SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Village of Pulaski, along with the Villages of Chittenango and Marathon, are working to figure out how to spend state funding to improve their communities. New York State has awarded the Village of Pulaski $10 million as the Central New York winner of the eighth round of the state’s Downtown Revitalization […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Village of Pulaski, along with the Villages of Chittenango and Marathon, are working to figure out how to spend state funding to improve their communities.
New York State has awarded the Village of Pulaski $10 million as the Central New York winner of the eighth round of the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
At the same time, the Villages of Chittenango and Marathon will each receive $4.5 million as the Central New York winners of the third round of NY Forward, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley spotlighted the grant recipients during a March 13 visit to the Syracuse campus of SUNY Oswego.
“New York State is committed to the revitalization of communities through continued investments in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program,” Mosley said in the state’s announcement. “Together, these programs are transforming downtowns all across the State into hubs of activity that benefit both residents and visitors. I am excited for the Villages of Pulaski, Chittenango and Marathon to begin this process as the latest Central New York Region recipients and to see how their communities change and grow in the coming years.”
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program, her office noted in the announcement.
Pulaski plans to use its DRI funding to further enhance its economic potential, create new job opportunities and improve the quality of life for its residents, and future generations. The $10 million award will encourage further progress, the state said.
With its NY Forward award, the Village of Chittenango envisions a vibrant and welcoming community that celebrates its unique heritage, embraces sustainability and fosters innovation.
With its funding, the Village of Marathon in southern Cortland County seeks to “create a vibrant, welcoming downtown that supports the needs of its citizens, residents of neighboring rural towns and visitors to the area,” per the state’s announcement. Village leaders also plan to continue efforts to connect the riverfront to its Main Street, restore historic properties, grow the retail sector and leverage its cultural assets.
Pulaski, Chittenango, and Marathon will now begin the process of developing 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. 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.
