Brockport awarded $4.5 NY Forward grant with focus on waterfront

Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced the Village of Brockport has been awarded a $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

“‘It’s all in Brockport’ became our shared vision as we dreamed of what our village could become with a NY Forward grant,” said Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman. “The Brockport of our NY Forward dreams is one that works for all – young, old, university student, resident, visitor, tourist. The water brings people, Brockporters say, and we will invest in our waterfront to establish Brockport as the premier, inclusive recreation community on the Erie Canal. What I’m especially proud of today is that 6 people, including our grant writer, crafted a successful proposal, in house, in 2 short years.”

The village seeks to transform its historic downtown corridor into an accessible tourist destination and a home where visitors, residents and people of all abilities can recreate, socialize, live and age in comfort, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.

The governor also announced the City of Canandaigua will receive the bigger $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the Village of Phelps will get a $4.5 NY Forward grant. Canandaigua, Phelps and Brockport are all in the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, which also includes Orleans County.

 “By investing in the future of these Finger Lakes communities, this funding will revitalize their downtown areas by building vibrant and thriving destinations where businesses, families, and visitors can flourish,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “With our Pro-Housing Communities initiative, we’re giving local leaders the tools to transform their cities, towns and villages into hubs of opportunity, culture, and affordable living. This is how we build stronger, more connected communities that work for everyone across New York.”

Canandaigua, Brockport and Phelps will now develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners, according to the news release.

The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.