PROJECTS

Learn more about eligible projects and the project process!

Projects Recommended for NY Forward Funding

Establish a Webster Small Project Grant Fund

Create a matching grant fund to support smaller projects like facade improvements and minor renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.

Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage

Install wayfinding signage, including parking locator signs, informational kiosks, banners, and a new gateway sign, on Main Street, North Avenue, and South Avenue to provide directional and locational informational to visitors, and to strengthen downtown Webster's sense of place.

Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster

Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions that can be accessed through QR codes in the Village, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.

Create a Hojack Trail Gateway

Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection with an enhanced crosswalk, an identifiable gateway feature, and recreational amenities.

Create a Gateway to the North End Business District

Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business District by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a unique gateway feature.

Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use

Transform Veterans Memorial Park with a new signature performance structure, an enhanced memorial, and improved circulation to increase accessibility and use of the park and to support expanded community events.

Enhance the Main Street Streetscape

Enhance the Main Street streetscape from Corning Park to Kircher Park with improved crosswalks, lighting, and sidewalks to strengthen the sense of arrival into downtown Webster and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts

Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail, seating, and for workshops, tours, and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.

Enhance Exterior of Salvatore's Pizza

Enhance the exterior of Salvatore's Pizza and improve its curb appeal along North Avenue with a new patio, facade improvements, and enhanced landscaping.

Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church

Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by renovating the community rooms and kitchen, in addition to upgrading the facade, stained glass windows, and heating and cooling.

Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street

Modernize and reconfigure the two commercial spaces at 39 West main Street to optimize the layout for current and future tenants, create a new ADA-compliant central access point, and improve the facade.

Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use

Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to transform it into a retail store. Renovations will include refreshing the walls, floors, and ceiling, and creating a new dressing room.

Optimize Harmony House for Performances

Project Types Eligible for NY Forward Funding

New Development and/or Rehabilitation of Existing Downtown Buildings

Projects within this category may involve the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public purposes. All projects should constitute capital investments or pave the way for capital investments. They should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, acting as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community. Proposals to construct or rehabilitate parking facilities will only be considered if they directly facilitate new development within the downtown area.

Public Improvement Projects

These could encompass infrastructure projects such as broadband and other communication connectivity enhancements, green infrastructure initiatives, streetscape improvements, transportation upgrades, recreational trail developments, signage installations, new and revamped parks and plazas, public art displays, and other public realm undertakings that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area.

Small Project Fund

A locally administered matching small project fund could be proposed to carry out a range of smaller downtown initiatives such as facade enhancements, building renovation upgrades to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance programs, or public art installations. Funding is capped at $600,000 for DRI communities and $300,000 for NYF communities. However, an NYF community can receive up to $600,000 if there is substantial demonstrated demand for a Small Project Fund.

Branding and Marketing

Examples include downtown branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop materials and signage. Ongoing operational costs, such as to fund a downtown manager or maintain a website, are not eligible for DRI funding.

Project Sponsors

DRI/NYF funding may be awarded to public, not-for-profit, and private entities to implement projects included in the final Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). Each project must have a project sponsor that has both the capacity and the legal authority to undertake the project and to whom the grant funds may be awarded. A project sponsor must be an entity and not an individual. A final determination will be made by the State following award announcement as to the entity that will hold the DRI/NYF project contract.