Dear Residents,
We are beginning to take the first steps in the process for our NY Forward grant.
On May 7, 2023, I had an introductory video conference with our Department of State Program Manager in the NYS Office of Planning, Development, and Community Infrastructure. On the call were also consultants from Buro Happold. This is an architectural firm contracted by NYS to work with local municipalities throughout the NY Forward grant process.
On May 22, 2023, we hosted the Program Manager and the Buro Happold consultants at the village for an introductory walkthrough of the downtown area and Rothermel Park, and to convene our formal kick-off. Deputy Mayor Mark Browne and Economic Development Director Renee Shur joined me in hosting the team. Please note that the team that visited the village today are NOT decision makers for who receives grant money. They are the team that will help us moderate a fair community process to identifying and recommending projects best suited to help revitalize the downtown area of our village.
The Local Planning Committee has been selected by NYS Department of State and our first public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2023, at 6:00 pm in Van Buren Hall. All are welcome to attend and provide input.
Attached at the link below is the Local Planning Committee training that all members had to take which covers how to handle potential conflicts of interest. The training also details the planning process and the role and responsibilities of an LPC member.
Here is the presentation for review.
Here is also a link to the NY Forward website: https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative
Please note that detailed information will go out to all residents about submitting a project that could receive funding within the next few weeks. Proposals will be submitted directly to NYS Department of State for processing on their website. The LPC will review each application publicly and then provide a recommendation to NYS in the form of a Local Investment Plan. Ultimately, it is New York State’s decision as to which projects get funded.
The following people listed below were chosen to be members of the Local Planning Committee. Congratulations to those selected to serve on the committee. We thank them in advance for their time. Meetings will be held at monthly over the course of seven months. Notifications of meetings will be distributed from the Village Hall via email and social media.
Co-Chairs: Mike Abrams (Mayor) and Matthew Nelson (Regional Economic Development Council)
LPC Members Selected by NYS:
Bill Laraway – President of the Kinderhook Business and Professional Association
Kenneth Nielsen – Historic Preservation Commission Member
Michael Tucker – Columbia County Economic Development Council
Kevin Monahan – Planning Board Member
Steven Phillips – CRC Cable
Julia Joseph – Maple Hill Creamery
Ann Birckmayer – J.M. Kaplan Fund
Brad Lohrenz – Professional and International Licensing
Gert Doriot – OK Pantry
Darren Waterston – The Knitting Mill
Tracey Pratt – Community Bank
This is an exciting time for our village! Thank you for everyone’s patience. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we get more information.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Thank you!
Mike
