Public Participation in NY Forward Process Now Possible
By Darla M. Youngs
COOPERSTOWN
The Village of Cooperstown held its first Local Planning Committee meeting on May 24 in conjunction with the $4.5 million NY Forward grant it was awarded on March 2. Building on the momentum of New York State’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities.
Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh welcomed those gathered and members of the LPC introduced themselves. Nicole Allen of the Laberge Group reviewed the meeting agenda and introduced the consultant team, and New York State Department of State Project Manager Stefan Lutter introduced the state team and discussed their roles and responsibilities.
The presentation that followed outlined roles and responsibilities, program goals, Cooperstown’s NY Forward application, and an overview of the planning process—including public engagement and an open call for projects.
Next steps can be viewed at https://www.cooperstownny.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cooperstown-NYF_LPC-1.pdf.
Adriana Beltrani led a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) exercise, during which LPC members had an opportunity to offer their perspectives. Strengths included new sidewalks, street lights, rain gardens, and other Main Street improvements, as well as Otsego Lake, walkability, a growing diversity of businesses, and a younger generation of business ownership. Weaknesses listed included parking, seasonal businesses on Main Street that do not remain open year round, affordable housing and lack of public transportation.
Among the opportunities identified were co-working space, Cooperstown as a “bucket list” destination, the village’s close association with Major League Baseball, and applying the Cooperstown brand beyond baseball. Threats included county-wide perceptions of affluence, harmful algal blooms on the lake strip development on State Route 28 that draws people out of the village.
Cooperstown’s first NY Forward public workshop has been set for Tuesday, July 11 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Cooperstown High School cafeteria, and the village website already offers opportunities for public input.
Those who run businesses and/or own property in downtown Cooperstown are invited to share ideas to improve their business that could provide wider community benefits by submitting a NYF Project Form. The form can be accessed at https://www.cooperstownny.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DRI_NYF_ProjectsForm_Cooperstown-6.30.23-02.pdf. Project proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on August 2.
There is also an online survey, accessible at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Cooperstown, by which the public can weigh in with their thoughts on Downtown Cooperstown and topics such as business establishments they would like to see more of and enhancements most needed to encourage new investment and economic growth.
“The Village is very excited that the Open Call for Projects is under way. It is a great opportunity for the property owners and businesses in our NYF boundary,” said Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh.
Cooperstown’s LPC continues to work on a Strategic Investment Plan that will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with the community’s vision and that are poised for implementation. Funding will be awarded for selected projects from the Strategic Investment Plan that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.
The next LPC meeting is set for Wednesday, August 16. All LPC meetings are open to the public.