Ed May Jr. Receives Foundation Award

ONEONTA—The Future for Oneonta Foundation announced recently that Ed May Jr. is the 2025 recipient of the FOF Community Engagement Award. This recognition celebrates May’s decades-long commitment to advancing the vitality, prosperity, and spirit of both the City and Town of Oneonta.

According to a press release, May’s contributions span civic, cultural, and economic realms, reflecting a visionary leadership style rooted in service and stewardship. Over the years, he has played an instrumental role in shaping Oneonta’s future while preserving the integrity of its past—making a lasting difference in the lives of countless community members.

May first arrived in Oneonta in 1968 to work alongside Derwood Lifgren, founder of Astrocom Electronics. More than 57 years later, his affiliation with the company continues—a testament to the enduring mentorship, friendship, and opportunity he found through Lifgren’s leadership.

In addition to his work with Astrocom, May has been involved with several local businesses, including The Village Printer, American Storage Systems, and CommInnovations, Inc. Alongside his wife, Terri, he also operates May Enterprises, a real estate development and management company that focuses on providing clean, safe, and affordable housing in the Oneonta area.

Among May’s many achievements are:

• The transformation of 189 Main Street from a deteriorated portion of the former Oneonta Hotel into a premier downtown office building.
• Founding development of the Oneonta Business Park (formerly Pony Farm Park).
• The revival of Nick’s Diner—restoring the long-abandoned space and facilitating ownership by a local restaurant worker with a young family.
• Redevelopment of multiple neglected properties into quality housing for Oneonta families.
• The creation of the Roundhouse Road site, now home to innovative businesses such as Noah’s World and Vesucre.
• A strategic partnership with Housing Visions, the City of Oneonta and Opportunities for Otsego to develop 60 units of high-quality affordable housing for seniors and families.

May has also served in numerous civic leadership roles, including chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, chair of the Board of Assessment and Review, chair of the Airport Commission, and as a member of both the Zoning and Housing Task Forces. Through these positions, he has helped guide the city’s growth, infrastructure, and housing strategy. Currently, he is a driving force behind the revitalization of the historic Oneonta Theatre, serving as a leader with the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre.

The FOF Community Engagement Award honors individuals whose efforts significantly enrich the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the Oneonta community. Ed May, Jr.’s life’s work exemplifies the very essence of this award, officials said.