of the Hazy Jade Gift Shop, said the flowers will cost $1,469.81. The Town of Albion has offered to pay $1,000 towards the effort.

Stratton asked the village to help cover the difference. Village Trustee Eileen Banker said she would work with Stratton in seeking donations or sponsors.

Stratton also said Albion Merchants Association could use volunteers to help water the flowers on weekends once the flowers are put on Main Street. Volunteers also water flowers by the welcome signs and at Bullard Park.