ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 14, 2023 – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul demonstrated her commitment to revitalizing New York’s downtowns and furthering economic development on Monday after announcing that the Village of Geneseo is one of two municipalities within the Finger Lakes region to be awarded $4.5 million in funding through the New York Forward initiative.
A central component of the State’s economic development efforts, NY Forward, along with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, will accelerate and expand the renaissance taking place in New York’s downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities steeped in historical character that distinguishes them from larger, more urban central business districts. NY Forward communities are walkable areas that serve the needs of the immediate local community.
“NY Forward is a key part of our economic strategy to grow businesses and local economies, and create thriving communities," Governor Hochul said. "These investments will help Geneseo and Medina reinvigorate their downtowns by creating jobs, boosting economies, and improving quality of life. My administration is committed to making strategic investments to help strengthen downtowns for the next generation of New Yorkers."
A vibrant village located in the heart of Livingston County, Geneseo is at the center of commerce, government, social interaction, entertainment and higher education within the County. With the help of NY Forward funding, the Village can begin to implement its comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing economic development opportunities, transforming a number of vacant properties into prominent downtown anchors and further expanding upon public spaces and amenities.
“This award will be transformative to the Village of Geneseo,” added Mayor Chris Ivers. “It will support our newly adopted Comprehensive Plan, and it will lead the economic redevelopment of our historic village. In doing so, it will also ignite new interest and energy in increasing the economic viability of our neighboring towns, as it serves to strengthen our region as a whole."
New York allocated $100 million for the initial round of funding associated with NY Forward. The Village of Geneseo, along with the Village of Medina, were selected by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council based on criteria including the applicant’s ability to create jobs, its ability to carry out its respective plan and sustain growth and its capacity to manage implementing projects.
“This is an exciting moment for the Village of Geneseo, which has worked diligently on several plans and initiatives in the last few years to help make this happen,” said Bill Bacon, Director of the Livingston County Economic Development Office. “The NY Forward funding will play a vital role in the economic development and continued revitalization of Geneseo and Livingston County as a whole. We look forward to seeing transformative enhancements to the downtown district, new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, and the ability to attract new residents and visitors to the region.”
To learn more about this program and others like it, please visit NY Forward’s official website.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.